Toronto Nature Stewards sought to help protect East Toronto parks from invasive plant species this spring

By KAT BERGERON

Residents are invited to learn about and protect native biodiversity in local parks and ravines this spring by volunteering with the Toronto Nature Stewards (TNS).

The organization begins its sixth season of volunteer stewarding in 55 Toronto’s parks and ravines. The goal is to educate and support ecological restoration in the community by removing invasive plant species and planting native species that support native biodiversity.

The six Toronto Nature Stewards sites being looked after in East Toronto are Ashbridges Bay Park, Glen Stewart Park, Taylor Creek Park, Cherry Beach, Tommy Thompson Park and Northline (lower Charles Sauriol Park).

Since 2021, when the program began with 150 stewards at nine parks, it has grown to more than 2,100 stewards supporting 55 parks.

In agreement with the City of Toronto, TNS works out of select natural areas to protect native biodiversity in their designated area. In five years, stewards have removed more than 10,000 large bags of invasive plants such as garlic mustard and dog strangling vine, and planting more than 8,300 native plants.

Stewards also tend the new plants and pick up litter, meeting weekly to maintain progress in the green spaces they look after. The stewarding season begins in April at some parks, while continuing through to December in others. Stewards must be registered, as they will be trained to recognize invasive species and on best practices in the field.

Volunteer hours are available, and volunteers must be over 16 years of age to volunteer without a parent or guardian.

For more information on how to register and volunteer as a Toronto Nature Steward, please go to https://torontonaturestewards.org/get-involved/

Please see the invitation below by the Toronto Nature Stewards: