From nature hikes and gardening workshops to community clean-ups and forums on environmental issues, here are some of the upcoming events in Toronto for those who want to explore and preserve the natural world.
Are you planning your own event or know of something you think should be listed? Email toronto.guide@about.com or post the details in the About Toronto Forum.
Public Meeting for Lower Don Lands EA
Wednesday July 23, 6pm-9pm
Learn about the plan for Lower Don Lands thus far and share your own thoughts and ideas on the development. 6pm - 7pm is an open house, then 7pm - 9pm is a presentation and discussion.
• St. Lawrence Hall, 157 King Street East, Great Hall
• Visit the Waterfront Toronto website for details on the event and the project.
Mimico Waterfront Park Community Celebration
Monday July 28, 2:30pm
Phase 1 of the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Project is complete, and you're invited to the official opening ceremony. Enjoy food from the BBQ with others who love and care about the waterfront - or who just want in on the food.
• Mimico Waterfront Park, behind 2445 Lakeshore Blvd West
• Visit the event page on the Toronto and Region Conservation website for more event details
• Visit the Waterfront Toronto website for details on the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park project.
Mixed Greens Monthly Screenings - Broken Arrow
Thursday July 31, 6:45pm
The Planet in Focus environmental film festival presents these additional screenings throughout the year. Broken Arrow, Nuclear Accident in Palomares is a Spanish documentary (presented with English subtitles) about the effects of an accidental release of H-bombs over Spain. Tickets are Pay What You Can with a suggested donation of $7, and can only be purchased at the door.
• Gardiner Museum, 111 Queen's Park
• Visit the event page on the Planet in Focus website for more details.
EcoSavvy Festival
Saturday August 16, 11am-9pm
This free event invites people to learn about the green choices they can make as a consumer. Sustainable businesses will be on hand, as will speakers such as Candice Batista, host of the Rogers TV series A Greener Toronto.
• Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street
• Visit the Official EcoSavvy Festival website for more details.
High Park Volunteer Stewards - Himalayan Balsam Removal
Sunday August 17, 10:30am
The Volunteer Stewardship Program meets twice monthly to help care for the High Park environment. Organizers recommend bringing sunscreen and water, and that you "wear coverings on arms, legs and feet".
• High Park, meet in front of the Grenadier Cafe
• Visit the High Park Community Advisory Council website for more details.
Mixed Greens Monthly Screenings - The Prize of the Pole
Friday August 29, 6:45pm
The Planet in Focus environmental film festival presents these additional screenings throughout the year. The Prize of the Pole is a documentary from Sweden that looks at the cultural and personal impact of Robert Peary's 1909 quest to plant an American flag on the North Pole. Tickets are Pay What You Can with a suggested donation of $7, and can only be purchased at the door.
• Gardiner Museum, 111 Queen's Park
• Visit the event page on the Planet in Focus website for more details.
Community Environment Day hosted by Councillor Del Grande (Ward 39)
Saturday September 6, 10am-2pm
Bring old electronics and hazardous waste to be properly recycled and disposed of, and unwanted household items and art supplies suitable for school use to be donated. You can also purchase items like rain barrels and compost bins.
• Kidstown at L'Amoreaux Park, 3159 Birchmount Rd.
• Visit the City of Toronto's Community Environment Days website for full details of what to bring.
Community Environment Day hosted by Councillor Holyday and Councillor Milczyn (Wards 3 & 5)
Saturday September 6, 10am-2pm
Bring old electronics and hazardous waste to be properly recycled and disposed of, and unwanted household items and art supplies suitable for school use to be donated. You can also purchase items like rain barrels and compost bins.
• Toronto Hydro Building, Parking Lot, 2 Civic Centre Court
• Visit the City of Toronto's Community Environment Days website for full details of what to bring.
High Park Volunteer Stewards - Planting
Sunday September 7, 10:30am
The Volunteer Stewards meet twice monthly to care for the High Park environment. Organizers recommend bringing sunscreen and water, and that you "wear coverings on arms, legs and feet".
• High Park, meet in front of the Grenadier Cafe
• Visit the High Park Community Advisory Council website for more details.
