Welcome to the Yard by Yard Campaign, brought to you by the Environmental Action Committee (EAC) of Montreal West! Our mission is to transform yards into vibrant, biodiverse ecosystems, one inch at a time. Join us in making a real impact on biodiversity and the environment right from your own backyard.
The campaign encourages residents of Montreal West to replace a portion of their traditional grassy lawn with native and pollinator-friendly plants. Every corner, every inch – every bit counts! Say goodbye to conventional lawns, ecological dead space, and hello to a vibrant tapestry of native flora that supports local wildlife and biodiversity.
Support insect diversity
Unlike many common garden perennials and shrubs, native plants have co-evolved with local insects, birds and other animals over millions of years to support each other’s life cycles. By planting native plants, you help support significantly more insects and other animals compared to common garden plants such as hydrangeas and hostas.
Reduce watering and lawn maintenance
Using native plants that are well-suited to your local climate and soil type means you save money on watering and fertilizing, while reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides.
Conserve water, prevent erosion
The deeper root systems of native plants help to improve soil health, prevent erosion, and reduce stormwater runoff.
Creating your own striking outdoor yard that increases biodiversity can be a rewarding experience that further connects you to the natural world and promotes a sense of environmental stewardship. So why not give it a try and see how you can transform your yard into a beautiful, low-maintenance oasis?
Pollinator-friendly plants are essential because they help pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds, moths and bats carry pollen from one flower to another, aiding in plant reproduction. This process is vital for the growth of many crops and wild plants, directly affecting food production and ecosystem diversity. By offering nectar, pollen, and suitable habitats, these plants support the sustainability of natural and agricultural areas, promoting biodiversity conservation and ensuring a steady food supply for both humans and wildlife.
Join us for our annual event on rewilding your yard, hosted by the Environmental Action Committee (EAC), on April 27th at 10 AM at the Montreal West Town Hall. This year, our guest speaker is Dr. Carly Ziter, a leading expert in urban ecology from Concordia University, who will share with us the importance of preserving nature in urban spaces and the benefits people get from nature.
The workshop is free but RSVP at eacmowest@gmail.com is appreciated. Kids will have a mini-workshop on backyard birds and tree diversity, led by two Master’s students from Concordia University.
Each participant at the workshop will be offered a native plant seedling and will be added to a draw for a chance to win amazing prizes, including:
Date: April 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 to 11:30
Location: Montreal West Town Hall
Complete the form below with your details by June 15 to enter the first phase of the contest. Afterward, we’ll follow up with you in late summer, where you’ll have the opportunity to submit pictures of your progress. Be sure to take before and after pictures!
Once we’ve received all participants’ photos, your name will be entered into a draw for a chance to win amazing prizes!
Sign up by June 15 to enter the contest!
To be eligible for the contest and prizes, we ask that you replace a portion of your traditional grassy lawn with native plants. (See list of native plants below). Ideally your garden would contain at least three native species of plants, and have staggered flowering to provide pollinators plants rich in nectar from spring to autumn! As this may be the plants’ first year in your garden, they may not bloom this season, which is to be expected. The goal is to increase biodiversity and support pollinators – you have taken your first step in this process!
The contest accepts both ground gardens and container gardens, including those on balconies or in planters.
To register, simply fill out the participation form below to enter the draw for prizes. Be sure to take before and after pictures!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference in your own backyard and beyond. Let’s work together to create greener, healthier communities, one yard at a time.
“We have allowed alien plants to replace natives all over the country. Our native animals and plants cannot adapt to this … Their only hope for a sustainable future is for us to intervene to right the wrongs that we have perpetrated.”
― Douglas W. Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Garden
