Conservation Volunteering Toronto

Spring Migration at Cootes Paradise: A Birding Workshop

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/spring-birdwatching-26-2)** **Spend the day exploring one of Ontario's most incredible birding destinations on the western cusp of Lake Ontario.** Our birding workshops are built around a simple idea: different locations reveal different birds, different habitats, and different nature experiences Next up is Cootes Paradise in Hamilton: one of Canada's premier birding destinations and a very different landscape from our last outing at Tommy Thompson. If you missed our Toronto workshop, this is a great place to start. If you were there, you already know why it's worth coming back. Cootes Paradise is a sprawling 250-hectare wetlands conservation area at the head of Hamilton Harbour. It is officially recognized as a globally Important Bird Area and one of the most significant bird habitats in southern Ontario. The marsh, surrounding mudflats and adjacent Carolinian forest support an incredible diversity of species, especially during spring migration when waterfowl, waders and songbirds pour through the area in huge numbers. Whether you’re completely new to birding or looking to discover a new local hotspot, this workshop is a perfect starting point. Enjoy a relaxing, guided birdwatching walk through this stunning area with our expert birder, Pedro. Along the way, you’ll learn how to identify local and migratory birds and use binoculars confidently, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of the natural world. Take time to slow down, listen, and connect with nature as you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this unique ecosystem, leaving with new skills, fresh perspective, and a renewed sense of calm. **Please note that binoculars are included in the cost of the adventure.** **Highlights** **Wetland Migration Hotspot –** Cootes Paradise is a designated Important Bird Area and one of the richest marsh habitats on the Great Lakes, drawing thousands of birds during spring migration. **Professional Birder -** Learn from Pedro Hernandez, founder of the popular Instagram account Outdoor Commute **Binoculars Included –** Each participant gets to use a pair of high-quality NOCS binoculars for the day. **Event cost: $65+HST - $30 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/spring-birdwatching-26-2)** **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

Survivalist Series: Introduction to Foraging

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-foraging)** **Knowing how to safely and sustainably forage is one of the oldest skills there is, and one that's been largely lost in modern life.** This one-day workshop will reconnect you with the wild plants growing all around us. You'll learn how to spot, identify and confidently harvest a range of common edibles, alongside developing the kind of attentive eye that turns every walk in the woods into something richer. You will learn: * How to identify Ontario's most common wild edibles by their leaves, flowers, roots and seasonal cycles * How to tell edible plants apart from their toxic lookalikes * Where to look for different types of edibles * The principles of ethical and sustainable foraging **Who It's For:** Anyone curious about the food growing right under our feet. No prior foraging experience required. For those with some background, this is a great chance to fill in gaps and build confidence with new species. **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. ***NB: Foraging comes with its own set of risks. For the purposes of this class, we do not condone the consumption of any wild edibles.*** **Highlights** **Expert Instruction –** Our amazing expert guide will teach you everything you need to know in a safe and approachable way. **Wild Edibles Library –** Build a working knowledge of the most common wild plants in our region, along with the lookalikes you'll want to avoid. **Sustainable Harvesting –** Learn the rules of ethical foraging so you can take only what you need without harming the ecosystems you're walking through. **Event cost: $80+HST (for explorer members) - $40 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-foraging)** **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/)***

Volleyball Foundations 3 — Build Skills & Confidence | May 24-June 21 (15+)

**Volleyball Foundations 3 — Connect Your Skills & Play with Confidence (15+)** Ready to move beyond isolated skills and start playing with flow and purpose? Volleyball Foundations 3 is designed for players who are ready to connect their techniques and develop real game awareness in a team setting. In this progressive clinic, you’ll focus on integrating your skills into live, rally-based play: • **Reading the Ball:** Anticipate trajectory and react earlier to stay one step ahead • **Defense:** Improve footwork, positioning, and overall court coverage • **Attacking:** Learn the 3-step approach and develop controlled, effective hits over the net You’ll also begin to understand the rhythm of the game through continuous play. Sessions emphasize “wash drills” and extended rallies, helping you stay engaged, make decisions under pressure, and build confidence during longer points. Players will be introduced to the **6-Up defensive system** and develop strong on-court communication skills to navigate fast-paced, unpredictable situations. *** **Who This Clinic Is For:** • Players who have completed Volleyball Foundations 2 or have a strong base in passing, setting, and serving • Players ready to develop game awareness, teamwork, and rally consistency • Athletes looking to feel more confident playing in game-speed environments *** **Location:** Miles Nadal JCC — 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through Spadina doors) **Format:** Group instruction led by an experienced, supportive coach **Registration Required in Advance** RSVP’ing on Meetup does not reserve your spot. [Register here](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=yQ90BGe) ☎️ Or call 416-924-6211 ext. 0 *** **Early Bird Discount:** Register by April 26 at 10 PM to receive **10% off** sessional registration. *** **Why Join?** • Learn to connect skills into fluid, game-like play • Improve decision-making, timing, and court awareness • Build confidence in rallies through continuous, high-energy gameplay • Develop communication and teamwork within a structured system Take the next step toward real gameplay—where skills come together, rallies get longer, and confidence truly starts to show.

Another Opportunity to Learn New Skills - Trekker Training

**Meet up Point:** Algonquin Park - Maggie Lake Entrance **Two Days...sat and sun** **Fee for Trekking Training: $99.** Because it was so much fun, we are offering Trekker Training again in June! We want you (and all our members) out Trekking. Don't give up your Sunday hikes, but hey it's time to up your hiking game! Which is why we are offering skills training for future trekkers so they can join in on trekking adventures outside of Ontario. There is a lot to learn to prepare for a multi day trekk, and we want you to be prepared. It is not just knowing what equipment to buy, how much to carry, tent set up, it's also food prep, attitude, and emergency skills and so much more! So, in order for you to ensure you have a safe and the very BEST trekking experience we are offering an overnight training experience. **Experienced Boots Trekkers feel free to hop in and show them how it's done!** We will cover in one weekend - * your weighted pack * pack pacing * water filtering * trail etiquette * safety * equipment must haves * first aid * atittude adjustment * fire starting * navigation * ...and more

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 Yana** in the first hour. * In the next hour, we will be divided into the different teams to play on the court. * People who purchase the summer pass will be put into the same team, play with your same team players and build your team. **Drop In $10** **Flash Sale 2026 All summer Pass $69** and May 17 2026 - Sep 6 2026 Sunday (No Events in Holiday or Raining) [https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto&RAP1VF](https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto&RAP1VF) **Book online only**, you will receive details and contact information in your confirmation email. Show your QR code to our host Natalie 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

Roaming Niagara’s Hidden Hills

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/niagara-hills)** ***Just under two hours from the city, Short Hills Provincial Park offers a peaceful day in one of Ontario's most unique landscapes.*** We're heading down to the heart of Niagara right before the turn of summer for a relaxed hike through a beautiful, yet little-known provincial park. You can expect quiet trails, a surprising waterfall and a forest ecosystem that doesn't exist anywhere else in the country. The route winds across glacial ridges and through stands of mature hardwood trees before opening out at the lookout over Swayze Falls. Along the way, the trail traces the headwaters of Twelve Mile Creek, with small footbridges, mossy banks and a real sense of being deep in the woods despite being so close to St. Catharines. This is the southernmost band of forest in Canada, known as the Carolinian zone, and it's home to plants and animals that thrive nowhere else in the province. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer along the trail, owls roosting in the canopy and stunning wild flowers. It's a slower-paced, contemplative kind of day. Perfect for trading city noise for birdsongs and getting reacquainted with the last days of spring before the busier summer trips kick in. Please note that the waterfall is seasonal, so while the views remain stunning, the water flow may be limited. **Highlights** **Hidden Niagara Gem** – Skip the crowds at the better-known parks nearby and enjoy quiet trails far from the beaten path. **Carolinian Forest** – Walk through one of Canada's rarest forest ecosystems, with tulip trees, shagbark hickories and other species you won't find this far north anywhere else. **Swayze Falls** – Reach the lookout above the park's signature falls, which tumbles into a steep, fern-lined ravine carved by glacial meltwater. **Event cost: $50+HST - $30 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/niagara-hills)** **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/)***

Intro to Canoe Camping

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-canoe-camping)** ***If you've been curious about backcountry canoe camping but unsure where to start, this is a solid entry point.*** We’ll be heading into the iconic Algonquin Park for an easy canoe camping adventure on Joe Lake. It’s a short paddle in, about 7km total, with just one 240m portage along the way. The route offers a good intro to how we carry gear between lakes at a steady, safe and manageable pace. We'll launch from Canoe Lake and follow a calm route past narrow channels and rocky shorelines typical of the Canadian Shield. Weather conditions can change quickly, so we’ll pack accordingly and help you plan ahead. Wildlife sightings are common in this area, so keep your eyes peeled for turtles, beavers, and the occasional moose if we’re lucky. Once we reach camp, you can settle in and do what feels right. Swim, read, hang out with the group, or practice campsite basics like setting up a tarp or hanging food safely. This is a chance to experience the magic of the backcountry - falling asleep to the sounds of loons, your tent illuminated by the milky way and learning what you need to know without being thrown in the deep end. What's included * Professional, certified guides * Canoes along with all safety equipment * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents Sleeping bags and sleeping pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. **Highlights** **Pristine Backcountry -** Escape the crowded city and enter into the serenity of the backcountry. **Learn to Portage -** An essential skill for conquering the Ontario backcountry, learn how to portage with confidence from our expert guides. **Possible Wildlife Spotting** \- Bears\, moose\, beavers\, eagles and loons are just some of the creatures that call this area home\. You'll have a chance to spot some from a safe distance for a magical encounter\. **Event cost: $349+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-canoe-camping)** **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/)***

Claireville Conservation Area followed by food at Paranthe Wali Gali

Approx. 8–12 km Around 2.5–3.5 hours depending on pace 🍽️ Food After: Paranthe Wali Gali 499 Main St S Unit 60, Brampton, ON 🅿️ Plaza parking available Bring: Water Comfortable shoes Light jacket/hoodie

Hike & Swim the Canadian Shield

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/mccrae-lake-hike-swim)** ***Join us for this peaceful, day-long getaway spent exploring the trails, forests and waters of McCrae Lake!*** Our morning begins with a gentle 3.5 km trek through the lush forest. These trails meander through and along the granite ridges that make the Canadian Shield so famous. We’ll eventually arrive at the famous Crow’s Nest Lookout with its amazing panoramic views of the lake and adjacent pine-covered hills. This is where we’ll stop to refuel and enjoy our lunch while soaking in the quiet atmosphere that you can only get when you get out of the city and into nature. After our meal, we’ll make our way down to the water’s edge for a few hours of pure relaxation. You can jump in for a swim in the clear lake water or simply find a smooth rock to lounge on and take in the rays. Once we’ve had our fill, we’ll finish the day by retracing our steps through the forest and heading back into the city. **Highlights** **Pristine Backcountry Swimming -** Escape the crowded city beaches to this amazing and secluded cool off spot. The water is refreshing and clear, providing the perfect reward after our morning hike. **Possible Wildlife Spotting** \- Otters\, bears\, beavers\, eagles and loons are just some of the creatures that call this area home\. You might even have a chance to spot some from a safe distance for a magical encounter\. **Panoramic Forest Views -** Look out from the famed Crow’s Nest panorama where you can see for kilometers across the green canopy and the shimmering blue waters. **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members) - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/mccrae-lake-hike-swim)** **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/)***

Daycation to Prince Edward County

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/pec-26)** ***We’re heading east for a sun-soaked day trip through Prince Edward County and along the beautiful shores of Sandbanks Provincial Park!*** Our journey starts with a classic Ontario pit stop at the Big Apple in Colborne, where you can meet the farm animals and pick up some delicious baked goods for the road. From there, we’ll make our way into Picton, the quaint hub of the County. You’ll have about an hour to wander through quiet independent bookstores or admire the historic facade of the Regent Theatre. Whether you want to grab a local brew at the County Canteen or find a hidden gallery, the town offers a perfect slice of small-town Ontario magic. The afternoon belongs to you and the beautiful white sands of Sandbanks Provincial Park. You can choose to spend your hours lounging by the water and swimming or trekking the unique trails that trace along the sand dunes. **However you choose to spend it, this is exactly what warm June days were made for.** **NB: As this is a multi-stop adventure to popular locations, it's important that the group stays together and avoids delays. As such, self-driving will not be available.** **Highlights** **Small Town Charm-** Step into a picturesque Ontario town full of wonderful food, shops & attractions **Pristine Coastal Dunes -** Lounge about or explore the sprawling landscape and white sand dunes of Sandbanks Provincial Park **Local Treats -** From world-famous cider doughnuts to creamy scoops of handcrafted ice cream, something sweet awaits **Event cost: $110+HST (for explorer members) with transportation included.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/pec-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/)***

Don Valley Wilderness Trail Hike