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Bell High School launched their inaugural ‘Relay for Earth’ fundraiser event in 2026. The intention of this initiative was to implement an environmental twist to the classic ‘Relay for Life’ fundraiser model. The school reached out to multiple potential partners focusing on environmental programs that work towards a better future for our planet. After consultation with Ecology Ottawa’s Executive Director, Ecology Ottawa was selected as the Relay for Earth fundraiser’s beneficiary.
To complement the fundraiser and bring tangible impact to the school, it was decided to plant a new pollinator garden at the school’s front entrance as part of their Relay for Earth event day. Student leaders and teachers provided input on the design of the garden and the installation was planned by Ecology Ottawa’s Community Organizer for Pollinator Gardens. The garden site was prepared by volunteers on May 30th, 2026 and then planted on June 3rd, 2026. The planting was followed by a brief grand opening ceremony to conclude the Relay for Earth festivities.
We would like to thank the amazing team of students and staff that helped make this fundraiser a reality.
If you and your community organization would like to hold a fundraiser for Ecology Ottawa, please email [email protected].
The garden features 8 different species that will support pollinators by providing food and habitat. Pollinator populations have declined across Canada, primarily due to habitat loss. Pollinators play a key role in the environment with 75% to 95% of all flowering plants relying on them for reproduction. It is also estimated that one third of food production is supported by pollinators. Thank you to Bell High School for increasing pollinator habitat in our city!
Anise Hyssop: This flower provides a long-lasting source of nectar from summer into fall, supporting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds when many other flowers have finished blooming. Its drought tolerance also makes it a resilient food source in urban and changing climates.
Red Osier Dogwood Shrub: Supports wildlife year-round, providing nectar for pollinators, berries for birds, and host habitat for butterflies and moths. Its dense, branching structure also offers important shelter and nesting sites for wildlife.
Wild Blue Indigo: Supports native biodiversity by providing nectar and pollen for pollinators while serving as the larval host plant for the Wild Indigo Duskywing butterfly. Its deep roots also help improve soil health and drought resilience.
Blue Wood Aster: Blooming late in the season, this flower provides critical nectar and pollen for pollinators preparing for winter. Its seeds also offer a valuable food source for birds, extending its ecological benefits beyond the flowering period.
Black-Eyed Susan: An important pollinator plant that attracts a wide range of native bees, butterflies, beetles, and other beneficial insects. It also serves as a host plant for certain butterfly species, helping to support their full life cycle.
Joe-Pye Weed: A powerhouse pollinator plant that attracts numerous butterfly species, native bees, and hummingbirds. Its large flower clusters provide abundant nectar during the peak summer months when pollinator activity is highest.
Little Bluestem: This plant provides habitat, nesting material, and food for birds and beneficial insects, while also serving as a host plant for several skipper butterfly species. As a native grass, its extensive root system helps stabilize soil and improve ecosystem resilience.
Eastern Red Columbine: One of the first native wildflowers to bloom in spring, Red Columbine provides an early-season food source for hummingbirds and long-tongued bumblebees. It also supports biodiversity by serving as a host plant for the Columbine Duskywing butterfly.
Before
Here are the plots before the grass was overturned.
Here are the plots with fresh soil, ready for planting!
These gardens were planted by volunteers on June 3rd, 2026, during BHS’s Relay for Earth fundraiser event.
Relay for Earth 2026!
After
If you would like to fundraise for Ecology Ottawa, please reach out to [email protected].