A recent dedication ceremony was held in Arthur for the Jack Benham Pollinator Sanctuary.
As part of the Township of Wellington North's Solid Waste Services Strategy, old landfill sites are being used for a "continuation of ongoing naturalization efforts, with particular emphasis on establishing pollinator habitat," according to a media release from the township.
Pollinator habitat has been promoted through the planting of flowering trees, shrubs, and wildflowers at the Riverstown and Aberfoyle landfill sites. The Arthur landfill site has seen a team of local volunteers plant, maintain, and construct pollinator food sources and habitat, headed up by the efforts of local conservationist Jack Benham.
On Friday, May 22, the township dedicated the site to the efforts of Mr. Benham with a special ceremony. A plaque is now prominently displayed at the site bearing Benham's name and a story on the efforts to create the pollinator habitat.
According to the township, studies on pollinator populations suggest there is a large decline in their numbers due to a variety of factors that impact their health. Continuing to establish pollinator food sources and habitat at the County’s closed landfill sites helps support these species locally.
"On behalf of County Council, I am pleased to the dedicate this beautiful pollinator sanctuary in Mr. Jack Benham’s name," said Warden Chris White. "Mr. Benham and a team of local volunteers, performed much of the work that went into creating the pollinator sanctuary."
