Growing Biodiversity at West Hill: The Toronto Tree Cover Project
This summer, our West Hill, Ontario site transformed 15,000 square feet of lawn into a living ecosystem of native trees and shrubs, with support from the Toronto Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Private Land Planting Program.
This new green space not only improves air and soil quality, but also creates vital habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. It’s a step toward a healthier, more biodiverse community for everyone to enjoy.
Building on Previous Efforts
The tree planting project builds on earlier biodiversity initiatives at West Hill. For the past several years, employees have marked Earth Day with a large-scale cleanup, removing thousands of pounds of waste. In 2024, they took that a step further by creating a pollinator garden to support bees - including hives hosted on-site.
These efforts show how small actions add up to meaningful change. Together, they set the stage for our continued commitment to restoring local ecosystems.
Why Trees Matter
Trees are essential for urban and industrial environments. They
- absorb excess water,
- filter pollutants,
- provide shade,
- and create natural habitats.
They help urban and suburban regions to reduce erosion, flooding, and wind tunnels - and this initiative helped the City of Toronto along its ambitious goal of 40% tree cover.
Thanks to the TRCA grant, West Hill added 84 native trees - such as red maple, white oak, and black cherry - and 254 native shrubs, including witch hazel, chokecherry, and fragrant sumac. Carefully selected to support pollinators and wildlife, these plantings will grow into a vibrant and resilient ecosystem.
Responsible Care in Action
"Responsible Care means being good stewards of the land we’re on,” says West Hill plant manager, Katherine Down, who secured the TRCA grant. “By strengthening local ecosystems, we’re not only protecting biodiversity, but also building a greener future for our community. We hope to inspire others to join us in making a positive impact.
From pollinator gardens to tree cover, every initiative brings us closer to a sustainable future. At West Hill, biodiversity is truly in full bloom.
Award Recognition
Our efforts have recently been acknowledged with awards that highlight the importance of biodiversity and sustainability.
Pollinator Advocate Award
In recognition of its sustained commitment to habitat restoration and pollinator protection the LANXESS West Hill site earned the Pollinator Advocate Award from the largest non-profit organization dedicated to protecting pollinators and their ecosystem. Building on its long-standing environmental initiatives, the site continues to set an example in promoting biodiversity through pollinator-friendly spaces and active employee engagement.
Presented in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this award recognizes outstanding achievements in pollinator conservation and public education, setting a global benchmark for advocacy.
CIAC Accountability Award
In October 2025, the West Hill facility continued its award-winning efforts by earning the Accountability Award from the Chemical Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) at the annual Responsible Care Awards ceremony. The recognition reflects the site’s continued commitment to sustainability and Responsible Care, highlighting its proactive approach to environmental stewardship and community engagement within the Canadian chemical industry.
The award further highlights West Hill’s dedication to transforming underutilized spaces into thriving habitats and promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices.
