Earth Day: Dandelion Challenge, distribution of trees and rainwater harvesting barrels
On Monday, April 22, we celebrate Earth Day! On this occasion, the Town of Sutton is renewing the various ecological actions it has been carrying out for several years now: the renewal of the Dandelion Challenge at the beginning of May, the distribution of free trees on May 17 and the distribution of rainwater harvesting barrels on May 24.
Dandelion Challenge
For the fourth year running, the Town of Sutton is taking up the Dandelion Challenge, inviting residents and municipalities not to mow their lawns in May until the dandelions have faded. Allowing dandelions to flower gives pollinating insects, including our friends the bees, the chance to feed abundantly on the pollen and nectar they need to thrive.
Grass on municipal fields will not be mowed, with the exception of the soccer and baseball fields.
Join the Dandelion Challenge if you have grass at home!
Distribution of free trees
The Town of Sutton will once again distribute some 400 free deciduous and coniferous tree seedlings to its residents on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until the lot is sold out.
Distribution will take place in the Town Hall parking lot, with councillors taking the opportunity to meet citizens.
If you are interested in this offer, please turn up on Saturday morning in front of the Town Hall and present proof of residence. A maximum of two plants per address and/or owner will be delivered (please bring a bag).
These trees are donated by the Ministère de la Forêt, de la Faune et des Parcs and the Association forestière du Sud du Québec as part of Tree and Forest Month.
For more information on Tree Month activities, tree fact sheets and planting tips, visit https://www.afsq.org/fr/maf.
Distribution of rainwater harvesting barrels
For a third year, the Town of Sutton is offering a subsidy program for the purchase of rainwater harvesting barrels. The goal is to help save considerable quantities of drinking water from both the town’s aqueduct and private wells.
220-litre drums, valued at $125, will be available at a cost of $50 plus tax ($57.50) for Sutton residents. In this second phase, 50 barrels will be distributed on Saturday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Town Hall parking lot. A representative of the company that makes these barrels, Les Bariteux, will be on hand to hand over your barrel and explain its operation and maintenance.
To reserve your barrel, send an e-mail with your name and address to [email protected]. Payment will be required upon delivery of the barrel, in cash only and for the exact amount. Proof of residence must be presented on site.
EARTH DAY
HISTORY
Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, and is often considered the birth of the environmental movement. Over the years, Earth Day has become the largest participatory environmental movement on the planet.
In 1990, the creation of the association in Canada went hand in hand with the internationalization of the Earth Day movement. In Quebec, Earth Day has been celebrated since 1995, with a wide range of activities designed to raise awareness of environmental issues. With its ability to mobilize local players, the provincial organization has continued to grow, developing numerous action programs on April 22 and every day.
In 2019, Jour de la Terre Québec will merge with the Canadian association and become Jour de la Terre Canada / Earth Day Canada, so that the environmental support programs carried out in Quebec can be extended throughout Canada.
Visit the Earth Day Canada website.