Conservation Volunteering Toronto

Fall Migration Birding in Toronto

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fall-birding-26)** **Toronto has some hidden natural gems, and October is when it puts on its best show.** Join our guide Pedro Hernandez of[ Outdoor Commute](https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.commute/) for a beginner-friendly birdwatching walk through the unique Tommy Thompson Park. You do not need to know a warbler from a wren, but you probably will when the day is done. This walk is built for people who are simply curious about the birds sharing our skyline. We’ll move slowly and stop often, learning how to identify species by shape, colour, and call, how to actually use a pair of binoculars (yours to borrow for the day), and how to make sense of field guides and birding apps you can keep using long after the trip ends. October is peak Fall migration in the city, with so many different birds to spot. Depending on conditions, we might spot warblers, sparrows, and thrushes moving through, along with waterfowl like northern shovelers and gadwalls resting on the water. Year-round residents including red-tailed hawks, black-capped chickadees, and northern cardinals tend to make an appearance too. **Please note that binoculars are included in the cost of the adventure and that, due to the Toronto location, transportation is not offered.** **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 **Highlights** **Fall Migration:** October is one of the best windows of the year to bird at the Spit, with local species and southbound migrants both moving through the park at once. **Professional Birder:** Pedro founded the popular birding account[ Outdoor Commute](https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.commute/) and brings a genuine, patient teaching style **Binoculars Included:** Every participant gets a pair of high-quality NOCS binoculars for the walk **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members). Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fall-birding-26)** **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/)***

Volunteer Day: Help Sort & Pack Food for Homeless Support & Community Programs

Join us this Saturday to make a real difference in our local community! We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help sort and pack food donations for our homeless outreach program and families in need across North Etobicoke. Whether you can give an hour or stay for the entire afternoon, your time directly helps ensure fresh, nutritious food reaches those who need it most. What to Expect 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM | Arrival & Orientation We start with a quick 15-minute overview of our operations, safety guidelines, and tasks for the day. 12:45 PM – 3:30 PM | Sorting, Packing & Hampers Volunteers will help sort perishable and non-perishable food items, pack food hampers, and assist with general food bank activities. Flexible Commitment: Volunteers are welcome to stay for a minimum of 1 hour or hang out and help until 3:30 PM (or up until we close at 4:00 PM!). What to Bring / Wear Clothing: Comfortable, seasonal clothing Footwear: Closed-toe shoes (sneakers or work boots) are required for safety in the warehouse. Bring your energy and readiness to team up with awesome fellow volunteers! Getting Here & Parking Address: 31 Steinway Blvd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 6N3 Entrance: Please head to the side entrance of the building upon arrival. Parking is available on-site. How to Join RSVP right here on Meetup so we know how many volunteers to expect. If you have any questions before attending, feel free to drop a message in the discussion section or reach out directly. We look forward to seeing you there!

Hiking 101 Workshop at Evergreen Brick Works

**New to hiking or looking to refresh the basics? Join the Toronto Bruce Trail Club for Hiking 101, an approachable, interactive primer designed to get you comfortable and trail-ready.** **What You’ll Learn**  **Essential Gear:** What to pack for a safe, comfortable, and self-sufficient day on the trails.  **Winter Hiking:** Practical tips and clothing layering strategies to safely extend your hiking season through the winter.  **Conservation & Biodiversity:** How the Toronto Bruce Trail Club works to protect and restore sensitive ecosystems along the Niagara Escarpment.  **Year-Round Outings:** How to join our full schedule of urban walks, car pool hikes, bus day trips, and winter ski and snowshoe coach excursions.  **Q&A:** Dedicated time with experienced hike leaders to answer your questions. Please register at: [https://torontobrucetrailclub.org/sign-up-for-hiking-101-at-evergreen-brick-works/](https://torontobrucetrailclub.org/sign-up-for-hiking-101-at-evergreen-brick-works/) Please email tbtchikeleaders@gmail.com if you have any questions about the workshop. There will be two morning introductory hikes finishing in time for the Hiking 101 Workshop and we will be in the Farmer's Market in the morning providing information on the Bruce Trail and our hiking program. If you would like to join us for one of two morning introductory hikes before the Hiking 101 Workshop you may select one at the bottom of the above registration.

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

Now For Something Arty!

**Meetup: St. Mathews Clubhouse; 450 Broadview Ave.** So while we have a day event on the 27th, if you have an arty side, continue your day by joining me at St. Mathew's Clubhouse for an arty experience. While many of you know I am a writer by trade, I am also a painter. I'm just an arty girl! I have put together an Art Collective with 6 artists along with myself to showcase and of course sell our work but also enjoy Art, Wine & Inspiration — Come Create With Us! 🍷 Join us for a free collective art show celebrating creativity, connection and the joy of making art. And why just look at art when you can explore your own creativity too? Come discover what inspires you, try something new, and let your imagination wander. ✨ Art to explore. 🍷 Wine to enjoy; nibbles to share. 🥂 Hear from the.artists! 🎨 Creativity to discover. 💫 And best of all — it’s FREE

Volunteer Photographers Needed for Women’s Health Event.

Volunteer Photographers Needed for Women’s Health Event.

Barbecue and Hike through Tommy Thompson Park.

Location: Meet at the entrance of Tommy Thompson Park -Leslie Street Spit **It's time to have some fun!** What better way to celebrate the end of Summer with a barbecue by the lake. Join us for burgers and drinks **under the tents** and on the water at Ashbridges Bay for burgers and drinks! ($10. For a burger and drink.) Please etransfer $10 to boots4hikingthesix@gmail.com and add your preference for meat or veggie burger in the comment. Etransfers are required by Wednesday, Sept 23rd After a 8km hike (with some fun things happening along the way) at Tommy Thompson Park we will head to Ashbridges Bay for burgers- veggie and meat. Feel free to bring alcoholic beverages, and board games - We will have a beach ball. Tommy Thompson Park is a man-made urban wilderness and wildlife sanctuary built on the Leslie Street Spit, stretching 5 kilometers to Lake Ontario. Managed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, this unique park offers a peaceful escape from the city with a mix of wetlands, meadows, and trails. A unique place near downtown Toronto to experience nature, and *one of the best places for bird-watching in the city*, with more than 300 recorded species!

Bus Hike: Limehouse (Bruce Trail Day)

oin us to celebrate Bruce Trail Day on the trail around Limehouse. For the first 5 km we will hike south from the Sixth Line to Limehouse. The route incorporates the portion of trail removed from the Fifth Line thanks to those who support the Bruce Trail. We'll also pass the seed orchard where native species are grown for the seeds to be replanted to re-naturalize other parts of the trail. Those who want a shorter hike may drop out at Limehouse where information and refreshments will be available at the Memorial Hall. The second part of the hike will be a loop through the Limehouse Conservation area featuring the limestone kilns, stone arched bridge, and a climb through the "hole in the wall". Expect some slightly rocky terrain underfoot and a few moderate hills. Hiking boots or good shoes designed for walking are a must. Those completing the full 9 km will also have a chance to drop in at the Memorial Hall to learn more about the Bruce Trail and refreshments. You must register and prepay the bus fare on the Bruce Trail Conservancy Website (registration opens Sat Sep 20 8:00 PM (Bus Fares $25 Members/$32 Non-Members (Children under 12 $10/$14). Bus fares are non-refundable and the hike goes rain or shine. Registration Link: [https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/bus-hike-bruce-trail-day-limehouse/2026-10-04/](https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/bus-hike-bruce-trail-day-limehouse/2026-10-04/)

Sauble Falls Camping

Come join us for a 3-day camping getaway at Sauble Falls Provincial Park. This meetup is for anyone who wants a fun, relaxed outdoor weekend with a little adventure and a little fresh-air therapy. Plan for the weekend: Saturday: Arrive, set up camp, and enjoy kayaking/canoeing Sunday: Hiking day and time to explore the falls and trails Monday: Slow morning, pack up, and head home Important details: Electric campsites Everyone brings their own food, drinks, and camping gear Great for people who enjoy camping, nature, and easygoing group vibes Water activities and hiking are part of the plan, so bring clothes and shoes for both What to bring: Tent or camping setup Sleeping bag and pillow Food and snacks for the weekend Water bottle Warm clothes for the evening Hiking shoes Clothes for kayaking/canoeing Flashlight or lantern Toiletries and personal items

Don Valley Ravine Hike Oct. Autumn Leaves

The Wilderness Brothers (Sudbury)

Contact Alex for location and information.