• Design and create complex ecological restoration projects.  These projects are prioritized according to their ecological importance and impact.
• Encourage community engagement and environmental awareness of the importance of the City's parks system through  stewardship, education and recreation opportunities.
• Build partnerships with environmental and community groups, other government departments and agencies as well as the private sector, to support and assist in the delivery of these programs.

Restoration and protection programs take place City-wide in parklands along ravines and along Lake Ontario's waterfront. These areas have been identified as places that require restoration as a result of natural effects, former recreational use as well as for areas that are healthy but need to be protected for the enjoyment of generations to come.

Large-scale Restoration Projects

These are long-term projects that are aimed to improve vital ecological sites within each of Toronto's six major watersheds*: Etobicoke Creek, Mimico Creek, Humber River, Don River, Rouge River and Highland Creek and along the Lake Ontario waterfront.  These projects often involve multiple partners including other government departments and agencies, local environmental and community groups, the private sector, and the general public.

* A watershed is an area of land where rain and melted snow flow from the highest point of land into rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands below.

Planting Projects

These projects involve one-time plantings of native trees, shrubs, and other plants at sites which don't need extensive restoration efforts but can still benefit from ecological improvements.  These planting activities aim to: extend a forest's edge, increase plant diversity in existing wetlands and meadows, or create small naturalized areas or natural buffers in local parks. For more information on how to get involved, email greentoronto@toronto.ca, or call 3-1-1.

Community Stewardship Program

Groups and individuals are actively involved in on going monitoring and maintenance activities at important ecological sites.  Dedicated volunteers take part in activities ranging from basic maintenance to more complex monitoring of the area. Whether weeding out invasive plant species, collecting litter, planting native vegetation, creating habitat structures, monitoring water levels and chemistry as well as the health of vegetation and wildlife, their efforts are invaluable. Groups and individuals involved in the Community Stewardship Program play an important role in helping these valuable sites become healthy and functional ecosystems that Torontonians can continue to enjoy well into the future. For more information on how to get involved, email greentoronto@toronto.ca, or call 3-1-1.

Natural Environment Trails

The City of Toronto has a vast and growing network of natural-surface multi-use trails within its parks and ravines.  These trails are well-used and highly-valued by hikers, joggers, dog walkers, and mountain bikers.  As part of the Natural Environment Trails Program, trail users, members of the local community and stakeholders work along with City staff to help ensure the protection of natural areas while continuing to provide safe recreational opportunities and improved access for all trail users. 

View 2012 Spring Community Volunteer Events
(PDF)

Learn about the Community
Stewardship Program
(PDF)

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