{"id":75730,"date":"2024-04-08T16:26:46","date_gmt":"2024-04-08T20:26:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/montreal-west.ca\/?page_id=75730"},"modified":"2025-08-29T14:58:24","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T18:58:24","slug":"yard-by-yard","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/montreal-ouest.ca\/en\/yard-by-yard\/","title":{"rendered":"Yard-by-Yard"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Welcome to the Yard by Yard Campaign, brought to you by the Environmental Action Committee (EAC) of Montreal West! <\/span>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.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What is the Yard-by-Yard Campaign?<\/h2>

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.<\/p>

Why native plants?<\/h2>

Support insect diversity<\/b><\/p>

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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>

Reduce watering and lawn maintenance<\/b><\/p>

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Conserve water, prevent erosion<\/b><\/p>

The deeper root systems of native plants help to improve soil health, prevent erosion, and reduce stormwater runoff.<\/span><\/p>

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?<\/span><\/p>

Why Pollinator-Friendly Plants?<\/h2>

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<\/span>.<\/b><\/p>

2025 Workshop: Rewilding Your Yard<\/h2>

Join us for our annual event on rewilding your yard, hosted by the Environmental Action Committee (EAC), on April 27th at 10 AM<\/b> at the Montreal West Town Hall<\/b>. This year, our guest speaker is Dr. Carly Ziter,<\/b> 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.\u00a0<\/p>

The workshop is free but RSVP at eacmowest@gmail.com<\/a> is appreciated. Kids will have a mini-workshop on backyard birds and tree diversity, led by two Master’s students from Concordia University.<\/p>

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:<\/p>