When Paul Dewar, MP Ottawa Central, heard about the plight of the Monarch butterfly along the Ottawa River Parkway from constituent Rachel Plotkin, a policy analyst for the David Suzuki Foundation, he took immediate action. 

“While we focus on global environmental issues like the climate change, it is important that we take steps at the local level,” said Mr. Dewar.

After Ms. Plotkin brought the matter to his attention, Mr. Dewar suggested that Ottawa’s National Capital Commission (NCC) modify its mowing standards to leave a broader stretch of uncut meadow near the Ottawa River. (The NCC is a crown corporation that acts as the steward of federal lands and buildings in the National Capital Region.)

While it may not sound like a big deal, small actions such as leaving more milkweed along the river provides critical habitat for Monarch butterflies. And the Monarch butterflies need all the help it can get. They are classified as a species of Special Concern under the Federal Species at Risk Act.

Learn how small changes can make a big difference. Visit David Suzuki’s Nature Challenge.


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Blog post: Christina Larabie
Photo: Mr. Clean.