Helping hands

Pollinator gardens installed at parks

Volunteers work together installing the new pollinator
gardens at Heritage Park and Ridge Road Park in Canton Township.

Mother Nature is getting a little help in Canton Township.

Heritage and Ridge Road parks in the township each now include pollinator gardens created by volunteers from Community Financial Credit Union and the Dartmouth Alumni of Detroit/NW/Ohio, under the guidance of Creating Habitats for Pollinators. The native grasses and plants have been planted in an effort to give bees and other pollinators a place to thrive, explained Abe Vinitski, Canton parks supervisor. 

“Butterflies and bees need plenty of native, flowering plants to thrive,” said  Vinitski. “By increasing the amount of dedicated habitat for these pollinating insects, we hope to add nesting sites that are critical to their survival, as well as serve as inspiration to others to add pollinator habitats in their yards.” 

Site preparation at the parks began several months ago when half acre sections in each park were cordoned off and volunteers and township parks staff began removing rocks and debris, as well as plowing the soil several times over. Then dedicated volunteers helped transform these future pollinator habitats by tilling the area before planting a variety of native grasses, wildflowers, and other plants.  

Pollinator gardens are designed to attract bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, bats, as well as hummingbirds. These animals perform the crucial ecosystem service of pollination, making it possible for food and flowers to grow.

 A pollinator garden can have a positive impact on these important insects and small mammals, Vinitski explained.

Heritage Park, located just west of the Canton Administrative Office at 1150 S. Canton Center Road, is one of the premier parks in the township. Visitors to the 105 acres of green space can enjoy  two playscapes, a splash pad, four pavilions, a gazebo, two large ponds, walking tracks, an amphitheater, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a sand volleyball court, fishing area, and other amenities.

Ridge Road Park, located on the northwest corner of Ford and Ridge Roads, is currently comprised of 134 acres of undeveloped land where visitors can take advantage of a half-mile crushed gravel trail during park hours from dawn until dusk. 

Overnight parking is not allowed in the park and no winter maintenance will take place.

For more information,visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.