Les résidences Soleil, Manoir St-Laurent won the award Prix Coup de coeur 2017 du Regroupement des résidences pour aînés du Québec for the creation of a garden including milkweed and other pollinator plants. The project involving 8 residents was realized by an environmental group, Vert Cité. The garden became a partner of the Mission Monarque cause set up par Espace pour la vie Montréal.
This project helped residents socialize while contributing to the protection of butterflies which enhance the experience of residents in the courtyard.
Evergreen Retirement Community, in Toronto, has also initiated a project to plant milkweed around the property to support monarch butterfly populations. The gardens serve dual purposes: they act as a habitat for butterflies and provide an educational and therapeutic activity for the residents, who help plant and maintain the milkweed. Workshops on butterfly conservation are also held.
In March 2021, Monarch Villas launched the Butterfly Haven Project focusing on planting milkweed and other nectar-rich plants to create a habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. This initiative aims at conservation and education, with residents involved in planting, maintaining the garden, and learning about butterfly life cycles. Special educational events are held with local schools where residents teach children about conservation.
The project has been a hit among residents, providing them with a purposeful activity that connects them with nature and the younger generation. It has also visually transformed the living space into a vibrant, colorful haven, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and mental well-being of the residents. With its name, the residence was predisposed to work on monarch protection.
Finally, at Riverside Care Facility in Virginia, the Milkweed for Monarchs project has given residents a unique opportunity to engage with nature. By planting milkweed, they’re not just gardening; they’re participating in a crucial ecological effort to save the monarch butterflies. Each plant they nurture supports the lifecycle of these beautiful creatures.
The joy of watching caterpillars transform into butterflies has brought a new sense of purpose to the residents. Their involvement in this conservation project has sparked conversations, education, and a deeper appreciation for nature’s wonders, making Riverside a place of both care and environmental stewardship.
These initiatives illustrate how assisted living and long-term care facilities can integrate sustainable practices that also enrich the lives of their residents.
