Seeds of satisfaction

Caring for native flowers and grasses helps former adult educator find ‘hope and joy in a dark time in the world’

Volunteers
By: AV Kitching Posted: 2:00 AM CDT Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026

After a career guiding newcomers through the logistics of life in Winnipeg, from registering with a family doctor to figuring out the transit system, Gerry Pearson turned her sights toward helping the city’s native plants settle back into place.

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The former adult educator dedicates Wednesdays and every other Saturday to the Living Prairie Museum, where she and fellow members of the Grow Room and Butterfly Garden volunteer team tend to native flowers and grasses in a temperature-controlled repurposed classroom.

The team has been tasked with reclaiming the garden at the entrance.

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press
Longtime Living Prairie Museum volunteer Gerry Pearson, 70, has been making her way every week this winter to the museum where, in a repurposed classroom, she and fellow volunteers plant native grasses and flowers. — Ruth Bonneville / Free Press

Longtime Living Prairie Museum volunteer Gerry Pearson, 70, has been making her way every week this winter to the museum where, in a repurposed classroom, she and fellow volunteers plant native grasses and flowers.

Originally filled with native grasses and plants, the area had been taken over by invasive plant species, including a stubborn snowberry bush, which is proving to be particularly difficult to evict, Pearson says.

The work follows the rhythm of the seasons. In late summer and early fall of last year Pearson, 70, was mostly outdoors weeding the grow plots and, as the weather cooled, gathering seed heads from sunflowers before they succumbed to frost.

When the temperature dropped even further, operations moved indoors. They started the“cleaning” process by stripping seed pods from the heads that had been collected and stored in bags months earlier. Then, while the ground outside remained frozen, Pearson and the team started planting.

“In January, when we opened up the dirt, it was so exciting, we were like, ‘Oh, can you smell that dirt?’” she says.

“We planted the seeds in little plastic trays, put them under grow lights, watered them and they grew. It was so much fun. I was there on Saturday and it was like a showroom. One tray had five different seeds and some of them are already three inches tall.”

The team will water and fertilize the plants until the weather warms up enough for a successful move outdoors. Some will return to the museum’s seed plots, others will make their way to the newly redesigned entrance garden, complete with accessible seating areas. Even more will be transplanted throughout the city.

It’s vital work; with time and care, areas restored with a variety of native grasses and plants could return to being functioning habitats.

By the time summer arrives, the fruits of the volunteer team’s labours will be evident not just to museum visitors but to other Winnipeggers, as well.

“We pass the seeds on to the city, and their teams go out to plant them directly into the soil. It’s what the pollinators need to eat and grow and to be available for the birds. It’s a whole big chain and we, cleaning seeds in that little room, are part of that chain,” Pearson says.

Pearson always had an interest in re-establishing the city’s native plant communities.

She had enrolled in courses at the museum and, after retiring, became involved with the David Suzuki Butterflyway Ranger Project.

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press
Living Prairie Museum volunteers Linda Chiappetta (from left), Sandy McCowan, Gerry Pearson and Sandy Handsford hold some of the seedlings in the Museum’s greenhouse. — Ruth Bonneville / Free Press

Living Prairie Museum volunteers Linda Chiappetta (from left), Sandy McCowan, Gerry Pearson and Sandy Handsford hold some of the seedlings in the Museum’s greenhouse.

An avid cyclist, she had spotted the museum’s garden plots during her rides on the Yellow Ribbon Greenway Trail, which goes right by the northern part of the museum’s acreage.

A move in 2023 to a neighbourhood close to the museum motivated her to volunteer that summer at its Monarch Butterfly Festival.

It’s a decision that has evolved into a year-round commitment.

“I love monarch butterflies, so I went and helped out. I then became a member of the Friends of Living Prairie Museum and in the last three years I’ve become more involved,” she says.

The non-profit organization supports the museum to fulfil its mission to conserve and educate. Pearson has benefited in numerous ways from being a member.

She enjoys learning from her fellow volunteers — “they are a fun group” — and the camaraderie she has with the Grow Room team.

“There’s so many good things about volunteering at the museum. The people — the volunteers and the staff here — are so genuine, and we have some really good conversations sitting there just cleaning the seeds. It gives me hope and joy in a dark time in the world. I can go on Wednesday morning or on Saturday and I get to be in this lush, green environment with people who are passionate about native plants; it’s a lifesaver,” she says.

If you know a special volunteer, please contact av.kitching@freepress.mb.ca

AV Kitching
Reporter

AV Kitching is an arts and life writer at the Free Press. She has been a journalist for more than two decades and has worked across three continents writing about people, travel, food, and fashion. Read more about AV.

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Volunteer opportunities

The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to wfp.to/volunteers or call 204-477-5180.

THE following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to wfp.to/volunteers or call 204-477-5180.

• MS Canada invites individuals to join in the fun as volunteers for the 2026 Winnipeg MS Walk, taking place May 31 at Kildonan Park. The MS Walk is a motivational community event that brings together people affected by multiple sclerosis and those passionate about finding a cure. Volunteers are essential to making this event a success. Whether it’s assisting with site setup, participant check-in, food and beverage areas, or cheering walkers at the start/finish line, there’s a role for everyone. To get involved, individuals can sign up at wfp.to/iaw or contact Karyn.Heidrick@mscanada.ca for more information. Deadline is May 22.

• Canadian Goodwill Industries is seeking a volunteer to support marketing and advertising efforts. They will help promote the organization and raise awareness in the community. This role is great for someone who enjoys creative communication. For more information, please contact Charlotte at info@canadiangoodwill.ca. Deadline is April 30.

• Looking for a fun, hands-on way to meet people, learn new skills, and give back to your community? Come be part of something special at Orioles Bike Cage — a volunteer-powered bike shop in the West End. You’ll get the chance to repair and maintain bikes, no experience needed. Volunteers are needed from spring through fall, Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and possibly Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Open to volunteers 13 to 55-plus. Those under 18 will require an adult guardian’s signature and contact info. Apply by email: oriolesbikecage@gmail.com. Deadline is April 8.

• The Simkin Centre seeks volunteers for its annual fundraising event, the Simkin Stroll, on June 2. There are a variety of volunteer roles available, including assisting residents during the walk, food service help, working at booths and water stations, cheering on participants and helping with setup. Join the Simkin Centre volunteer team to help create memorable experiences for residents and guests, make a meaningful impact on the lives of seniors in the community and build meaningful connections and friendships with fellow volunteers and staff. Apply online: bttr.im/mmlgm. Deadline is May 15.

• Equal Housing Initiative Inc. seeks a volunteer social media and digital communications specialist to strengthen its outreach, fundraising and community engagement. This remote role involves building the organization’s online presence and digital storytelling. Responsibilities include creating content for Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, developing graphics and videos, writing captions and stories, monitoring engagement, supporting digital fundraising, assisting with website updates and collaborating with leadership. Ideal candidates have social media marketing experience, strong writing skills, proficiency with content tools and can work independently. The role requires five to eight hours per week. Apply by email: Volunteer@equalhousinginitiative.com. Deadline is April 10.

• The Assiniboine Park Conservancy is seeking volunteers to fill a variety of roles in preparation for the busy summer season. Flexible scheduling and comprehensive training is offered. Volunteers will be trained at the park, the zoo or the Leaf and can take shifts at their preferred location. Must be 14 or older. Opportunities for adult volunteers include ambassadors, engagement ambassadors, visitor services concierge, special events assistants and facilities and grounds support. Youth ages 14 to 18 are encouraged to apply for the zoo camp crew, zoo teen ambassador roles or special conservation roles. Volunteers are asked to make a long-term commitment. A minimum commitment of 60 hours for adults and 40 hours for teens is required per year. Visit this website to apply before May 31.

• KidSport Manitoba is seeking to create a pool of volunteers for community outreach and fundraising efforts throughout the year. Volunteers represent KidSport at local events, assist with event logistics and help raise awareness and funds to support access to sport for Manitoba children. There are opportunities for all ages with a wide variety of times and locations available. Apply online: wfp.to/ic9. Deadline is April 15.

• Challenger Baseball Manitoba seeks volunteer baseball buddies. They will provide on-field support to children, youth and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. No baseball experience is needed — just patience and a willingness to have fun and be supportive. Hours are Saturdays at 10 a.m. from May to June. Email: challengerMBbuddies@gmail.com by May 2.

• The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Apply at wfp.to/0pE, volunteer@redcross.ca or 1-844-818-2155.

• St. Boniface Hospital is recruiting volunteers for its Art at the Bedside Program. This position is responsible for encouraging patients to take part in a creative art activity and to further assist in this by providing materials and an explanation of the project so the patient understands the project’s parameters. Volunteers (ages 16-plus) will be trained by professional artists. No art experience needed, but all volunteers must be comfortable entering medical units, approaching patients in their rooms and offering an activity and conversation. Apply online at wfp.to/inp or call 204-237-2442. Deadline is April 10.

• Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is seeking BrainWAVE parent or caregiver volunteers who are at least one year beyond their child’s active treatment. Your voice can make a difference. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child (19 years of age or younger) who is currently facing, or has previously faced, a brain tumour diagnosis, your experiences and insights are essential to shaping programs that support families. The commitment is five to seven hours monthly, with more meetings as events near. Apply online at wfp.to/iaP. Deadline is July 30.

AV Kitching
Reporter