Conservation group hopes seed bombs are a hit
Last Updated: Monday, April 5, 2010 | 3:21 PM AT
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The Conservation Council of New Brunswick is hoping a new tool it's using to encourage the growth of native plants and species will take off with a bang.
The environmental group will be handing out so-called seed bombs at Fredericton's farmers market in the coming months.
People will be encouraged to throw the little balls of soil, nutrients and New Brunswick wildflower seeds into vacant lots, backyards and other places that need greening, spokeswoman Tracy Glynn said.
'Our biodiversity is at threat and I think we need something to protect our native biodiversity'—Tracy Glynn, Conservation Council of New Brunswick
"It's needed. Our biodiversity is at threat and I think we need something to protect our native biodiversity," she said.
"We were trying to do something about the problem of the disappearing bumblebees, so we wanted to encourage biodiversity in urban areas, so we thought by planting pollinator-friendly vegetation like New Brunswick wildflowers, it would also help the bumblebees that are in trouble," she added.
Brian Cochrane, the manager of parks and trails for the city of Fredericton, said he thinks it's an interesting idea and he supports people throwing seed bombs on at least some city property.
"There's lots of areas along the trails where wildflowers grow naturally, and I think this will just enhance that," he said.
The Conservation Council is also holding workshops for making seed bombs, Glynn said.
Some stores in Fredericton, including a grocery chain, are considering selling their own seed bombs, she said.
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