Close Out Your Summer with TRCA Workshops, Festivals, and More

There’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy! This August, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) offers events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities across the Greater Toronto Area that will entertain, engage, and inspire.

Much of our programming is free of charge and family-friendly, making it easier than ever to reconnect with nature in the Toronto region.

visitors to the TRCA Butterfly Festival explore the trails at Tommy Thompson Park

FREE EVENTS

TRCA Butterfly Festival at Tommy Thompson Park

children and parents visit an interactive activity booth at the TRCA Butterfly Festival at Tommy Thompson Park
a Monarch butterfly lands on a native wildflower
a TRCA educator tells a young student about the relationship between Monarch butterflies and milkweed plants

Join us at Tommy Thompson Park to celebrate the Monarch butterfly as it begins its annual 4,000-km migration to Mexico.

Activities include guided butterfly walks, kid-friendly games and activities, educational opportunities, and more!

Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Tommy Thompson Park, 1 Leslie Street, Toronto

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The Nature School – Open House Events

students take part in Nature School open house at Kortright Centre for Conservation
Nature School students explore a stream at the Claremont Nature Centre
student takes part in Nature School open house at Kortright Centre for Conservation

Inspire a child’s love for nature! TRCA’s The Nature School is hosting open house events at its Kortright Centre for Conservation and Claremont Nature Centre locations.

Come experience what The Nature School is all about. Meet the dedicated staff, enjoy outdoor activities, and explore our unique outdoor learning spaces.

These are family events – everyone is welcome!

Kortright Centre for Conservation
Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Time: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan

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Claremont Nature Centre
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024
Time: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Claremont Nature Centre, 4290 Westney Road North, Pickering

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All About Bats

bat hangs upside down in cave

Shrouded in mystery and folklore, bats are among nature’s most intriguing creatures. Learn about native bat species and their importance within the local ecosystem. Join an evening walk to become a citizen scientist and listen for the sounds of bats.

Date: Friday, August 23, 2024
Time: 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Humber Arboretum, 205 Humber College Boulevard, Toronto

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Gardening in a Changing Climate

rain garden

Climate change is rapidly affecting natural spaces on both local and global scales, including residential yards. In this webinar, participants will learn about rainwater harvesting, native plant gardening, rain gardens, and other gardening practices that focus on climate change resiliency.

Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Online

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FAMILY EXPERIENCES

Bruce’s Mill Enchanted Treasure Hunt

youngsters search for clues during a treasure hunt at Bruces Mill Nature Centre

Join in an unforgettable treasure hunt at the Nature Centre at Bruce’s Mill. Explore the trails while searching for hidden treasure using riddles and clues. Discover unique natural wonders, fascinating insects, and beautiful birds. Bring your hiking shoes and a sense of adventure!

Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: The Nature Centre at Bruce’s Mill, 3291 Stouffville Road, Stouffville

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Mapping and Orienteering

visitor to Kortright Centre for Conservation takes part in a mapping and orienteering course

Get an introduction to the basic features of maps, and practice orienteering skills in the picturesque surroundings of TRCA’s Kortright Centre for Conservation.

Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan

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VOLUNTEER WITH TRCA

Conservation Youth Corps volunteers take part in a trail maintenance event at Phyllis Rawlinson Park
High school student takes part in a Conservation Youth Corps volunteer planting event

Conservation Youth Corps: In-Stream Work

Earn community service hours while helping species at risk! Join TRCA’s Conservation Youth Corps and Ontario Streams to install in-stream habitat enhancement structures to reduce sedimentation, create habitat for aquatic wildlife, and help protect rivers from the impacts of climate change.

Dates: Wednesday, August 14 and 28, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: 50 Staples Avenue, Richmond Hill

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Conservation Youth Corps: Trail Maintenance

Join the Conservation Youth Corps at Kortright Centre for Conservation to help with the maintenance of trails and pollinator gardens. Enjoy a tour of the marsh and meadow, and learn to observe and identify wildlife.

Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan

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Conservation Youth Corps: Lake St. George

Join the Conservation Youth Corps at Lake St. George Field Centre for some outdoor work! Tasks may include: trail maintenance, pulling invasive plants and weeds, and a litter cleanup.

Date: Thursday, August 22, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Lake St. George Field Centre, 950 Bethesda Side Road, Richmond Hill

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Conservation Youth Corps: Phyllis Rawlinson Garden Stewardship

Join the Conservation Youth Corps at Phyllis Rawlinson Park for maintenance in the community garden! Tasks may include: pulling invasive plants and weeds, pruning, and a litter cleanup.

Date: Friday, August 23, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Phyllis Rawlinson Park, 11715 Leslie Street, Richmond Hill

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Conservation Youth Corps: Saigeon Trail

Join the Conservation Youth Corps at Saigeon Trail for some outdoor work! Tasks may include: pulling invasive plants and weeds, pruning, and a litter cleanup.

Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet next to 39 Moraine Ridge Drive, Richmond Hill

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