Source: City of Brandon Media Release - April 27, 2023
ELEANOR KIDD PARK POLLINATOR GARDEN PROJECT
Brandon, MB – Calling all nature and garden enthusiasts! The City of Brandon, in partnership with Bee City Brandon, is excited to announce a Pollinator Garden Project to rejuvenate Eleanor Kidd Park. To make this project a success, volunteers are needed to assist with revitalizing Eleanor Kidd Park so that it can be a future meeting place for pollinators, plants, and people.
Eleanor Kidd Park was established in 1977, with Eleanor Kidd Gardens initially established in 2002. However, the site was subject to severe flooding in 2011 and 2014. Since then, the park has not been utilized.
“We are excited to see this project come to life,” says City of Brandon Director of Parks and Recreation Services Perry Roque. “The Pollinator Garden Project provides the perfect opportunity for the entire community to come together to and connect with nature. This project also aligns nicely with the City’s Greenspace Master Plan and the Assiniboine River Corridor Master Plan.”
“We were excited when the City of Brandon approached us with this great opportunity to create a habitat for native pollinators,” said Sherry Punak-Murphy, Chair of Bee City Brandon. “Brandon is the first Bee City in Manitoba designated by Bee City Canada. The mandate for being a Bee City is to educate and bring awareness of native pollinators and to create a habitat or restoration activity each year.”
The initial Pollinator Garden Project is planned over 5-years, with the focus for this year being to clean up the area, establish pedestrian access, and create suitable soil for native plant species. To sign up to volunteer, visit Bee City Brandon.
Learn more about the Eleanor Kidd Park Pollinator Project at beecitybrandon.com or email beecitybrandon@gmail.com.