(Monday, August 24, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
Toronto, ON – Over the past week, 20 passionate youth participating in the Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) program led public tree tours in Toronto’s Downsview Park and Scarborough’s Maidavale Park to share their knowledge of Toronto’s urban forest. Both parks are located in historically underserved neighbourhoods with low tree canopy cover. More than 60 community members attended the tours and learned about the value of a healthy urban forest and how to identify native tree and shrub species.
Tour attendees also had the opportunity to order free native shrubs to be planted at home. These shrubs will help enhance local biodiversity and support a healthier urban forest in surrounding neighbourhoods.
The youth leaders are participants in a free, four-month training and mentorship program offered by local non-profit LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests). The YUFL program supports Toronto residents aged 18 to 29 through hands-on learning and skill-building opportunities in urban forestry and community engagement. This program is open to all Toronto youth, at no cost to participants, with priority given to applicants from equity-deserving groups, including newcomers, gender-marginalized, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
Since 2015, over 200 YUFL participants have reached over 1,900 community members through educational events and helped distribute more than 3,100 free native shrubs. Program graduates gain valuable skills and build meaningful connections to both the urban forest and their communities. They also explore potential career paths and connect with professionals in the field. Many participants report a positive impact on their professional development and go on to pursue further education or employment in the urban forest sector.
The YUFL 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.
QUOTES
“Every year, I'm inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication our Young Urban Forest Leaders bring to this program. Seeing them share their knowledge and passion through these tree tours is a reminder of the important role young people play in building healthier, greener communities. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and future contributions.”
- Brian Millward, Senior Program Manager, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests)
“Empowering youth from across Toronto to be the Urban Forest Leaders of tomorrow helps to ensure the future of our urban forest. The Young Urban Forest Leaders program provides opportunity for diverse groups of youth to build their skills, gain real experience stewarding and championing the urban forest. We are proud to be able to support this work.”
-
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 urban forests. We envision vibrant communities where everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest. For over 30 years, we have been connecting people with trees through education, planting and stewardship.
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