Halton Region Master Gardeners

Halton Master Gardeners Receive Innovation Award

Halton Master Gardeners – April 21, 2026

Halton Master Gardeners and co-founders of the Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR), Cathy Kavassalis and Claudette Sims have been recognized with an Innovation Award at the February 2026 Annual Invasive Species Centre Forum.

This national honour celebrates ideas that have been turned into real-world solutions.

For both co-founders, the award is really a reflection of a much larger effort.

“We are deeply grateful to all the CCIPR members who are working with us to improve regulation and help prevent the spread of invasive plants,” Cathy adds.

A Challenge That Affects Every Gardener

Their work focuses on a challenge that affects every gardener: invasive plants.

Invasive species cost Canada billions of dollars each year and are the second biggest threat to biodiversity. The primary pathway for the introduction of invasive species is the horticultural trade itself, and it is common for many nurseries to sell high-risk invasive plants.

“The Innovation Award recognizes efforts that have moved a creative idea to a practical reality, transforming invasive species prevention and management in Canada through substantive and enduring outcomes. We hope this recognition brings greater attention to the need for better screening, stronger regulation, clear labelling, and responsible plant choices across the nursery and garden sectors. Most of all, we hope this moment encourages continued collaboration — because real progress happens when we work together.”

Cathy Kavassalis

Beyond Pretty at the Toronto Home Show

In early March, Cathy and Claudette were back in front of an audience, presenting their talk “Beyond Pretty” at the Toronto Home Show.

This inspiring presentation encourages gardeners to think beyond aesthetics and consider how their plant choices can support (or harm) the environment.

And yes—there were capes!

“I grew up loving comic books. The idea that ordinary people could become superheroes and help others really stuck with me. That’s part of why Cathy and I wear capes when we present. It’s a fun way to make a serious point: anyone can be a superhero through the simple act of gardening. Cathy even designed a whole cast of ‘garden superheroes’—people of all ages and backgrounds—because this isn’t about experts, it’s about everyone

Claudette Sims

The message clearly resonates.

The mix of practical advice, environmental impact, and a bit of fun helps audiences see that their gardens can be more than just beautiful—they can be part of the solution.

Plant Choice Matters

Native plants bring more birds, butterflies and bees:

• 3x more butterfly species
• 2x higher abundance of native bees
• 50% higher abundance of native birds
• 9x higher abundance of rare birds

Small Actions Can Have a Powerful Impact

Small actions, multiplied across thousands of gardens, can have a powerful impact.

You can help prevent the spread of invasive plants by:

• Choosing non-invasive, eco-friendly plants
• Removing invasive species from your property
• Sharing knowledge with neighbours and friends
• Asking questions at garden centres
• Supporting better plant labelling at point of sale and asking for better regulation

You don’t need a cape to make a difference, but you might start to feel like you’re wearing one by making these small changes in your garden!