Community Based Initiatives - Protecting the Environment

Prairie Restoration / Wildflower Seed Marketing

Walpole Island School Demonstration Project

Objectives:

This project was part of a wider attempt at preserving and restoring the First Nation's natural areas. In the case of this particular initiative, the objective was to increase the economic value of WI's natural areas through wildflower seed production.

Description:

The core of the demonstration project took place in the Spring of 1992 with the planting of seeds in the local elementary school yard. In addition to the school, a group of people with previous experience in seed collecting came from the University of Michigan to guide everyone through the process. The Ministry of Natural Resources provided a representative who helped with the selection of the best site at the school for the project. Efforts were videotaped, and a pamphlet was developed incorporating information on the legends related to the rare plants, cultural beliefs of the Indian people and information on prairie flora, as well as poetry promoting the protection of our Mother Earth.

Outcome:

The project formed the first prairie restoration project in a First Nation community. Seeds were to be packaged and sold locally by the students for fundraising. However, project continuity is a problem on WI, as most of the projects are run on a case-by-case basis when funding opportunities become available. Future success depends on the community being able to proceed at a pace dictated by them, and not at a pace dictated by funding cirteria.

Support:

This possibility was explored as part of the Heritage Centre program, with support from the University of Guelph, University of Michigan, and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The venture depended on the interest of landowners, ability to establish an infrastructure, and availability of start-up funds. Funding for a demonstration project allowed for the first seed gathering expeditions on Walpole Island in the Fall of 1991.