ORANGEVILLE, ON – October 28, 2019 – Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and the Headwaters Health Care Centre's Friendship Gardens recently planted over 200 saplings and shrubs on the hospital's campus as part of a naturalization planting project. A total of eight different native trees and shrubs were planted on the hillside along Highways 9 and 10 to support native plant habitat and help preserve biodiversity.
Lynn Sinclair-Smith, Friendship Gardens Coordinator, is passionately committed to maintaining the Gardens and has been working with CVC for several years on nature and storm water pond areas. "This naturalization project is a proactive environmental plan for the hospital and community and will make our landscape even more beautiful," said Smith.
Headwaters became a member of CVC's Greening Corporate Grounds program that helps corporations and institutions implement sustainable landscaping projects. CVC brought their expertise in naturalization and sustainable landscaping to lead design and assist with recommendations and planting, bringing diversity and new life to the Friendship Gardens.
Deborah Kenley, Senior Coordinator, Greening Corporate Grounds at CVC said, "The hospital is a unique property in the Credit River Watershed. Staff are embracing nature with sustainable landscaping and harnessing its proven ability to calm and heal.”
The planting was funded by the Friendship Gardens’ environmental donors and support from CVC with planting costs and in-kind staff time and equipment.
Smith added, “We are so thankful to CVC for their wonderful contributions, the continued generosity from members of our community and from all those who dedicate time to volunteer in the gardens. This naturalization project is yet another addition to the magnificent spaces we have surrounding our hospital to enjoy!”
Naturalization Project Benefits
- Plants and greenery help reduce stress, provide privacy and tranquility
- Protect groundwater supplies
- Improve water quality of streams and ponds
- Improve air quality
- Attract and provide habitat for wildlife
- Reduce greenhouse gasses and help fight climate change
- Help with environmental diversity which is important for the ecosystem
About the Friendship Gardens
The Friendship Gardens team has planted over 400 trees and is responsible for 20 different gardens surrounding Headwaters Health Care Centre. Maintained solely by dedicated volunteers, the award-winning gardens have been a huge success since the first one was created in 1997. Made possible through generous donations by members of our community, these gardens provide a beautiful haven for patients, families, staff and volunteers to enjoy. To learn more about the Friendship Gardens visit:
www.friendshipgardens.ca/ To contribute to the great work underway at the Friendship Gardens, please visit
hhcfoundation.com
About Credit Valley Conservation
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. Our watershed is defined by the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drains into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario. Visit
cvc.ca to learn more.
About HHCC
Headwaters is an innovative, community centred medium-size hospital located in Orangeville, in beautiful Dufferin County. Accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada, Headwaters offers acute and complex continuing care with 24/7 Emergency Department coverage as well as extensive outpatient services in a newly built Ambulatory Care Centre. Visit our award-winning
Friendship Gardens, while at the hospital. Please visit
www.headwatershealth.ca for more information and a full list of services.
Media Contact
Jennifer Hamilton, MA, MBA Senior Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Partner, Headwaters Health Care Centre | Cell/Text: 519-278-5085| Email:
jhamilton@headwatershealth.ca
Photo Caption:
Members of CVC enjoying the fall weather during a break from the planting