The Pollinator Garden Project at Terra Cotta
Submitted by: Credit Valley Conservation
About the Project: The pollinator garden project at Terra Cotta Conservation Area, generously sponsored by Novo Nordisk, showcases the positive impact of corporate partnerships in promoting environmental stewardship. By investing in this initiative, Novo Nordisk not only supported the creation of an innovative and inclusive space but also engaged its employees in hands-on restoration activities that fostered a lasting impact on both the environment and the community.
This garden is an inviting destination that enhances the visitor experience through accessibility, education, and a connection with nature. It features various areas planted with native species chosen to attract pollinators and highlight the important role of biodiversity. This beautiful new addition to Terra Cotta Conservation Area provides an excellent setting for visitors to learn about and enjoy native plants. A large raised bed ensures accessibility for wheelchair users and accommodates park visitors of all walks of life, while durable armor stone seating and interpretive signage enrich the space, making it welcoming and educational for everyone.
To promote inclusivity, CVC staff are collaborating with the Halton Hills Accessibility Committee to design features that cater to the diverse needs of community members. This project serves as a model for how organizations, community partners, and corporate groups can work together to create accessible, sustainable, and meaningful spaces that inspire environmental awareness and action. Once completed, the pollinator garden will offer a place where people, pollinators, and environmental education can thrive.
Challenge or Issue: One challenge we faced was connecting with the Halton Hills Accessibility Committee within our timeline for phase 1 of the project. As a result, the tactile element that Novo Nordisk was particularly excited about has been postponed until phase 2 in 2026. We believe it’s important to gather meaningful community feedback rather than make assumptions about what should be included. We also encountered a few small scheduling issues with Novo Nordisk along the way. However, the stewardship event ultimately went off without a hitch, and all other project components were successfully completed, providing Novo Nordisk with a truly rewarding and engaging experience.
Pillar Category: PEOPLE
The project was a collaborative effort that brought together staff from multiple teams and partners. Community Outreach, Capital Projects, and Marketing and Communications staff from CVC worked closely with Novo Nordisk employees and members of the Halton Hills Accessibility Committee to design and implement the pollinator garden. Each group contributed unique expertise ranging from ecological design and community engagement to accessibility and public awareness. This collaboration ensured the project not only supported biodiversity but also reflected shared values of inclusion, education, and environmental stewardship, resulting in a meaningful and accessible space for park users.
Successes and Achievements: What started as a vision to enhance biodiversity and enrich visitor experiences grew into a truly collaborative effort involving corporate sponsorship, dedicated staff from across teams, and valuable community input. With Novo Nordisk’s support and active involvement, the project became more than an investment; it transformed into a meaningful opportunity for people to connect with nature, learn about pollinators, and take pride in advancing environmental stewardship.
Despite facing challenges along the way, the project team’s commitment to collaboration resulted in creating a vibrant and inclusive space. This project demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when individuals come together to protect the environment.
