Applications for the 2026 YRL program are now closed
You may sign up to receive an email notification when applications open for the 2027 program.
Watch a recording of the 2026 Virtual Information Session that was held on August 19, 2026.
Training Tomorrow's Ravine Leaders
The Young Ravine Leaders (YRL) program is a free, six-part, educational and training program designed to provide an in-depth overview of Toronto’s ravines, community stewardship and career development to youth (ages 18 to 29) who are exploring opportunities in the environmental field.
Our expert speakers will provide engaging virtual sessions that will empower participants with the knowledge and skills to enhance Toronto’s ravines and urban forest. Independent and in-person group activities are planned to give participants the opportunity to strengthen their learning experience.
The program is designed to be accessible to all educational backgrounds. Participants are not required to have any experience within the environmental field to apply.
This program is open to all Toronto youth, at no cost to participants, with priority given to applicants from equity-deserving groups, including (but not limited to) newcomers, gender-marginalized, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
The Young Ravine Leaders Program is funded by the City of Toronto through the Ravine Strategy.
Become A Young Ravine Leader
Become a Young Ravine Leader!
This program aims to empower the next group of ravine advocates in the City of Toronto! The goal of the program is to provide a valuable learning experience in the fields of ravine ecology, urban forestry and environmental stewardship.
Benefits to Participants:
- Explore various volunteer opportunities and career paths in ravine ecology, urban forestry and environmental stewardship
- Meet and network with industry professionals
- Gain knowledge and training from industry experts on ravine ecology, urban forestry and environmental stewardship
- Build meaningful connections with like-minded young people and explore networking opportunities
- Solidify online learnings through independent or in-person, group activities
Applicant Criteria
Applicants Must:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 29
- Be a resident of the City of Toronto
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Be able to commit to workshop sessions in the fall
- Tuesday, September 22, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)
- Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (In-Person at the Don Valley Brick Works)
- Tuesday, September 29, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)
- Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)
- Tuesday, October 13, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)
- Tuesday, October 20, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (In-Person - Location TBD - will be TTC accessible)
- Have an interest in ravines, urban forestry and/or environmental stewardship
- This program is open to all Toronto youth, at no cost to participants, with priority given to applicants from equity-deserving groups, including (but not limited to) newcomers, gender-marginalized, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
Applications for the 2026 YRL program are open!
Apply by Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Learn more about the program by signing up for the Young Ravine Leaders (Virtual Information Session) on Wednesday, August 19, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A recording of the info session will be provided to everyone who registers.
The Young Ravine Leaders Program is funded by the City of Toronto through the Ravine Strategy.
LEAF adopts and upholds the City of Toronto’s policy statement, which prohibits discrimination and harassment and protects the right to be free of hate activity, based on age, ancestry, citizenship, creed (religion), colour, disability, ethnic origin, family status, gender identity, level of literacy, marital status, place of origin, membership in a union or staff association, political affiliation, race, receipt of public assistance, record of offences, sex, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristics by or within the organization.