Update: Scroll down to see our Butterfly Day announcement!
The Pinhey Sand Dunes restoration by Biodiversity Conservancy International in collaboration with the National Capital Commission has been very successful. As of 2020 three sites (Dunes 1-3) have been restored from densely planted wooded areas to their natural dune state!
A diversity of dune vegetation with emphasis on host and nectar plants have been reintroduced and planted in the Pinhey Sand Dunes. The vegetation planting objectively serves the restoration of the dune botanical biodiversity and the development of the Sanctuary for Butterflies and Pollinators. In addition, not only does the dune vegetation provide essential food source for butterflies and pollinators but also give the needed shelters for dune-dwelling organisms to take refuge from the harsh dune environment during the summer.
Goals of the Pinhey Sand Dunes Sanctuary for Butterflies and Pollinators:
- Hands-on actively carrying out conservation of butterflies and pollinators
- Advocate conservation of species at risk
- Instigate the recovery of extirpated and endangered butterflies in Ottawa.
- Enhance ecosystem services in the National Capital Greenbelt and vicinity.
- Enrich biodiversity in the Pinhey Sand Dunes and the National Capital Greenbelt.
- A prime site for education and scientific research.
- Motivate public interest and support for the long-term maintenance of the Sanctuary and Pinhey Sand Dunes.
What you might see at the Sanctuary
Planting plan
What is Butterfly Day?
From June 26th to June 28th, Biodiversity Conservancy International will host its very first Butterfly Day (or Butterfly Weekend) at the Pinhey Sand Dunes. We will be providing an all-ages public presentation and tour of our butterfly sanctuary located at Pinhey Sand Dunes Site 2 between 10 PM and 1 PM (see map below).
Our butterfly sanctuary was established in 2020 and continues to serve the NCC Greenbelt as a habitat for at-risk species, a crucial component of Ottawa’s ecological diversity, and a prime site for education and research. During your visit, look for a variety of local pollinators, including the Monarch (Danaus plexippus), American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis), and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus).
Events and Activities
- Butterfly Day kicks off at 10:15 AM, with the inauguration and unveiling of our volunteer-painted mural depicting the Pinhey Sand Dunes and Sanctuary for Butterflies & Pollinators (SFBAP)
- A presentation on the PSD Sanctuary for Butterflies & Pollinators (SFBAP).
- A tour of the SFBAP to observe butterflies, caterpillars and dune vegetation, including food plants for caterpillars and flowering plants (nectar and pollen) for butterflies and other pollinating insects. A fun scavenger hunt will be tied to this event!
- A butterfly-themed arts and crafts table.
Remember to…
- Please remain on the tour path.
- Stay off the dunes.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Bring a water bottle! 🙂
Map
Register now.
Organized by our staff members: Megan Smith, Alan Momo, Gabriel McMurren, and Yasmin Omar. Photo Credits to: P.T. Dang