Summer Forest Care Club

Spend your weekend morning outdoors and give back to the local ecosystem with the Summer Forest Care Club at Downsview Park. Long before it became one of North York's premier green spaces, the site served as a military base; since 2005, a massive community effort has been underway to transform old asphalt and parking lots into a thriving, biodiverse urban forest.

Meeting at the Volunteer Greenhouse south of 70 Canuck Avenue, participants work alongside park staff to tackle invasive species like garlic mustard and dog-strangling vine, while planting native species like cherry trees, Virginia Bluebells, and may apples. It's a hands-on way to learn about urban conservation and watch a young, 20-year-old forest mature.

All tools and bags are provided by Downsview Park. Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and bring sun protection and water. Sessions run every Saturday and Sunday morning through the summer. All ages are welcome, though participants under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.