Become a Steward

Toronto Nature Stewards (TNS) aims to take our stewardship further—our agreement with the City of Toronto allows for ravine stewardship without direct supervision by City of Toronto staff. Stewards work under the direction of Lead Stewards

What do you gain as a Steward?

  • Learn to identify native and invasive plants
  • Collaborate and build a team while meeting new people
  • Gain problem-solving skills and volunteer hours
  • Have fun and enjoy some “nature therapy”

How do I become a Steward?

Look at our sites and schedules (below) and pick a time and place that suits you. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be contacted by the Lead Steward(s) at your chosen site. Most sites run regular events from April to October, but new Stewards can join at any time!

You must be 16 years or over to volunteer on your own. Otherwise, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Sites and Schedules

Below are our sites and schedules for 2024. Schedules are subject to change at any time.

SiteSchedule
Ashbridge’s Bay ParkWednesday 9:00-11:00 AM
Thursday (rain date) 6:30-8:30 PM
Betty Sutherland Trail ParkTBD
Black Creek ParklandTBD
Botany Hill ParkTBD
Birkdale RavineTBD
Cedar Brook ParkMonday evenings (time TBD)
Cedarvale RavineMonday 6:30-8:30 PM
Sunday or Saturday 9:00-11:00 AM (date TBD)
Cherry BeachWednesday 9:00-11:30 AM
Saturday 9:00-11:30 AM
Edgeley ParkTBD
Etobicoke Creek Valley ParkTBD
Flemingdon ParkTBD
G Ross Lord ParkTBD
Gaffney ParkTBD
Glen Stewart ParkTBD
Highland Creek ParkWednesday 5:00-7:00 PM
Hillcrest ParkTBD
Hinder PropertyTBD
Hoptree-Misty HillsWednesday 5:30-7:30 PM
Humber Bay Park WestTBD
Lake PromenadeMonday 6:00-8:00 PM
Leaside ParkTuesday 5:30-7:00 PM
Magwood ParkTBD
Middle MillTBD
Milliken District ParkTBD
Newtonbrook Creek Thursday 9:00-11:00 AM
NorthlineWednesday 6:30-8:30 PM
Port Union Waterfront TrailTBD
Prairie Drive ParkSaturday biweekly 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM-4:00 PM (only April 28, May 26, June 9)
Raymore ParkTBD
Rowntree Mills Park5:45-6:45 PM
Roxborough Parkette N.TBD
Serena Gundy ParkTBD
Severn CreekMonday 6:00-8:00 PM
Sherwood ParkTBD
Smythe ParkTBD
South KingswayWednesday 9:00-11:00 AM
Sunnypoint-Neilson ParkTuesday 7:00-8:30 PM
Taylor Creek ParkWednesday 6:00-8:00 PM
Thomson Memorial ParkTBD
Tom Riley ParkTBD
Topham PondMonday 6:30-8:30 PM
Wednesday 9:30-11:30 AM
Saturday 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Weston Lions ParkTBD

By filling in our stewardship or contact forms you are giving TNS permission to contact you via email. We do not share our email list.

Defining some terms

Lead Steward – A person who has completed the TNS Lead Steward training program and who can lead groups of volunteer Stewards in pre-authorized activities, at approved sites on public land, without City of Toronto supervision.

Site – Defined geographic area in a park or ravine that has been approved by the City of Toronto and stewarded by a defined team. Sites are natural areas (not groomed).

Steward – A volunteer who works to protect, restore, maintain, and monitor Toronto’s natural areas and ravines, under the direction of a Lead Steward.

Unsupervised Stewardship – Stewardship activities that are led by Lead Stewards without supervision by City of Toronto staff.