A key feature and the heart of the neighbourhood is Phin Park, a small park that is a favourite hub for families in the area. The Pocket community is tucked between the Greenwood TTC yard and CN train tracks. Learn more about some interesting facts of common Toronto trees in their blog. Their hard work culminated in a tree tour through Phin Park. The YUFLs helped local residents plant more native trees and shrubs through planting incentives and giveaways, promoted Backyard Biodiversity and the benefits of native species for wildlife through habitat creation, and engaged with the community on tree stewardship initiatives in Phin Park.
Sharing knowledgeĪll their hard work culminated in a four-part educational webinar series that ran from September 1st to 10th that discussed the trees found in the Greater Toronto Area, the vital role these trees play in an urban landscape, the stress they face and what can be done to care for them.Ī team of seven Young Urban Forest Leaders supported The Pocket Community Association in efforts to revitalize engagement in environmental initiatives in the neighbourhood.
The YUFLs promoted the importance of native species and #BackyardBiodiversity, encouraging residents to plant more native species through the Backyard Tree Planting program and through a special free native shrub distribution program. This assessment helped to identify priorities for tree planting and stewardship. Each YUFL applied the skills they learned in the program to assess local tree canopy composition and tree health.
The YUFLs worked within their own communities across the city to spark awareness and engage neighbours to grow and care for the urban forest. With tremendous interest for the remote program, we increased the size of the cohort from 12 to 19 Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL). To ensure the health and safety of program participants, we moved the program entirely online. The Young Urban Forest Leaders Program is funded in part by a City of Toronto Urban Forestry Grant and the Canadian TREE Fund.
Promoting the importance of native tree and shrub planting through targeted outreach.Engaging the public through interactive, online activities and events.Identifying opportunities for planting and stewardship initiatives in their own neighbourhoods.Participants will work to grow the urban forest across Toronto communities by: Workshops will be a mix of remote learning and in-person activities. This four-month, program will provide participants with tangible skills, the chance to build connections in their communities, mentorship from LEAF staff, as well as guest lectures and networking opportunities with urban forest leaders and experts. The program also seeks to support Toronto youth from underrepresented groups within arboriculture and urban forestry including (but not limited to) women, non-binary people, Indigenous peoples, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and racialized individuals. The Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) Program is a free training and mentorship program designed to provide valuable experience in the fields of arboriculture, urban forestry and community engagement.