by Claudia Zinck
The Parish of Blandford is busy all year long with hands-on environmental projects, and we’re always happy to welcome more helpers. A gentle reminder from this Grandma: you do not need to be a member of our church to work alongside us. If you care about the land, the water, and the community we share, you’re already one of us.
Planting Kits
For the past three years, the Parish has partnered with the Hubbards Area Lions Club to create planting kits. Together we cover the costs and then meet in Fox Point to assemble 250 kits each spring.
Every student at Shatford Elementary School receives a kit around Earth Day (April 22). The remaining kits are shared at the Blandford Community Breakfast and during a local Enviro Day in June.
Community Gardens
The Parish works closely with the Blandford Community Centre Board to coordinate the community gardens behind the Centre. Each year we add at least one new waist-high garden box.
In 2025, we introduced our first elevated gardens, which require less soil and are easier to maintain. We also installed a fog fence, which proved very helpful for watering during drought conditions.
In 2026, thanks to a generous grant from the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, we’ll be building six new elevated gardens, designed especially for children and for gardeners using walkers or wheelchairs.
Recycling Projects
We also collect pens, markers, and mechanical pencils, which are sent to Staples for recycling. So far, we’ve kept nearly 7,000 items out of the landfill, small things that add up to a big difference.
Seed Share
In 2025, the Parish and wider community helped the Diocesan Environment Network launch a new project called Seed Share. In our first year, we packed and distributed 2,780 seed envelopes, mostly across the South Shore. With new grants in place, we expect to at least double that number in 2026.
Want to Join In?
Dates for seed packing, planting-kit assembly, seed and plant swaps, seed balls, and “snail” seed packs will be announced as plans come together.
Interested in a community garden box this year? Want to get more involved in environmental work? Give us a call, or simply show up when events are posted on the church website or the Blandford Community page. We’d truly love to see you.