Students at Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic Secondary School rolled up their sleeves last week to improve biodiversity on campus as part of a sustainability initiative focused on protecting and restoring local ecosystems. The school's Eco Team hosted its annual Revamping, Cultivating and Sustaining Event on May 29, bringing together students, staff, and community partners to enhance the school's front garden and surrounding green spaces.
This year's initiative was guided by the Sustainable Development Goal "Life on Land," which promotes the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. As part of the project, students planted native pollinator perennials in the school's front garden and added native shrubs and trees throughout the property to create habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. The Eco Team also received financial support through a grant from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), which assisted them in gaining 150 native shrubs for planting across the school grounds. These additions will increase ecosystem diversity while providing food sources, shelter, and nesting opportunities for pollinators.
The project aimed to create a more sustainable and environmentally resilient landscape on school property. Community support played a key role in the event's success. Officers from Toronto Police Service's 23 Division joined students and staff on planting day, providing hands-on assistance with the project. The officers also brought snacks, drinks, and lunch for participants. They also donated two bicycles as prizes for students who took part in the initiative.
The event highlighted collaboration between the school and the wider community while encouraging environmental stewardship among students. The project generated enthusiasm and appreciation among students, staff, and volunteers throughout the planning and planting process, as well as during ongoing garden maintenance efforts. Through the hard work of the Eco Team, the initiative demonstrated the Monsignor Percy Johnson community's commitment to sustainability and its role as stewards of the environment.
