Over the next five months, they will meet weekly to develop skills and gain hands-on experience by engaging local neighbourhoods in urban forest stewardship. They will receive support and mentorship from LEAF staff, as well as guest lectures from other female urban forest leaders and experts. Made possible with a grant from the City of Toronto Community Recreation Investment Program, this is the first year of a three year program.
In teams of four, the participants have begun working to establish Adopt-A-Park-Tree programs in two different parks in Toronto, liaising closely with the local community groups active in each park. This past week marked an exciting milestone in the program as the youth met with local community representatives in their neighbourhood parks:
Regent Park - Friends of Regent Park and Cabbagetown ReLEAF
Fairmount Park – The Beach Hill Neighbourhood Association (BHNA) Tree Team
Young leaders assessing the trees in Wychwood Barns Park
Each team began work on their Adopt-a-Park-Tree program by conducting an inventory and assessment of the park and its trees. This included identifying species and documenting their condition in order to design a stewardship plan that the community can take on with confidence.
Over the summer, each group will facilitate community tree care in their respective parks. As the summer comes to an end, groups will plan and host their own tree mulching event and tree tour to help foster local awareness and engagement.
Marika, one of the Young Urban Forest Leaders, at LEAF’s Tree Tenders Training course
“My studies in forest conservation have raised my interest in what a healthy urban forest means! I have just finished my undergraduate education and I want to pursue my interests outside of the classroom in a fulfilling manner. I love seeing communities work together to improve the well-being of their neighbourhoods. I am interested in developing my leadership skills further while contributing to a cause that I believe to be extremely relevant to social sustainability!”
- Monika, Young Urban Forest Leader
It has been such a wonderful experience working with these eight women so far. Their passion for our environment and their commitment to developing their skills and knowledge is very inspiring. I’m looking forward to working on this unique training program which will not only benefit the participants, but also support three new Adopt-a-Park-Tree initiatives in the city.
The Young Urban Forest Leaders and Adopt-a-Park-Tree programs are supported by the City of Toronto Community Recreation Investment Program and the Rotary Club of Toronto.
Erin McDonald is LEAF’s Volunteer and Stewardship Coordinator.