Community, Conservation, and Citizen Science in Action
This Earth Week, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) invites the public to connect with nature through a series of family-friendly, hands-on events designed to inspire environmental stewardship.
From tracking turtle populations and planting trees to cleaning up natural spaces and contributing to global biodiversity research, these events offer compelling photo opportunities, expert voices, and community impact.
Whether you’re in Brampton, Ajax, Toronto, or Kleinburg Station, there’s a meaningful way to get involved.
Turtle Tally
Ontario’s native turtles face numerous conservation challenges, particularly in urban areas. While ecologists work to protect these secretive species, ongoing research and community involvement are essential.
This event will explore the threats to Ontario’s turtles, innovative strategies for conservation, and ways that community scientists can contribute to their protection.
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Brampton Library – Cyril Clark, 20 Loafers Lake Lane, Brampton
Greenwood-Brock South Community Tree Planting Event
TRCA, in partnership with the Town of Ajax and Trees for Life, is hosting a community tree planting event at our Greenwood Conservation Lands (Brock South) in the Town of Ajax.
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: TRCA’s Greenwood Conservation Lands – Brock South located at the southeast corner of 5th Concession Road and Sideline 16, in the Town of Ajax
Let’s Clean Up The Meadoway!
This annual event brings the community together to clean up The Meadoway while contributing to citizen science. Participants will record collected litter to support watershed health projects and take part in a mini BioBlitz game to identify plants and animals benefiting from The Meadoway project. Wildlife observations will be submitted to the City Nature Challenge (CNC).
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: The Meadoway Entrance Garden, 898 Pharmacy Avenue, Toronto
City Nature Challenge at Palgrave Rotary Park
The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is a global BioBlitz, in which cities compete to document local biodiversity. This event will introduce participants to iNaturalist, a citizen science app, before engaging in a mini BioBlitz to observe and record local wildlife.
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Palgrave Rotary Park, 17357 Peel Regional Road 50, Kleinburg Station
More Family-friendly TRCA Events and Activities in Nature:
Little Saplings Parent & Tot Program
In this four-week program, youngsters aged 1 to 5 will explore a new nature theme each week. Hightlights:
- Circle Time with nature-themed songs and stories
- Connect with other young families
- Get outdoors and learn about the natural world
TWO LOCATIONS:
The Nature Centre at Bruce’s Mill
Dates: Starts Monday, April 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: 3291 Stouffville Road, Stouffville
Albion Hills Chalet
Dates: Starts Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: 16500 Peel Regional Road 50, Caledon
Family Experiences at Kortright: Mapping and Orienteering
Get an introduction to the basic features found on most maps (including symbols, lines, and scales), followed by an opportunity to put your new knowledge into action by practicing orienteering skills.
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan
Naturally Mindful: Silent Retreat in Nature for Teens
Teens need spaces of authentic connection. The practice of mindfulness can help people of all ages thrive, manage stress and difficult emotions, and experience life more fully. This silent retreat experience is specially curated for young people aged 14 to 19 years.
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan
Frog Watch
Explore the sounds of spring while learning about Ontario’s frogs and toads and how to identify them by their unique calls. The event will also introduce FrogWatch, a citizen science program that monitors amphibian populations across Ontario.
Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Cold Creek Conservation Area, 14125 11th Concession, Nobleton
Easter at Kortright
Hop into Spring at Kortright Centre’s Easter eggtravaganza! Enjoy a tractor wagon rides, an easter egg hunt, trail exploration, and more!
Dates: Friday, April 18 to Sunday, April 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan
Little Seedlings/Saplings Parent & Tot Program at Kortright
Join us for an engaging eight-week experience designed for families with children aged 1-4 to foster a love and understanding of the natural world.
- Little Seedlings (ages 1-2): The focus is on sensory play, songs, stories, and building confidence to play and explore the natural world.
- Little Saplings (Age 2-4): Activities remain play-based and experiential; participants will venture a little farther afield and will begin to build skills for independent exploration in nature.
Dates to choose from: Starts Saturday, April 26, Sunday, April 27, or Monday, April 28, 2025
Times: Little Seedlings – 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | Little Saplings – 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan