What motivated you to get involved in the YUFL program?
I’ve always felt a strong connection with nature, from playing in the ravine near my house as a kid to participating in stewardship activities as a Girl Guide. Now, I’m taking the Community Worker Program at George Brown College and know that I want to build a career in the environmental sector, but I wasn’t sure what that could look like.
I was motivated to join the YUFL program because I wanted to meet like-minded people, learn from industry professionals and explore different career paths. It was the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience and engage communities around environmental stewardship.
What was your favourite aspect of the YUFL program?
The whole program was incredibly enriching! I really appreciated the hybrid format, which made it easier to balance with my schoolwork. The tree identification book we received was so helpful and the variety of educators was inspiring. I also had the opportunity to learn about how LEAF engages communities about the urban forest. These experiences gave me a better understanding of what a career in this field could look like.
One of the best aspects was how inclusive and accessible the program was. There was no cost to participate and we had the flexibility to choose a tree tour location in either the east or west end of the city. I still love sharing what I learned through this program with my family and friends!
What you have pursued since the program ended?
As a George Brown co-op student, I’ve worked as a Program Assistant at a local charity that supports neurodivergent individuals. The communication skills I developed while preparing and delivering a YUFL tree tour have come in handy at this job. For example, I’ve been able to confidently explain complex topics (like arboriculture) in a way that is easy to understand and accessible to the general public.
How did the program influence your path and/or contribute to your personal/career goals?
The YUFL program helped remind me that youth can be the narrators of their own stories and take on leadership roles in environmental spaces. I’ve recently started volunteering with the Little Jamaica Community Land Trust, where the knowledge I gained about tree equity has been incredibly valuable. In addition to strengthening my confidence and communication skills, the whole YUFL experience reinforced my passion for community engagement and urban forestry.
What advice would you give to your younger self or other young adults who are looking to get involved in urban forestry/arboriculture?
I would tell my younger self to keep harnessing that curiosity – playing in the ravines and getting muddy was just the beginning! I’d want young women interested in science and the environment to keep going down that path because there are so many opportunities in this field. The YUFL program is an amazing way to get involved in greening our city and learning about climate adaptation in urban spaces.
Thank you, Naomi, for sharing your experiences and championing the urban forest. Your passion and dedication to nature are inspiring!
Interested in becoming a Young Urban Forest Leader? Applications for the 2025 YUFL program are OPEN NOW until March 31st. To learn more, join our Virtual Information Session on Tuesday, March 18, at 6:30 pm (a recording will be provided to everyone who registers).
Natasha Jovanovic is the Education Coordinator at LEAF.
This blog is part of a series highlighting YUFL alumni. Read other blogs on the Young Urban Forest Leaders program. The Young Urban Forest Leaders Program is funded in part by the City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Grants and Incentives Program.