MeadowMakers 2024
MeadowMakers - Community Creating Habitat
The MeadowMakers Program invites people of all skill levels, from novice gardeners to seasoned experts, as we work together to create and enhance patches of native plant habitat in our communities. Garry Oak Ecosystems have the highest plant diversity of any terrestrial ecosystem in Coastal British Columbia and are some of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada. As a result, over 100 plant and animal species that depend on these ecosystems for habitat are now at risk of extinction. MeadowMakers learn about the ecology of Garry Oak Ecosystems, discovering how the integration of species and processes associated with these ecosystems can effectively help restore lawns and other degraded spaces.
As a MeadowMaker, you will be part of a community of people who are passionate about nature and actively learning skills that directly benefit local ecosystems by enhancing wildlife habitat. MeadowMakers is an inclusive program with a multifaceted approach to environmental restoration, valuing a diversity of approaches and perspectives, including honouring Indigenous land management practices and highlighting the ecocultural significance of this region.
Throughout the Victoria region and beyond, transitioning our lawns, boulevards, and community spaces to native species means we are providing spaces for native plants to thrive and supporting the wildlife that depend on them. By working collaboratively, our efforts have a more significant impact on local species and our community at large.
2024 Program in session! Click here to sign up for the 2025 Program Waitlist.
Past MeadowMakers
The MeadowMakers network currently includes 180 people who have completed the program and are helping form habitat connectivity and corridors in their neighbourhoods. With diverse backgrounds of experience and expertise, past MeadowMakers have gained skills, knowledge, and competency in their native plant, wildlife, and restoration knowledge
Equipped with new knowledge, MeadowMakers have transformed lawns and boulevards into biodiversity-rich spaces. They continue to expand their knowledge by actively engaging with the native plants they’ve cultivated and enjoying the wildlife they have attracted, such as birds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. This ongoing learning and networking empowers MeadowMakers to contribute to various restoration projects and continue to connect.
The Program
The MeadowMakers Program includes in-person workshops, field trips, virtual sessions, and an online classroom. MeadowMakers learn about native plants, local ecology, connections between plants and people, restoration techniques, and wildlife.
The program guides participants through the processes involved in restoring a variety of spaces, such as yards and boulevards, with native plants. Some MeadowMakers sites have included larger natural areas enhanced through knowledge gained in the program. All participants will acquire essential skills in bee and plant identification and plant propagation techniques.
The MeadowMakers group receives training in native plants and bee conservation from local experts through a series of workshops, resources, and field trips. Join this unique program to connect with like-minded people who appreciate our local ecosystems and are committed to supporting local plants and wildlife. The group will troubleshoot problems and assist each other in their efforts.
Learn more about MeadowMakers in the news!
Virtual sessions will be recorded and made available exclusively to participants for the length of the program. Field trips and in-person sessions are not recorded.
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Highlights:
- Gain an understanding of local ecology.
- Learn about native plants and wildlife.
- Experience a practical and meaningful way to engage with nature and help enhance it.
- Participate in in-person field trips and outings to showcase projects and natural areas.
- Ongoing virtual training workshops that will take you step-by-step through converting your boulevards and lawns into wildlife habitat with native plants.
- Option to display a MeadowMaker sign identifying your property as habitat.
- Access to technical how-to guides and resources.
- A community of like-minded people dedicated to habitat creation.
Potential Spaces Include:
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Home Gardens
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Boulevards
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Lawns
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Community spaces
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Septic fields
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Greenroofs
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Raingardens and more!
Additional MeadowMaker Member Benefits:
MeadowMaker participants receive 10% off plants, seeds, and consulting at Satinflower Nurseries throughout 2024!
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10% off seed and plants from Satinflower Nurseries
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10% off in-person meadow consultations to discuss project goals and develop a custom plan including site prep, planting choices, wildlife enhancements, and maintenance
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10% off Individual virtual consultations to help you progress through the meadow making process
- MeadowMakers lawn sign
Instructor:
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Kristen Miskelly MSc Botany, RPBio (Satinflower Nurseries: Native Plants, Seeds & Consulting)
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2024 Program Schedule at a Glance
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Module |
Topic |
Date |
Time |
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Module 1 Virtual (recorded) |
Welcome to MeadowMakers and Introduction to Meadowmaking Welcoming with Dominque James Artist Sarah Jim will be a guest speaker at our first session |
Wednesday, April 3rd |
6:00pm - 8:00pm |
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Module 2 Virtual (recorded) |
Selecting Native Plants for Your Meadow |
Wednesday, April 10th |
6:00pm - 8:00pm |
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Module 3 In-Person Workshop (Swan Lake) |
Site Design, Preparation, and Maintenance with Jay Rastogi |
Sunday, April 14th |
Group 1: 10:00am-12:00pm Group 2: 1:00pm-3:00pm |
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Module 4 In-Person Workshop (Satinflower Nurseries, Metchosin) |
Growing Native Meadow Plants |
Saturday, April 20th |
Group 1: 9am-12pm Group 2: 1:00pm-4:00pm |
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Module 5 Virtual (recorded) |
Pollinators in your Meadow with Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership) |
Wednesday, April 24th |
6:00pm-8:00pm |
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Module 6 In-Person |
FIELD TRIP 1: Meegan (Beacon Hill) with Satinflower Nurseries & Cheryl Bryce |
Sunday, April 28th |
Group 1: 10am-12pm Group 2: 1:00pm-3:00pm |
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Module 7 In-Person |
FIELD TRIP 2: MeadowMaker Garden Tour |
Sunday, May 26th | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
2024 Detailed Program Schedule
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Module 1: MeadowMakers Welcome and Introduction to Meadowmaking Wednesday, April 3rd: 6:00pm -8:00pm VIRTUAL Join us for an introduction to the program, an overview of local ecology and why making meadows is important for the conservation of local ecosystems and pollinators on Southern Vancouver Island. Artist Sarah Jim will be a guest speaker at our first session to discuss:
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Module 2: Selecting Native Plants for Your Meadow Wednesday, April 10th: 6:00pm -8:00pm VIRTUAL In this webinar, we learn about native plants! This session will help you decide which plants are best for your site and outline some considerations when choosing plants.
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Module 3: Site Design, Preparation, and Maintenance Sunday, April 14th: 10:00am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 3:00pm (2 groups) IN PERSON Learn about some of the basic techniques used for restoring meadows and creating meadows. You will come away from this session feeling better prepared about your next steps to bring your meadow to life, including what techniques you can use, the supplies you need, and timing of activities. We will also help you identify features in selecting a spot for your meadow and tips for developing a plan you can follow. This session includes an outdoor presentation, demonstrations of techniques, and exploring different garden areas at Swan Lake.
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Module 4: Growing Native Meadow Plants Saturday, April 20th: 9:00am - 4:00pm (2 groups) IN PERSON Part of the joy in creating a meadow is learning all the life phases of native plants. Many of you may be inspired to try growing plants to increase the size of your meadow patches or sharing plants with friends. This session will be taking place at Satinflower Nurseries Metchosin location. |
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Module 5: Pollinators in your Meadow Wednesday, April 24th: 6:00pm - 8:00pm VIRTUAL Join Lora Morandin, PhD, to get to know some of your local pollinators: why they’re important and how to help support them. This session focuses on pollinator identification, the needs of pollinators, and plant-pollinator interactions. |
Module 6: FIELD TRIP Meegan (Beacon Hill), Natural Meadow Sunday, April 28th: 10:00am - 3:00pm (2 groups) IN PERSON In partnership with Songhees Knowledge Keeper Cheryl Bryce Additional Details will be posted soon.
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Module 7: FIELD TRIP MeadowMaker Garden Tour Sunday, May 26th: 10:00am - 4:00pm IN PERSON The outline for the day will be posted soon. Get ready for a full day outside visiting spaces that past MeadowMakers have developed.
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Beautiful logo designed by Sarah Jim - sarahjimstudio