Bringing Beauty to Our Community: A Young Neighbor’s Project to Help Pollinators
A Local Student’s Big Idea: Kamila’s “Pollinator Pit Stop” Gets Funding
We are thrilled to share some fantastic news from our community! Kamila, a student at Battalion Park School, has been awarded a 2026 Jack Leslie Youth Environmental Grant for her creative project, “The Little Bee Helper’s Pollinator Pit Stop.”
Kamila is one of only three recipients city-wide to receive this honour this year. Her project, which earned a $500 individual grant, will see her create and share wildflower seed bombs—also known as “bee food balls”—to encourage pollinator-friendly planting right here in our neighbourhood.
The best part? Kamila will be getting the whole school involved! She came up with the idea and applied for the funding with help from her parents. Now, she will lead all 60 Grade 1 students at Battalion Park School in a hands-on activity to make and distribute the seed bombs, spreading the message about supporting bees and other vital pollinators.
This year’s other grant recipients include:
- Woodlands School: For an “Outdoor Learning Commons Land Stewardship Garden.”
- Young Hearts Old Souls Canadian Youth Ltd.: For a youth-led habitat restoration project in a southwest Calgary park.
“The Little Bee Helper’s Pollinator Pit Stop” was recognized for its creativity and potential to make a visible environmental difference. “These projects show how creative youth can be in helping preserve the natural environment,” said Evangeline Eldridge, Public Program Coordinator with The City of Calgary.
The Jack Leslie Youth Environmental Grant, established in 2004, honours former Mayor Jack Leslie’s legacy of championing Calgary’s parks and natural spaces by supporting youth-led environmental action.
A huge congratulations to Kamila for her initiative and for representing Battalion Park so wonderfully! We can’t wait to see the “bee food balls” blooming around the community.