For updates on future events, visit the new Project Swallowtail webpage!

Block Ambassador Training

Block Ambassadors are the heart of Project Swallowtail. People with the interest and passion to spread the joy of pollinator habitat creation are encouraged to become Block Ambassadors for the project. Through training and access to resources and community connections, we hope to empower YOU to empower others!

Visit the Project Swallowtail webpage if you are interested in becoming a Block Ambassador for your neighbourhood.

Watch a showcase of current Block Ambassadors to get a sense of the breadth of amazing work they do, and get some ideas of your own!

Review this video on what benefits there are to being a BA, how the project can support you, and how you can make an impact on pollinator habitat in your environment!

Past events

2023

  • IN PERSON - EcoSpark Winter Biodiversity Workshop
    Thursday, March 17th @ 12:00 pm EST
    Learn how to survey for birds in the field, identify plants, and share nature photos for science! Join EcoSpark and Project Swallowtail for a free nature workshop to help monitor biodiversity. Families welcome!

  • ONLINE - Block Ambassador Training (What does it mean to be a BA?)
    Thursday, April 20th @ 6:30 pm EST
    Block Ambassadors (BAs) are the backbone of Project Swallowtail, supporting communities and neighbourhoods in a myriad ways that work for their own interests and capabilities. Join us for a training session on what benefits there are to being a BA, how the project can support you, and how you can make an impact on pollinator habitat in your environment! Watch the recording here!

  • IN PERSON - Black Farmers Collective Earth Day Celebration!
    Sunday, April 23rd @ 12:00 pm EST
    Through a partnership with the City of Toronto, we are supporting incredible work being done by the Black Farmers Collective by bringing in significant native food shrubs and plants to be integrated at the Black Farmers' land at Downsview Park. Community members from the neighbourhood will have the opportunity to gain native plants and other resources to help enhance pollinator habitat in their neighbourhoods!

  • ONLINE - Plants coming to the 2023 sale!
    Thursday, May 4th @ 6:30 pm EST
    We are having our third annual plant sale, and pick up this year will take place at Allan Gardens. Join us to learn about the species coming to the sale this year, their needs, benefits, and how they best fit in your habitat! Watch the recording here
  • ONLINE - EcoSpark, Changing Currents - The benefits of native plants for our water
    Wednesday, May 24th 2023 @ 6:00 pm EST
    Changing Currents provides community members in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with an inspiring citizen science based program, introducing them to the importance of watershed health and ecosystem management, to combat the impacts of climate change.
  • IN PERSON - Plant Sale Pick-up @ Allan Gardens
    Sunday, May 28th 2023 @ 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm EST

  • IN PERSON - EcoSpark, Changing Currents - Caterpillars Count
    Thursday, July 13, 2023 @ 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm EST

2022

  • Anthony Ayers - Project Swallowtail Research Findings
    Thursday, March 10th @ 7:00 pm EST
    Did you know there is an active research project being undertaken within Project Swallowtail? We heard from researcher Anthony Ayers of the Rehan Lab at York University about some of his findings on pollinators in Project Swallowtail gardens. Watch the recording online!

  • Dr. Kit Prendergast - Native pollinators and plants of Western Australia
    Monday, March 28th @ 7:45 pm EST
    The Horticultural Societies of Parkdale & Toronto and Project Swallowtail co-hosted Dr. Kit Prendergast, speaking on native pollinators and native plants of Western Australia (WA). The flowers of this regions are gorgeous! Dr. Prendergast did her Ph.D. work on this system, and has published on the effect of native vs. non-native plants in gardens on WA native pollinators. CLICK HERE to watch now.

  • Native Plants for Dry Shade
    Thursday, May 5th @ 7:00 pm EST
    Through our experiences in Project Swallowtail, many urban gardens have compacted and dry soil and shady conditions due to densification and landuse. Shaun Booth from In Our Nature nurseries does a wonderful deep-dive into species that work well for these conditions. CLICK HERE to watch this webinar.

  • Balcony Gardening with Native Plants!
    Thursday, June 9th @ 7:00 pm EST
    Join botanist and native plant lover Ryan Godfrey in a discussion about habitat creation in one of the most underutilized spaces in cities - balconies! Learn about the best plants to use, and tour Ryan's own beautiful balcony. CLICK HERE to watch now.
  • February - May 2022 - in-person pick-up for Seed Sitters program and check ins


2021

  • August 2021 - walking tours and biking tours of Project Swallowtail gardens
  • Fall webinar series kick-off, Seed Sitters 201 with Pete Ewins
  • May 12 - June 16 2021 Special PSC training for Block Ambassadors! Wednesdays at 7:30pm.
  • Spring 2021 native plant sale, in partnership with St. Anne's and Sorauren Farmers Markets.

2020