Our fall Tree Tenders course begins on Tuesday. This four-session course will teach you all the basics of arboriculture, including tree identification, biology, and proper planting and care. There are still a few spots left, so register soon to snag one of them, and join us at the Toronto Botanical Garden!
On Saturday, we’ll be at RougeFest, a day-long festival about connecting, learning, and having a lot of fun in Canada's first urban National Park. We’ll spend lunchtime (from 11:30 - 1:30) in the Park talking to people about LEAF’s programs - so stop by for some lunch and chat with us!
Also on Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00pm, we’re leading the Stewardship in Action: Uncovering the Magic in Pomona Mills Park Tree Tour. Join us to explore exciting community initiatives in Pomona Mills Park. We’ll discuss local stewardship projects and their beneficial effects on the natural environment. Find out how you can use these creative partnerships as models to develop stronger social ties and improve the urban forest in your own neighbourhood.
We’ll finish up National Forest Week with two great events on Sunday. Our popular Heritage Tree Tour will explore the old, rare and otherwise significant trees around Queen’s Park and Philosopher’s Walk starting at 11:00 am. Some have as much heritage value as the historic buildings in the area. Tour leader and expert arborist Philip van Wassenaer has worked locally, nationally and internationally on assignments concerning urban forestry and the preservation of significant trees for over 20 years. His passion for conserving heritage trees is contagious!
We’ll also be participating in the Homegrown National Park Crawl, a community event to increase the profile of the city park system and the Homegrown National Park Project in Ward 19. Enjoy delicious food and great music as we crawl —by foot, bike and canoe — between four city parks along Toronto's former Garrison Creek corridor. Each park station along the way will host food booths, and an organization (like LEAF!) will distribute info and engage people in activities. Music will accompany! We’ll be in Christie Pits Park from 11am until 1pm, kicking off the event with restaurant Pizzeria Libretto and musical act Local 164 – join us!
Hope to see you at one of these events!