Conservation Volunteering Toronto

Garden Volunteering at Garden@Kimbourne

🌱 Community Garden Volunteering at Garden@Kimbourne An opportunity to come together to help in the garden where 50% of the produce/harvest goes to the food bank in Toronto's east end, at a time when more than 1 in 10 Torontonians now rely on food banks to get by. All are welcome: New and experienced gardeners. **You'll get to help with**: ✦ Watering, weeding, harvesting ✦ Pruning, sowing, transplanting ✦ Removing invasive species ✦ Mixing soil and compost ✦ Sign painting and light carpentry for raised beds You'll pick up permaculture basics along the way, and help grow food for people who need it. **We have three quick steps to join** 1. Register with Toronto Joy (one-time, a few minutes): name, emergency contact, and a quick agreement checkbox. Register here: [https://torontojoy.org/register/](https://torontojoy.org/register/) 2. Find this event on our Events page and click "Register." Event page: [https://torontojoy.org/event/garden-volunteering-at-gardenkimbourne/](https://torontojoy.org/event/garden-volunteering-at-gardenkimbourne/) 3. Fill out the short Garden Participation form on the event page, this is specific to Garden@Kimbourne. **We're looking for 5 to 10 people.** If you sign up, please do so with the intention of attending. **Good to know** ✦ Gloves and tools are provided ✦ Closed-toe shoes recommended, though it depends on the task ✦ Bring your own sunscreen and water ✦ Meeting point: side lawn of Kimbourne Park United, 200 Wolverleigh Blvd ✦ Parking: street parking Hope to see you there!

Survivalist Series: Introduction to Camp Skills

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-bushcraft)** **Behold the profound utility of plants!** Long before rope, tools, and construction materials came off a shelf, it came from the land: twisted from roots, stripped from bark, and spun from plant fiber. This one-day workshop introduces you to the concepts of bushcraft, how to source raw materials straight from the wild and how to make them into things you need to survive. You'll learn to see the forest differently and walk away with the skills (and a few finished pieces) to prove it. **You will learn:** * How to identify and ethically harvest plants * How to process these materials to create survival essentials * Basic structures and tools that can be easily built, to improve wilderness convenience and quality of life. * How to apply bushcraft concepts to meal preparation and cooking. * The principles of sustainable bushcraft: what to take, what to leave, and how to harvest without depleting the source **Who It's For**: Anyone looking to build on their outdoor skills with hands-on, practical craft. No prior experience required, though this pairs well with our Foraging workshop for those looking to round out their plant knowledge. **About this Series**: The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable and life-saving skills in the outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses on many other topics as they become available. **Highlights** **Plant Fiber Cordage:** Twist raw fiber into cordage strong enough to lash a shelter frame or hang a pack. And you will be able to bring some home! **Ethical Harvesting:** Learn to read a plant before you touch it, and how much you can take without setting the population back. **Expert Instruction:** Your amazing expert guide will teach you everything you need to know in a safe and approachable way. **Event cost: $80+HST (for explorer members) - $30 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-bushcraft)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Event equipment carry and set up volunteers

Need 3-5 volunteers depending on how many nets we will need Sign up here if you want to volunteer to help with equipment and set up in the morning. Volunteers will come early before the event start to help carry equipment and set up nets. Volunteers please arrive early at the assigned time and place. Meeting time will be up to an hour before the event start time. Volunteers will play for free and will get additional perks. Number of volunteers needed will depend on how many nets are required. Regular volunteers will get preference. **Please only sign up to volunteer if you are attending the event for sure.** Please answer the RSVP question and add yourself to the waiting list and I will add you if you’re needed as a volunteer and I will contact you to confirm with details. Once confirmed you will be added as a volunteer

Forks of the Credit Summertime Trek

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fforks-of-the-credit)** **Ten kilometers, one river, and about 300 metres of elevation gain packed into a single Caledon loop.** We start near Kettle Lake, a small glacial pond that gives this section of the park its name, and follow the Meadow Trail as it dips down toward the water before climbing back out through mixed forest. From there we pick up the Bruce Trail along an open ridge, where the ground flattens out and the Credit River valley opens up below. The second half of the loop is where the park earns its name. We drop down toward the ruins of a former hydro power station, its concrete foundations still standing next to the river, before a short detour to the viewing platform for Cataract Falls. It is not a thundering waterfall, but the setting, tucked into the escarpment with the old ruins for company, is worth the stop. The final stretch follows the river home, easy and flat, the escarpment behind you and the Credit River keeping you company the rest of the way. **Highlights** **Kettle Lake:** A glacial pond formed over 10,000 years ago, ringed by the lumpy, uneven ground left behind by melting ice. **Cataract Falls and the Ruins:** A quiet waterfall next to the crumbling remains of a 19th century power station. **Escarpment Ridge Views:** An open stretch of the Bruce Trail with sightlines down into the Credit River valley. **Event cost: $50+HST (for explorer members) - $40 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fforks-of-the-credit)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Bus Hike: Terra Cotta (New Hikers/Families Welcome)

New Hikers (but all are welcome) are invited to join me on a 10 km Introductory Level Bus Hike on the Toronto Section of the Bruce Trail around Terra Cotta less than an hour from Toronto. Expect some downhill/uphill and tree roots but nothing too rocky or challenging. We'll be following behind the hikers completing the club's annual two day E2E hike. There will be the option of a short out and back hike on the Walking Fern Side Trail at the end. After the hike we'll drive to Spirit Tree Estates Cidery that offers pizza and baked goods and a country store. Hopefully the weather cooperates so we can sit on the picnic tables outside. Optional dropout at 5 km. Hiking boots are recommended. Beginners and families welcome. \*\* Registration opens Sun Aug 30 at 8:00 PM. You must register and prepay the bus fare on the Bruce Trail Conservancy Website $25 Members/$32 Non-Member Children Under 10 $12/$14 (bus fares are non-refundable and the hike goes rain or shine) Registration link: [https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/bus-hike-terra-cotta-new-hikers-families-welcome/2026-09-12/](https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/bus-hike-terra-cotta-new-hikers-families-welcome/2026-09-12/)

Beach Volleyball All level Learn and Play

Join our WhatsApp group [https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7838OJWfkiAlMEyNffVfZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7838OJWfkiAlMEyNffVfZ) Welcome to beach volleyball All Level Learn and Play Event in Spanish Banks. If you never play before but want to, no worry, you can learn basic skills over here. All the equipment is prepared. This event is for come to meet new friends, improve your volleyball skill and build your team. **Only 20 spots** * People will **learn basic skills and rules from** **Our Host Anthony this week** in the first hour. * In the next hour, we will be divided into the different teams to play on the court. * People who just want to play can play directly. **Drop In $10.** **Flash Sale 2026 All summer Pass $69** May 17 2026 - Sep 6 2026 Sunday (No Events in Holiday or Raining) [https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto](https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto) **Book online only**, **you will receive details and contact information in your confirmation email**. Show your QR code to our host Yana to verify. Legal Stuff - Liabilities, Obligations, and Responsibilities * We are a group composed of volunteers. We are NOT a professional organization or pro trail guides and/or pro event organizers. However, as a group of friends and acquaintances, we will look out for each other. * The organizer and any/all assistant organizers and other attendees are in no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, before, during, and at any time after this event. By RSVPing "Yes", for this event, * You acknowledge that you fully understand and accept the aforementioned conditions and following event attendance conditions and, you are solely responsible for your health, safety, and well-being before, during, and at any time after the event as stated previously. All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event

Caves, Cliffs, and Crevices: The Duncan Caves Loop

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/duncan-caves)** **Join us as we head to the Duncan escarpment to explore some incredible ‘crevice’ or ‘fracture’ caves, created over thousands of years through a mixture of glacial movement, extreme temperatures and the raw force of gravity.** We start the hike through open farmland and meadow before the ground tilts up and we climb onto the escarpment itself. From there, most of the day is spent walking along the escarpment and through the forest that grows right up to the cliff edge and spill over its exposed rock. We will then descend into the caves, with some being over 30 metres deep. You will be scrambling in some places, working your way down and through one of the more unique pieces of trail anywhere in Ontario. From the caves, the trail climbs back along the escarpment edge through mature forest, with a stretch of cliff top that opens up into views out over the valley below. We drop back down and loop through the same mix of field and forest that opened the day. **Parking is extremely limited at the trailhead, so we recommend taking transport for this adventure.** ‍ **Accessibility** Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to [info@wildernessunion.com](mailto:info@wildernessunion.com) **Highlights** **The Crevice Caves:** A gorge over 30 metres deep, formed by rock shifting off the escarpment face. **Cliff Top Views:** A stretch of trail along the escarpment edge showing off open views over the valley. **Farmland to Forest:** Open farm fields give way straight into escarpment forest. **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members) - $40 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/duncan-caves)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Tommy Thompson Park afternoon stroll 😁

GO Train Hike - Unionville/Markham

he villages of Unionville & Markham are connected by the Rouge Valley Trail System following the Rouge River and running behind the historic buildings on Main Street Unionville, by Walden Pond in Austin Drive Park, through Milne Dam Conservation Area, and ending with a 143 metre long suspension bridge over the dam. We will walk into the village of Markham and finish with a short boardwalk trail through Tannery Pond which is close to the Markham GO Station. We begin the hike at Unionville GO Station hiking north to the historic Main Street and picking up the Rouge Valley Trail at Carlton Road. Return to Toronto or the starting point by GO Train or York Region Transit bus. Optional stop at the Rouge River Craft Brewery after the hike. Terrain is easy, mostly paved path/boardwalk with some dirt trails. On The Go Maps Link: [https://onthegomap.com/s/g5rhpj1s](https://onthegomap.com/s/g5rhpj1s) Bring lunch, water, snacks, hat. and insect repellant. Please register on the Bruce Trail Conservancy website at: [https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/go-train-hike-unionville-markham-rouge-river-trail-2/2026-09-13/](https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/go-train-hike-unionville-markham-rouge-river-trail-2/2026-09-13/)

Epic #5 - The Lavielle Loop

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-5)** ***Welcome to The Epics!*** ***Through this series, we will embark together on five of the most legendary and challenging adventures anywhere in Ontario.*** **History** Deep in the interior of Algonquin Park lies a chain of lakes that remains a bucket list trip for serious paddlers. The Lavieille Loop is a high-endurance expedition named after one of the most beautiful lakes in a park full of incredible scenery. This is a route of extremes: from the crystal-clear expanse of **Lake Lavieille** to the winding, moose-heavy waters of the **Crow River**, culminating in the legendary 5.5km **Dickson-Bonfield portage**, this is a true test of grit. This expedition is inspired by the Meanest Link, a legendary challenge created by our friends and partners at Algonquin Outfitters. Designed by Alex Hurley and Gord Baker as a tribute to AO’s founder, Bill Swift Sr., the Link was built to push the limits of exploration and self-reliance. While our loop covers a specific, scenic section of this historic network, we’ve designed this Epic to channel that same spirit of adventure and respect for the park’s heritage. Learn more about the history and the original route of the Meanest Link on the [Algonquin Outfitters website](https://algonquinoutfitters.com/about/meanest-link-history/). ‍ **What You Need to Know** This journey is a true ode to Algonquin Park. We’ve carved out a nearly 100km route, taking us from the massive waters of Lake Opeongo, along the winding Crow River, and into the remote reaches of Lake Lavieille before heading back down to Opeongo. By doing this in early September, we catch the park at its absolute best: the bugs are gone, the weather is beautiful, and the wildlife is active along the riverbanks. Awaiting us in the second half of our journey is the notorious Dickson-Bonfield portage. At over 5km,this is the longest single portage in Algonquin Park. It’s relatively flat but a huge challenge and, once you set your canoe down at Bonfield Lake, you’ll have earned your place among the most dedicated paddlers in the province. This trip requires a high level of fitness and a genuine willingness to embrace the challenge of a 5km trek with a canoe on your shoulders. For those willing to take on the challenge, this offers the most rewarding sense of accomplishment you can find on the water. **What's Included:** * *2 expert guides with advanced wilderness skills and medical training* * *Rentals for lightweight canoes, PFDs and paddles* * *All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits* * *All safety equipment (including first aid kits and water purification)* * *Tents and all the camping equipment you'll need (sleeping bags and pads are available for rent)* * *All permits and campsite bookings for the whole trip* * *A preparatory information session* * *Detailed trip plan with packing lists, maps and the indigenous history of the route we're following* * *Extensive planning to ensure your safety throughout the adventure* * *A custom, iron-on patch to immortalize your unforgettable adventure* ***Epics are mentally and physically demanding adventures, and participation isn’t automatically guaranteed. These expeditions require skill, determination and teamwork to get through.*** ***To help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all, anyone who has not previously completed an Epic will need to fill out a short questionnaire so we can assess readiness together.*** ***Your level of fitness and outdoors experience will play a role in this process. Having certain adventures under your belt will ensure you have the right skills and preparation for these kinds of experiences. These include:*** * ***Any Wilder Series adventure, including the upcoming Wilder Loop*** * ***Any Survivalist Series adventure, including Introduction to Navigation or Cold Exposure*** * ***Canoe Foundations Clinic*** * ***Hilton Falls Mega*** * ***Any other adventure with 4 or 5 star difficulty*** ***If you register for an Epic and are not approved, you will receive a refund in full.*** **Highlights** **An Epic Challenge -** Our longest and most ambitious epic will be the ultimate reward. **Dickson-Bonfield Portage -** The legendary portage spans 5.4km and is the longest single carry in the park. ‍**Secret Lake Sanctuaries** \- True crown jewels of the Algonquin interior\, there are no easy routes to the lakes we will be seeing\, which keep them incredibly quiet and pristine\. **Event cost: $1185+HST. $50 optional transport also available. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/epic-5)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Scarborough Bluffs: Guild Park - South Marine Drive Park and back

This is a Photography hike in that we will take pictures at Guild Park and on the shore towards South Marine Drive Park You can view the history of the Guild Inn here: http://guildinnestate.com/guild-inn-history/ Distance: 8-10k hike Hiking Pace: slow to medium, take lots of pictures Elevation: +600' No Dogs Allowed (rules of Guild Inn) The Guild Inn Estate 201 Guildwood Pkwy · Scarborough, ON There are plenty of parking spots at Guild Park and Gardens. We'll meet in the first parking lot south of Guildwood Pkwy. In case you are lost, please call my cell: 647-949-6912 **Important Reminder:** By participating in this hike, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the Liability Waiver and Acknowledgement of Risk. If you have not done so, we kindly request that you refrain from participating in this event. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to an enjoyable and safe adventure! • Dress for the weather! Prepare for the weather and wear suitable gear for the trail. • Ice cleats are mandatory! • Arrive on time! Please be punctual, as the group will leave on time. • Know your limits! Choose the hike that match your fitness level. After the event we may stop for a hot coffee or tea.

Wednesday Pack Party

Every Wednesday at 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m., Not Just Tourists gathers in Roncesvalles United Church to sort and bag medical supplies to be used in the preparation of suitcases for tourists! If you're looking to give back, connect with others in the community looking to make a difference and to have a good time doing it, we are welcoming to any and all. 214 Wright Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2L6 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/tSt6yNexDw4ymTNc6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/tSt6yNexDw4ymTNc6)