By participating in this nature project, you will help protect natural areas across the city, from spring to fall, and work together to protect Toronto's natural areas. Every week, we will form teams to carry out activities to protect the city's natural environment. Here, as a volunteer, you will not only learn about native trees, shrubs, herbs and invasive species, but also learn about ecological monitoring and sustainable trail design (Crowther Forest Team).

Volunteer Time and Location

As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to learn more about native trees, shrubs and invasive species:

• Learn how to plant trees.

• Participate in environmental stewardship activities.

• Meet new people, build new friendships, and network within the community.

• Gain experience, leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Obtain documented volunteer hours (if required).

• Planting and management activities take place every spring through fall.

Activity Tips:

• Wear comfortable clothing that won’t get dirty. Some activities may be muddy.

• You must wear tight shoes when attending the event.

• Take water home in a reusable container. Help make this a waste-free event!

• Remember to wear sunscreen.

• Provide gloves and shovels for volunteers.

• The event is open rain or shine, except in thunderstorms. Please dress accordingly.

(This lecture visit does not count towards high school student volunteer hours)

City staff run nature-themed talks and tours for students, community groups and interested citizens. You can attend a scheduled event or request a presentation from a staff member at a local park or school.

• Toronto's Urban Forest

• Local ecology and habitats

• Species identification

• All activities are free all year round (subject to availability)

Join City of Toronto staff for free public education talks, tours and webinars focusing on urban forests.

For events that require registration, only those who have registered may attend. No walk-in registrations will be accepted, and once an event is full, it may be removed from the event calendar.

The City of Toronto provides the following services to community, business and school groups:

• Virtual presentation (hosted by the City of Toronto via WebEx)

• Live demonstration (organizer provides a secure demonstration location with a projector screen/blank wall and projector)

Hands-free, no planting or management activities involved

60 minutes total (45 to 50 minutes presentation, 10 to 15 minutes Q&A).

Suitable for groups of 15-35 people, information is available for students in grades 4-12 .

Speech topic:

• What is growing here?

All about urban forests - terminology, species composition, species migration, environmental management and student involvement in urban forests.

• Who lives nearby?

All about urban habitats—terminology, habitat types and suitability, threats to urban habitats, and student involvement in habitat conservation and enhancement.

• “Leaf or no leaf?”

An entertaining and educational game show where two teams compete to answer questions about Toronto's natural environment in categories such as plants, insects and arachnids, what's in the water, mammals and flying in the air.

Available tour themes:

• Native, non-native and invasive species.

• Interpret terminology and learn how to identify species and understand the relationships between species in urban forests.

• Benefits of urban forests.

• Understand the various benefits and services that urban forests provide us.