We can’t rewind — but we can rewild.
Working together, we can turn our own backyards and urban green spaces back into the healthy, native habitats wildlife needs to thrive.
Native plants play a critical role in the health of Canadian ecosystems and the wildlife they support. The Network of Nature is dedicated to restoring and fortifying Canada’s unique biodiversity against the stresses of development and climate change by inspiring Canadians to plant a network of native habitat.
Globally, wildlife populations have declined almost 70 per cent in the last 50 years. Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation are the primary causes of decline for 82 per cent of species at risk in Canada. With your help, we can reverse this trend.
One seed at a time
Our mission is to harness Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge so we can enhance Canadian greenspaces and naturalize developed areas by motivating, educating, and inspiring individuals and organizations to plant appropriate native species. We are looking for Canadian citizens at all levels to champion these initiatives and to be active ambassadors for the program in their community.
Discover native plants in your region of Canada
Anyone can contribute to the Network of Nature. Together with our partners, we’ve developed a comprehensive database of plants and a map of native plant nurseries to help you choose, find, and care for native species that will thrive in your local climate and geography. Whether you’re a hobby gardener hoping to make your yard more attractive to pollinators, a professional landscaper or an advocate for enhanced greenspace in your community, the Network of Nature database has a plant for you.
Get inspired
Check out these stories from Canadian Geographic that showcase what individuals and municipalities across Canada are doing to protect and restore biodiversity and build stronger, more resilient ecosystems.
Network of Nature and Green Communities Canada launch National Mini Forest Pilot program in Richmond, B.C.
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Community members and local organizations gathered to plant a Miyawaki forest
Network of Nature: The new program working to restore Canada’s biodiversity, one plant at a time
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Network of Nature aims to inspire Canadians to improve the long-term health of our ecosystems through the planting of native species
Biodiversity by design: A birds and bees tour of Calgary
Explore the map
Alberta’s largest city has a lofty goal to restore some of its roadsides, boulevards and other open spaces to a more natural state. Here’s a look at some biodiversity-friendly projects already underway.
The many benefits of the minuscule but mighty Miyawaki forests
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Pioneered by a Japanese botanist, compact Miyawaki forests are beginning to replace backyard lawns on tiny plots around Canada
Our shared garden: The importance of native plants
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As cities and towns continue to expand into our wild landscapes, conservation gardens can provide refuge for Canada’s plummeting biodiversity
Planting local: In major shift, Toronto requires some developers to source native plants from local seeds
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Changes to the city’s Green Standard aimed at protecting its fragile ravine network will pose challenges and opportunities for landscapers — and could kick off a national trend
For educators
Check out these free classroom resources on sustainability and biodiversity conservation developed by Canadian Geographic Education.
Native plants of Canada — infographic
Did you know that the official flower emblems of our provinces and territories are all native plants? Learn their names and why it’s important to plant native species!
Sustainable cities — infographic
How can we ensure a healthy future for our planet? One solution is to build resilient and sustainable cities.
Sustainable cities
Students will reflect on the decisions and considerations that are involved in urban planning, as well as King Charles III’s commitment to sustainability.
