The Pollinator Patio is a project designed to transform Fauteux Hall’s third-floor terrace into a green community space dedicated to sustainability and biodiversity. The project incorporates environmental principles and sustainable development to create an outdoor green space that supports plant life and nature, while also providing students with a welcoming and social space. Further, the Pollinator Patio project will serve as an educational tool for sustainable gardening techniques and environmental education by focusing on a pollinator-friendly plant species garden.
The Patio also has the important role of serving as a space dedicated to representing Indigenous values through the Indigenous Spirit Garden, tended to by coordinator Tasha Simon. The Indigenous Spirit Garden is made up of several garden beds and planters holding symbolic native plant species.
This project was initiated by law students Danielle Pazdzior and Laura Casciaro, recipients of the UOSU 2023 Sustainability Grant, funded by the UOSU Sustainable Development Centre and Student Union, and supported by Professor McLeod-Kilmurray, Professor Pavlovic, and Tasha Simon.
Our Pollinator Garden is a key feature of the Pollinator Patio, which was designed to create a welcoming environment for pollinator species like bees and butterflies. Addressing the decline in pollinator species is one way this project contributes to sustainability, but recognizing pollinators species essential roles in supporting our ecosystems and food production.
The garden is planted with a diverse selection of native and pollinator-friendly species, chosen for their ability to attract and sustain pollinators throughout the growing season. The species we planted include:
A bird-friendly mural has been installed on the glass windows overlooking the terrace. The mural was developed with artist Kseniya Tsoy and volunteers.
Bird crashes into windows are a significant problem, especially in urban areas where buildings with reflective glass can confuse birds. They often mistake the reflections of the sky and trees in the glass for real open space, leading to deadly collisions. The mural incorporates bird-friendly design, like patterns and decals that prevent bird strikes and reduce bird mortality rates on campus.
The bird mural supports biodiversity and promote sustainability. It incorporates bird-friendly design to raise awareness about the hazards of glass collisions for birds, serving as a reminder to mitigate urban threats to birds.
A key feature of the Pollinator Patio’s commitment to sustainability is the installation of a rain barrel. The rain barrel captures and stores rainwater from the terrace, which can then be used to irrigate the pollinator garden and other plants in the area. By harvesting rainwater, we reduce the need for tap water and lowering our environmental footprint.
The rain barrel supports the health of our garden by providing a steady supply of water and also serves as a practical example of water conservation in action. It encourages the campus community to think about the ways we can all contribute to sustainability in our daily lives. Whether it's through gardening, landscaping, or other outdoor activities, using a rain barrel is a simple step that makes a big difference.
As part of the Pollinator Patio project, the existing picnic tables have been given a fresh look. These tables, now repainted with vibrant, green paint, are a focal point of the patio, offering a welcoming space for students, faculty, and visitors to gather, study, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
The bright colors not only add a cheerful vibe to the space but also align with the overall theme of sustainability and renewal. By refreshing the picnic tables instead of replacing them, we've extended their life and reduced waste, reinforcing our commitment to making environmentally conscious choices. These tables are now more than just seating—they’re include a chess/checkers game board, as part of our dedication to creating a vibrant and community-focused environment on campus.
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