Coquitlam residents can have fun while helping to support pollinators this summer through pop-up events, selfie-stations, volunteer activities and more.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Aug. 26, 2021 – Coquitlam residents can have fun while helping to support pollinators this summer through pop-up events, selfie-stations, volunteer activities and more.
Pollinators – which include bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths and even bats – help transfer the pollen needed to keep flowers blooming and crops growing. These important creatures are once again at the heart of the City’s Coquitlam in Bloom (CiB) campaign, with fun and educational activities that both promote pollinators and bring the community together.
Ongoing Focus on Pollinators
Through its annual CiB campaign, the City plans a variety community engagement and improvement activities that make up its entry in the national Communities in Bloom civic pride and beautification program.
This year’s campaign focuses on pollinators as well as activities that encourage residents to get outdoors and become involved in their community. Activities related to pollinators include:
- The City’s Park Spark team is hosting CiB Family Pop-ups through the summer and fall with fun activities, games, swag and projects to support pollinators such as seed giveaways, planting sessions and pollinator-themed fence-panel painting. See www.coquitlam.ca/cib for upcoming dates.
- Pollinator-themed selfie stations along with signs with fun pollinator facts can be found in the Inspiration Garden at Town Centre Park and other gardens at Coquitlam parks.
- Individuals, families or groups may volunteer to help maintain a pollinator hotel at a local park through the Adopt-a-Pollinator Hotel program (see link at www.coquitlam.ca/adoptapark).
Other Coquitlam in Bloom Activities
Visit www.coquitlam.ca/cib to learn about this year’s activities, and check back regularly for updates. Opportunities include:
- Hope is Growing – Plant yellow flowers, vegetables and other plants in your home’s garden or planters to recognize the international colour of hope, then register at www.hopeisgrowing.ca and share photos of your garden on social media with the hashtag #hopeisgrowing and #Coquitlam for a chance to win prizes and earn recognition for your hometown. The City is also planting its own yellow Hope Gardens with the help of staff and volunteers.
- Park Spark – Volunteer or join in activities to enjoy or enhance local parks, including park planting sessions, workshops, family and youth pop-ups and more. To get involved or learn how to become a Park Spark volunteer, visit www.coquitlam.ca/parkspark or contact parkspark@coquitlam.ca.
- Volunteer – Support local not-for-profit organizations struggling through the pandemic by volunteering your time and talents. Through its Community Support and Recovery Program, the City has set up a Community Volunteer Support Hub to support local not-for-profit organizations – learn more at www.coquitlam.ca/csrp. For City volunteer opportunities, visit www.coquitlam.ca/volunteer.
- CoquitlamSPIRIT – Check out this free online library of ideas and resources at www.coquitlam.ca/spirit to stay active, healthy and connected. Click the Outdoors link for activities such as the Parks team’s Marvelous Machines videos, Bloom of the Week, information about local trails and fishing holes, garden mocktails and outdoor fitness videos, fun outdoor selfies, scavenger hunts and more.
- Coquitlam Munch – Visit Austin Heights to enjoy and take home samples from the edible flower, herb and vegetable planters maintained by area businesses. Learn more at www.austinheights.ca/coquitlam-munch.
About Communities in Bloom
Through its annual participation in Communities in Bloom, Coquitlam has earned a number of awards at the provincial, national and international level in a friendly competition against similar-sized cities. Last year, the City brought home special achievement awards for Environmental Action and Youth Involvement (The Pollinator Project).
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering community pride, environmental responsibility and beautification. It uses friendly competition between communities to bring together local businesses, service clubs, residents and civic government to focus on enhancing their community. Learn more at www.communitiesinbloom.ca. Coquitlam’s participation is outlined at www.coquitlam.ca/cib.
Stay Informed
To keep up-to-date on program offerings and receive bi-weekly updates, subscribe to the PRC E-news Newsletter at www.coquitlam.ca/enews.
Stay informed about City news and service changes by:
Media contact:
Wendy Wiederick
Parks Operations Manager
City of Coquitlam
604-927-4386 (4FUN)
prcs_info@coquitlam.ca