Community Stewardship Program - City of Toronto Urban Forestry
Source: My personal notes from orientation session with Community Stewardship Program – City of Toronto on 2025-04-16
Natural Environment of Toronto
Section titled “Natural Environment of Toronto”- Ravines, parkland, environmentally significant areas
- In past, Hurricane Hazel’s flooding changed Toronto’s policy on develop
Benefits of natural environment include:
- Improve air, soil, water quality
- Reduce effects of climate (storm, erosion), Mitigate climate change
- Provide habitat
- People: Quality of life, health, shade, aesthetic value, recreation and education
- Economy: property value, tourism, reduce costs from climate, positive consumer value
Urban Forestry goals:
- Protect
- Biodiversity
- Equitable distribution
- Promote stewardship
- Invest
- Partner
Challenges:
- Climate change
- Recreation
- Equity, Accessibility
- Population growth, development
- Forest health threats like invasive species
- Management of invasive management like forestry staff, contractors, conservation authority, volunteers
About Community Stewardship Program (CSP)
Section titled “About Community Stewardship Program (CSP)”- Run since 2000s to connect community with ravines and parks
- Experienced volunteer leads
- Invasive species management
- Planting
- Maintenance
- Research partnerships
- Monitoring
- Education sessions
Logistics - Health, Safety, Conduct
Section titled “Logistics - Health, Safety, Conduct”- Be aware of hazards (weather, heat/cold, insects, plants like poison ivy)
- Wear personal protective equipment (gloves, wear long sleeve/pants, sunscreen)
- Emergencies
- First aid
- Cancellations due to hazards, weather and will be communicated
- Respect to others and environment, respect wildlife, stay on trails and work areas
- Season: Spring to Summer
- Register, sign up for sessions
Expectations
Section titled “Expectations”- Meet every or 2 times / week
- Led by staff and team leaders
- Sites will have orientation and logistics information and online orientation
- Session specific communications, newsletters, city staff contacts
See Also
Section titled “See Also”Community Stewardship Program - City of Toronto Urban Forestry Personal Journal - Community Stewardship Program - City of Toronto Urban Forestry Personal Journal