Canada
On May 22, the "Acadie Éco-Quartier" in Montreal gave away white clover seeds in order to increase lawn biodiversity in celebration of IBD. The addition of white clover to grass has many advantages, such as decreased use of fertilizers due to nitrogen-fixing properties of the plant, reduced water needs and better control of unwanted species.
To mark IBD 2007, a "Biodiversity Weekend" was held in Ottawa with the support of the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation. Over 300 people gathered to celebrate the importance of urban wetlands, education, and community participation. Several guests took part in the event, notably David Coates, CBD Programme Officer, Anthony Cary, new British High Commissioner to Canada, Onno Gaanderse, City of Ottawa, and Hazel Lambert, Ottawa Catholic School Board. Donors who gave more than $100,000 for this urban enhancement project were acknowledged.
An event called "Creatures of the Night", which involved bat and insect specialists, was also held later that evening. In addition, ten scientists and specialists from Agriculture Canada and the Canadian Museum of Nature, among others, took part in a biological survey, the
"Macoun Marsh BioBlitz.” 1150 species were identified. Approximately 100 new species were added to the original listing.
In commemoration of IBD, the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance, University of Victoria, BC, with support from local groups and individuals officially launched the Chemainus Biodiversity Education Project. The project will focus on teaching the value of biodiversity. Dr. Kelly Bannister, head of POLIS, said she hopes the Chemainus project will be a springboard for other Island, community-based initiatives.
The Canadian Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Federation, through Hinterland’s Who’s Who, commemorated IBD by adding a webpage dedicated to biodiversity, with special emphasis on its status in Canada.
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The Botanical Garden of Memorial University, Newfoundland, celebrated IBD by offering a free presentation to the public. Madonna Bishop, Research Liaison with MUN Botanical Garden gave a one hour presentation on “Plantwatch Newfoundland and Labrador,” and learn how to become a citizen scientist.
