It’s International Day for Biodiversity – What the MUHC is doing

May 22 marks International Day for Biodiversity.  This global campaign aims to raise public awareness of Earth’s rich biodiversity and highlights its essential role in the health of our planet and all living things.  

At the McGill University Health Centre, concrete actions are underway to protect and promote biodiversity.  

Here are some of our key actions: 

• Commitment to local biodiversity initiatives, including engagement with the CRE-Montréal and the Campus Biodiversity Network. Participation in the City Nature Challenge to help document local species in an urban setting.  
• Several “bioblitz” activities have been carried out to better understand local biodiversity, including at the Glen site, the Montreal General Hospital, and most recently at LaSalle Park across from the Lachine Hospital.  
• A partnership with Les Amis de la Montagne led to an extensive bioblitz at the Montreal General Hospital site in October 2025. The observations from this event are helping to guide future management of invasive plant species.  
• Ongoing work on invasive species awareness and control, including inspections and recommendations aligned with City of Montreal regulations.  
• Participation each spring in the “Défi Pissenlit (Dandelion Challenge)”. Delaying lawn mowing helps support pollinators find food when they need it most.  
• Development of the MUHC’s first “greening” plan. This will guide future planting and naturalization efforts across sites. The plan will be shared in the coming months.  
• Earth Day activities bring together partners and experts such as Polliflora, Les Amis de la Montagne, and the Réseau des fermiers de famille to animate educational kiosks on biodiversity, pollinators, urban flora and fauna, and organic farming, while also including the distribution of native plants and seeds to staff and encouraging similar initiatives across departments. 

Simple actions everyone can take: 

• When travelling, as at home, wildlife observation can be done in ways that respect species and their habitats. Organizations such as the Canadian Wildlife Federation are involved in conservation efforts across Canada. 
• Plant native flowers, trees, or join local greening programs if you don’t have a garden.  
  • Some examples include: Mon Carré d’Arbre and A tree for my neighbourhood project 
• Eat more plant-based meals when possible, to help reduce pressure on ecosystems.  
  • Learn more here 
• Choose sustainable products, reduce chemical use at home, and buy second-hand when possible to help safeguard biodiversity and reduce pressure on natural habitats. 
• Dispose of medications safely, both at home and at work.  
  • At work, please place items in the appropriate bins according to existing protocols. For information on the disposal of personal medication, consult this document.  
• Spend time in nature. It supports well-being and helps us reconnect with the environment.  
  • For example, SEPAQ offers a membership option for provincial parks. Additional information in this resource. 

Watch this webinar on biodiversity and healthcare hosted by MUHC President and Executive Director, Dr. Lucie Opatrny. 

Here are some photos from recent biodiversity activities across the MUHC.