Since 2015, the YUFL Program has helped over 200 Toronto youth build skills, expand their professional networks and deepen their relationship with the natural world. Whether it’s learning to identify trees through the Tree Tenders Training Course, exploring environmental careers at the Fireside Chat Career Panel, or connecting with community members through their Tree Tours, YUFL participants build relationships and work together to grow a greener, more equitable future.
Tree Tenders Training Course
One of the foundational experiences of the YUFL program is the LEAF Tree Tenders Training Course. Through virtual and in-person workshops led by industry professionals, participants learn to identify trees, recognize their benefits and better care for the trees in their communities.
For many participants, this experience changes the way they move through the city. As they learn to notice the differences in bark, leaves and branching patterns, trees that once blended into the background suddenly become familiar. Along the way, participants gain a deeper understanding of the important role trees play in creating healthier, more resilient communities.
"Over the course of just a few classes, I feel that I have a completely renewed relationship with the trees I see all around me. There are so many small things that can make a big impact on urban trees, and I know now how to do my best to make sure trees in the city are cared for as well as possible!" – 2025 YUFL Participant
Fireside Chat
Beyond building knowledge about the urban forest, the YUFL program also helps youth explore how to apply those skills in their careers. During the program’s annual Fireside Chat Career Panel, participants connect with professionals from across the environmental sector to learn about their career journeys and gain insights into the many possible career pathways within urban forestry.
These conversations help make careers in the environmental sector feel more accessible. By hearing honest stories about the panelists’ successes and challenges, participants gain practical insights into the field and the confidence to envision their own place in it.
"The Career Panel was so amazing. It was the first time that I felt folks were meeting participants eye-to-eye, and was the first career panel that got me motivated to look for jobs--a high I'm still on! As someone with an odd academic background and career path, LEAF's career panels have always made me feel seen, so I always appreciate them." – 2025 YUFL Participant
Tree Tours
As part of the YUFL program, participants put their learning into practice by planning and leading public tree tours. With the support of LEAF staff, YUFL participants research local tree species and develop engaging presentations to share with community members.
These tours are a highlight for many participants, as they offer them a chance to build confidence, strengthen public speaking skills and develop their leadership abilities. By taking on the role of tour leader, YUFL participants share their knowledge in an engaging way that inspires others to connect with the urban forest.
"I think the most impactful experience I had in the program was preparing and conducting the tree tour. I have little experience speaking in front of large audiences and often have intense anxiety before speaking in front of crowds, even with subjects I'm quite passionate about. I decided to put in more time to practice and refine my tree talk as much as I could to ease my nerves and avoid blanking in front of the crowd. I felt that once the tree tour began, my practice paid off and having some of my friends and family come out to support the event gave me the encouragement I needed to make it a fun and educational talk." – 2024 YUFL Participant
As LEAF celebrates 30 years of community-driven urban forestry, we invite you to join a YUFL-led tree tour this August. Come meet the next generation of urban forest leaders and discover the knowledge, passion and community spirit they are bringing to Toronto’s urban forest!
Tree Tour at Downsview Park, Toronto on August 9, 2026
Tree Tour at Maidavale Park, Scarborough on August 15, 2026
Natasha Jovanovic is the Senior Education Coordinator at LEAF.
Check out some of our other blogs for more information on the Young Urban Forest Leaders program. The program is funded in part by the City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Grants and Incentives Program and the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Seed Grant.