Space is limited, so please RSVP if you would like to attend a tour.
DANFORTH EAST TREE TOUR
May 25 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
MEET AT: Woodbine subway station
This tour, led by arborist Todd Irvine and local activist Mary Margaret McMahon, will explore the charming eco-friendly Danforth East neighbourhood. Admire the massive canopies of the many historic white and red oaks that spread over the quaint homes below and discover why they are so prominent in this area. Hidden among the predominating oaks we will also find other interesting native tree species. As we meander the shady streets south of the Danforth, we will learn of the challenges facing the urban forest and how local tree planting and conservation initiatives are re-invigorating the entire neighbourhood. From greening projects on TTC property to motivating local businesses to care for street trees, this community has a shared vision of a greener future.
COLONEL SAMUEL SMITH PARK TREE TOUR
May 31 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
MEET AT: Assembly Hall at 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive (Kipling and Lakeshore)
Stroll the grounds of the former Mimico Lunatic Asylum (now Humber College) as local historian Paul Chomik vividly recounts stories of the area’s rich history. Visit a century-old apple orchard once tended by patients of the asylum as part of their restorative therapy. Meander through protected wetlands that are home to beaver and migrating songbirds and be enveloped in the peaceful calm of a grove of black walnut trees. As we make our way through the lakeshore grounds, along the waterfront, and into the surrounding residential area, learn about the efforts of local community groups to maintain the natural wonder of the park and improve the struggling street trees along busy Lakeshore Boulevard.
MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY TREE TOUR
June 7 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
MEET AT: Yonge Street Gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery (just north of St. Clair).
Tree enthusiasts do not want to miss this spectacular "Arboretum in the City". From giant copper beeches to gnarly Camperdown elm, come and learn about these trees from the mastermind himself, Jack Radecki.
CEDARVALE PARK TREE TOUR (at the Strawberries and Asparagus Festival)
June 14 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
MEET AT: Cedarvale Park at the Children's Garden next to the tennis courts (Eglinton Ave West and Bathurst area).
With its steep hills edged with remnant oaks and a long-buried Castle Frank Brook, Cedarvale Park is now undergoing some renaturalization efforts. We will meander through the ravine and into the surrounding neighbourhood to examine the influence of encroaching invasive exotic trees on the ravine.
BAIN CO-OPERATIVE TREE TOUR
June 15 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
MEET AT: Chester subway station (Danforth and Logan)
While exploring this "village within a city", it's easy to feel as though you have stepped back in time. The tour will highlight the efforts of many committed co-op members who have transformed their community into a vibrant shared space.
ROUGE PARK TREE TOUR
June 21 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
MEET AT: Pierce House at 1759 Meadowvale Rd., Scarborough.
In the wilds of Rouge Park, the northern forest meets the southern forest. This mingling of the two forest systems creates an unparalleled diversity of plants where 90% of all Ontario tree species can be found. As we hike through this natural gem, you may even forget that you are still in the city.
DOWNSVIEW TREE TOUR with Lost Rivers
July 20 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
MEET AT: Southeast corner of Sheppard and Keele
Learn about the restoration efforts going on in this 644-acre federally-owned park and visit a remnant woodlot that has been adopted by the remaining Air Force officers who live on site.
Space is limited, so please RSVP if you would like to attend a tour.
Funding for the program is generously provided by:
