Mohawk College has been selected to receive one of 60 grants from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada's Go Wild Grants.
With the grant, the college will create a bioswale (a long, sloped channel filled with vegetation to filter and slow rainwater runoff) in one of our parking lots at the Fennell campus. The native grasses and flowers used will provide food and shelter for wildlife while reducing the amount of rainwater entering the municipal storm water system. Mohawk will receive $2,000 to support the bioswale project.
The bioswale will be planted this spring by student volunteers with support from Mohawk's Sustainability department staff, creating teaching and learning opportunities that engage our students.
"We're excited to launch this project as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the presence of nature on campus. This initiative will empower students through hands-on learning, allowing them to take meaningful action for the environment," says Allison Maxted, Manager, Sustainability Office at Mohawk College.
"We can't wait to see this year's 60 Go Wild projects spring to life across the country. By restoring native plants at schools, on campuses and in communities, youth will create a meaningful impact for wildlife while taking steps to make their community more resilient to climate change. In the process, they will be champions for nature and support a future where people and wildlife thrive," says Elizabeth Hendriks, Vice-President of Restoration and Regeneration at WWF-Canada.
The Go Wild Grant program began in 2015 and has funded 589 school and campus projects since its creation, including Mohawk's Pollinator Garden project in 2016. The college has also previously received support from WWF-Canada for planting a seed orchard on campus in 2022.
Learn more about the 2025 Go Wild Grants on the WWF-Canada website.
