On Sunday, September 22, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) hosted its annual Adventures of Salmon event at Morningside Park in Scarborough – an ideal location for outdoor adventure and exploration.
This year, more than 1,500 nature enthusiasts, families, and community members took a captivating educational journey to learn about the salmon migration along Highland Creek.
We were honoured to welcome distinguished guests including Paul Ainslie, Toronto Councilor, Ward 43 and Chair of TRCA’s Board of Directors, as well as Jennifer McKelvie, Toronto Deputy Mayor and TRCA Board member, and John MacKenzie, TRCA’s Chief Executive Officer.
The event began with a smudging ceremony led by Indigenous Elder and Knowledge Keeper Cat Criger, followed by opening remarks from Councilor Ainslie. He welcomed attendees and highlighted TRCA’s ongoing efforts to support salmon populations through research, monitoring, and habitat restoration initiatives.
He also emphasized TRCA’s commitment to restoring Lake Ontario’s shoreline and enhancing aquatic habitats, citing projects such as aquatic habitat research and our proactive measures to combat invasive species such as Asian carp.
Event attendees enjoyed interactive displays and activities shedding light on the crucial role salmon play in our ecosystems, and on the work being done to preserve them.
Activities included guided salmon walks, sorting through soil samples for hidden microplastics, learning how to cast a fishing rod, and salmon-themed games for kids and families.
As the day came to a close, visitors left Morningside Park with insights into TRCA’s conservation efforts – and, hopefully, inspiration to take action in protecting our aquatic habitats and ecosystems.
The success of this year’s Adventures of Salmon event was made possible by TRCA’s Education and Training Team, along with the continued support of our partners Toronto Nature Stewards, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Streams, and Algonquin-Métis Visual Artist and Knowledge Keeper Diane Montreuil.
But the adventure doesn’t end here. TRCA encourages the public to get involved and help keep salmon safe by reporting salmon sightings and tracking their movements through our salmon reporting tool.
Let’s work together to keep salmon safe and thriving in the GTA!