Spring Forest Care Club

Meeting: We meet at 10:00 AM each Saturday and Sunday morning.

Location: Downsview Park Volunteer Greenhouse - third greenhouse south of of 70 Canuck Avenue (Click here for the location on Google Maps)

Our Story

Before it became a park, this site was home to a military base. Since 2005, we’ve been working to transform former military roads and parking lots into a thriving urban forest.With the help of thousands of volunteers, we’ve planted native trees, restored soil,and welcomed water back to the land— today an emerging forest is growing strong.Most of the trees here are less than 20 years old! We remove invasive plants and restore native ones to the area, growing a forest that thrives with blooming flowers, singing birds, and fluttering butterflies.We have a caring team of Park staff and volunteers who steward the forest, but we are looking for additional helping hands to bring more life to our emerging forest. We meet atthe Volunteer Greenhouse, located on the south side of 70 Canuck Avenue.

Our Work

As our young forest grows, we have an opportunity to plant a greater diversity of shade-loving trees, shrubs, and flowers. At the same time, this diversity of life is being threatened by invasive plants like Garlic Mustard and Dog-Strangling Vine.

In September 2021, we began our Urban Forest Resilience Project, supported by TD Bank Group. After a great deal of work, we are delighted to share that significant portions of our forest have been freed from invasive species. Currently, our greatest need is helping hands to plant this forest space with native plants like Virginia Bluebells, Cherry Trees and May Apples, and to care for these plants as they spread their roots.

Downsview Park will be providing shovels and bags as needed. Our work is on and off pathways.

All ages are welcome at this program but please be aware some stewardship activities may involve sharp tools and working off paved pathways and may not be appropriate for all ages. All participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to Bring:

• closed toe shoes (required)

• sun protection

• water

• Long pants and shirt

Outdoor washrooms are available at Canuck Pavilion, in the parking lot of 70 Canuck Avenue.

Pets are not permitted at this program. Service animals are always welcome.

French language service is available upon request. Please let us know.

This education program is proudly supported by TD Bank Group.

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