Rewilding Your Yard 2025 Workshop
Dr. Carly Ziter, a leading expert in urban ecology from Concordia University, shared with us the importance of preserving nature in urban spaces and the benefits people get from nature.
On April 27th, the Environmental Action Committee (EAC) of Montreal West partnered with The Sun and Truth Foundation to host the third annual Rewild Your Yard Workshop. The EAC welcomed Dr. Carly Ziter from the Ziter Urban Landscape Ecology Lab and Associate Professor in Concordia’s Biology Department. Dr. Ziter shared insights on how residents can play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and pollinators in urban environments. A lifelong admirer of nature, she noted that one of her favourite things to explore is the rich biodiversity found right in her own backyard.
Dr. Ziter spoke about ecological infrastructure, which she defined as “the parts of a city that support ecological structures and functions—the city’s ecological fabric.” Half of the world lives in a city, and cities are where people interact with nature most often. Cities have an important role to play in preserving biodiversity, which in turn boosts our physical and mental health in measurable ways, such as reduced rates of cardiac disease, strokes, and asthma, as well as improved mental health indicators. Dr. Ziter also highlighted how her lab depends on community involvement to further their research. For example, the Ziter Lab has led several community-driven studies to better understand Montreal’s biodiversity, such as the balcony garden project or the study inviting NDG residents to measure trees in their yards. She emphasized that our urban forest may be more diverse than we often realize, thanks in large part to local gardens.
At the end of Dr. Ziter’s presentation, each workshop participant received a native plant seedling and was entered into a draw for a chance to win:
2 × Free 1-Hour Gardening Consultations from Jardin Buzz
2 × $50 Gift Certificates from Pépinière Jasmin
5 × Native Plants from Jardin Buzz
While adults explored ways to rewild their yard, kids took part in a mini-workshop on backyard birds and tree diversity, led by two master’s students from Concordia University.
The EAC and The Sun and Truth Foundation extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ziter, our event sponsors, and everyone who took part in this meaningful and educational event.