Corporate Volunteer Day with 407 ETR
A huge thank you to the 407 Express Toll Route’s team of 21 professionals for spending a half-day at Willow Park Ecology Centre supporting habitat enhancement and biodiversity conservation. From improving pollinator habitat to helping maintain accessible nature trails, their efforts made a meaningful impact.
We are grateful for their continued partnership through the Volunteer Big Day Out program and look forward to welcoming them back again.
407 ETR volunteers caring for Willow Park Ecology Centre’s Butterfly Habitat Garden.
Curious about what the volunteers accomplished, the wildlife they encountered, and the special thank-you they received from local students? Read the full story below.
We were delighted to welcome employees from 407 ETR to Willow Park Ecology Centre for a volunteer day earlier this month. The company first joined our community of volunteers four years ago through its Volunteer Big Day Out program and it has been rewarding to see both returning and new participants continue to support our environmental stewardship efforts.
Through morning and afternoon volunteer shifts, participants enjoyed a day of learning, teamwork and hands-on environmental action. The day began with presentations about the local watershed, ecosystem health and the importance of the stewardship projects being undertaken. Volunteers then put their knowledge into practice while socializing, enjoying their day outdoors and working together in the garden.
WPEC student Abagail, presents Thank you Card to 407ETR afternoon volunteers.
A major focus of the day was the enhancement of our butterfly garden, an important habitat that supports pollinators and contributes to local biodiversity. By removing invasive and unwanted vegetation, volunteers created space for native plant species to thrive, helping to prevent monocultures and ensuring the garden continues to provide food sources, host plants and shelter for native butterflies, bees and other pollinators that play vital roles in healthy wildlife food webs and our food supply.
Central path cleared and resurfaced by 407 ETR volunteers for full access.
One key stewardship activity involved reducing the spread of Cup Plant, an aggressive native species that had become dominant in sections of the garden. While Cup Plant is an excellent source of nectar for pollinators, maintaining a diverse plant community is essential to supporting a broader range of pollinator species. Areas cleared can now be planted at the Summer Solstice and Planet Care Celebration on June 21st. Volunteers also weeded internal pathways and applied fresh wood chips, creating a more accessible and inviting space for park visitors and summer campers to explore and enjoy.
The day offered many opportunities to connect with nature. Volunteers observed turtles searching for nesting sites, and several turtle eggs were discovered during the course of the day. One curious participant asked about an insect that had landed on his bright blue volunteer shirt and was delighted to learn it was a harmless and beautifully patterned Click Beetle.
Eastern Eyed Click Beetle on 407 ETR volunteer team leader, David’s bright blue shirt.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the experience provided an opportunity for volunteers to strengthen teamwork skills, contribute to a meaningful community project and gain a deeper appreciation for the critical role healthy ecosystems play in supporting biodiversity.
A special highlight was a cross-visit from students participating in programs at the Ecology Centre. The children presented volunteers with potted flowers and a beautiful handmade thank-you card. Bringing together environmental stewardship and education has long been central to this community project and park space, which was established by volunteers 28 years ago as a local educational and wildlife resource for the Halton Hills community.
Summer Term Homeschool Program students give volunteers thank you plants.
We are grateful for the enthusiasm, dedication and hard work demonstrated by the 407 ETR volunteer team. Their efforts directly support Willow Park Ecology Centre's Strategic Plan goals of habitat enhancement, biodiversity conservation and environmental education.
Organizations interested in bringing employee groups to participate in stewardship activities at this unique ravine nature space are encouraged to contact Tunde Otto, Executive Director and Program Director, at willowparknorval@gmail.com. Together, we can continue building a stronger, healthier environment while fostering community engagement and environmental learning.
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