Toronto, ON – August 22, 2024 Over the last week, young people who care deeply about Toronto’s urban forest organized and delivered several public tree tours in Dorset Park, Scarborough and Spenvalley Park, North York. Both parks are located within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs) identified by the City of Toronto as equity-deserving areas that have been historically underserved. Nearly 75 community members attended the tours, where they learned about the importance of the urban forest and how to identify species within it. Free native shrubs were distributed to attendees to increase canopy cover and biodiversity in the surrounding area.
Youth who led the tours have been participating in a free, four-month training and mentorship program offered by local non-profit organization LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests). The Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) program supports Toronto youth, ages 18 to 29, by providing valuable skill-building experiences in arboriculture and urban forestry. Participant selection prioritizes groups that have been historically underrecognized in these sectors, including but not limited to women, non-binary people, Indigenous peoples, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and racialized individuals.
Since the program inception in 2015, a total of 155 youth have engaged 1700 community members in educational events and distributed over 2700 free native shrubs. Graduates of the program gain valuable skills and develop a sense of connection to the urban forest and the community. They learn about potential career paths and make connections to professionals working in the field. Many cite positive impacts on their professional journey and go on to pursue employment or further studies in the urban forest sector.
The YUFL program is funded in part by the City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Grants and Incentives Program. To learn more visit LEAF’s website or call 416-413-9244.
QUOTES
“Kudos to these passionate young people, who have immersed themselves in urban forest learning over the last four months. Their commitment is truly inspiring and I look forward to staying in touch as they chart their paths forward!”
- Brian Millward, Community Programs Manager, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests)
“We have been a proud supporter of the YUFL program for several years. Engaging diverse youth from across Toronto with meaningful training and mentorship opportunities in urban forestry contributes significantly towards the longevity and future of our urban forest. Best wishes to this year’s graduates!”
- Jennifer Gibb, Supervisor, Strategic Tree Planting Projects, City of Toronto
PARTNERS:
LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of the urban forest and engages citizens in urban forest stewardship through planting, education and training.
The City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Branch is home to one of the largest urban forestry programs in Canada. It is responsible for the management, growth and stewardship of Toronto's urban forest through maintenance, planting, protection and planning. Toronto's urban forest comprises more than 11.5 million trees and is valued at $7.04 billion.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF):
Natasha Jovanovic - Education Coordinator, LEAF
437-290-7826 | natasha@yourleaf.org
Justin Lewis – Marketing and Communications Lead
416-413-9244 | justin@yourleaf.org
City of Toronto
Media@toronto.ca