Conservation Groups Toronto

Tiny Titans: Insects Up Close | Book Launch & Panel Talk

Discover the hidden world of arthropods through stunning macro photography — a visual journey celebrating their beauty, complexity, and essential role in our ecosystems. Meet **Dara Ojo**, an award-winning macro photographer and conservation storyteller whose work brings the hidden world of arthropods into vivid relief. Ojo's book, [Tiny Titans: The Silent Keepers of Our Ecosystem](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/4813317234) reveals the fascinating lives of insects, spiders, and other small creatures that quietly sustain life on Earth. Captured across Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and beyond, Dara Ojo’s photography highlights the intricate details and diversity of these often-overlooked species. Ojo will be leading the conversation with: **Dr. Sandra Rehan**, professor at York University and principal investigator of the Rehan Lab with a focus on wild bees, pollinator biology and conservation. Rehan's research explores the biology, behaviour and evolution of bees, with a particular interest in understanding and protecting native pollinators. **Dr. Laura Timms**, Senior Specialist of Natural Heritage Management at Credit Valley Conservation and Adjunct Professor with the Daniels Faculty’s Institute of Forestry and Conservation. **Lorraine Johnson**, author and native plant and ecological gardening advocate, bridging the connection between insects, plants, habitat and practical conservation action. Join in this evening to celebrate macro photography and the intricate beauty and ecological importance of insects and spiders, creatures that quietly anchor global biodiversity, pollination, and climate resilience. Free. Register for a reminder via [TPL website](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6ac7e7bbea50a10050a6a31f) or RSVP here. **5:30 pm:** Doors open. Mingle and chat with fellow nature and environmental enthusiasts! **6:00 pm:** Presentation begins. Enjoy a highly visual presentation combining photography, science, conservation and storytelling, taking the audience behind the scenes of six years documenting tiny worlds across five continents and exploring why these overlooked species matter. A light, informal conversation with guest speakers will explore why arthropods are so essential to our ecosystems, with a discussion of challenges impacting local species, and how science, photography and art can work together to help people notice, understand and care about the natural world. An audience Q&A follows this discussion. **7:30 pm:** Book signing with books available for purchase. \*\*\* This program is part of TPL's [Our Fragile Planet](http://tpl.ca/fragileplanet?_gl=1*g8zm29*_ga*MTE5NTI3NDU1Ny4xNzU0NDg5MTI0*_ga_G99DMMNG39*czE3NzEwMTk5NTMkbzE4JGcxJHQxNzcxMDIwMTUzJGo1NyRsMCRoMA..*_ga_VGX2640F9T*czE3NzEwMTk5NTMkbzE4JGcxJHQxNzcxMDIwMTUwJGoyNCRsMCRoMA..) program series, supported by Friends of Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.​ Questions? Please contact North York Central Library - Business, Science & Technology Department. **\*\*\*** Place a hold or borrow from Toronto Public Library: * [Tiny Titans : The Silent Keepers of Our Ecosystem](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/4813317234) (book) - Dara Ojo * [A Garden for the Rusty-patched Bumblebee](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/4182820234) (book) - Lorraine Johnson ## Accessibility Live or automated closed captioning, sign language interpretation, intervenor services, or attendant services are available upon request. Please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance to: [tpl.ca/accessibility-events](https://tpl.ca/accessibility/accessibility-supports/programs-and-events/?_gl=1*v83hy7*_ga*NDk5MDg2NTE1LjE3NjYwMDgxODQ.*_ga_G99DMMNG39*czE3NjkxMDY3NDMkbzE0JGcxJHQxNzY5MTA2ODM0JGozOCRsMCRoMA..).

Bee-ing a Pollinator Protector: Plan Now for a Buzzing Spring Garden

Saving the bees is an environmental cause that resonates deeply with Canadians. While most of us might not be thinking about bees this time of year, our actions during the colder months can still support these pollinators, particularly native bees, which are crucial and threatened by climate change, habitat loss, and other pressures. In honour of the late bee scientist Sheila Colla, this presentation will offer practical tips on planting and maintaining gardens that provide beautifully blooming habitat for pollinators, with a particular focus on how native plants support wild bees. Presented by **Lorraine Johnson**, who co-authored [A Garden for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?_gl=1*f3a1f1*_ga*MTYyODk1Mjc3Ni4xNzc5Mjg4NDQ1*_ga_VGX2640F9T*czE3ODkxNTc3NTEkbzE1NCRnMSR0MTc4OTE1OTAwNyRqNTckbDAkaDA.*_ga_G99DMMNG39*czE3ODkxNTc3NTEkbzE0OSRnMSR0MTc4OTE1OTAwNCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.&query=A%20Garden%20for%20the%20Rusty-Patched%20Bumblebee&searchType=smart "https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?_gl=1*f3a1f1*_ga*MTYyODk1Mjc3Ni4xNzc5Mjg4NDQ1*_ga_VGX2640F9T*czE3ODkxNTc3NTEkbzE1NCRnMSR0MTc4OTE1OTAwNyRqNTckbDAkaDA.*_ga_G99DMMNG39*czE3ODkxNTc3NTEkbzE0OSRnMSR0MTc4OTE1OTAwNCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.&query=A%20Garden%20for%20the%20Rusty-Patched%20Bumblebee&searchType=smart") with Sheila Colla, as part of TPL's environmental program series, [Our Fragile Planet](http://tpl.ca/fragileplanet?_gl=1*g8zm29*_ga*MTE5NTI3NDU1Ny4xNzU0NDg5MTI0*_ga_G99DMMNG39*czE3NzEwMTk5NTMkbzE4JGcxJHQxNzcxMDIwMTUzJGo1NyRsMCRoMA..*_ga_VGX2640F9T*czE3NzEwMTk5NTMkbzE4JGcxJHQxNzcxMDIwMTUwJGoyNCRsMCRoMA..), supported by Friends of Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.​ Free. Register for a reminder. Doors open at 6:30 pm for attendees to mingle, chat with Lorraine, and explore related resources. Presentation begins at 7:00 pm. **Place a hold or borrow from Toronto Public Library:** * **[A Garden for the Rusty-patched Bumblebee](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/4182820234)** (book) * **[A Garden for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/8820424980)** (ebook) This program will also be offered virtually on [Tuesday, November 3, 2026](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6abc0fdb377296003a4874e7), from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, as part of Climate Action Week. To register for the online program and for more info, see the [listing](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6abc0fdb377296003a4874e7). Photo credit & info: [https://www.savethebumblebees.ca/poster/](https://www.savethebumblebees.ca/poster/) **Accessibility** Live or automated closed captioning, sign language interpretation, intervenor services, or attendant services are available upon request. Please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance to: [tpl.ca/accessibility-events](https://tpl.ca/accessibility/accessibility-supports/programs-and-events/?_gl=1*v83hy7*_ga*NDk5MDg2NTE1LjE3NjYwMDgxODQ.*_ga_G99DMMNG39*czE3NjkxMDY3NDMkbzE0JGcxJHQxNzY5MTA2ODM0JGozOCRsMCRoMA..).

Garden with Purpose: Practical Ecological Gardening

You have the power to create real ecological change — right in your own backyard. In this introductory program, discover the core principles of ecological gardening and learn how to transform your garden into a space that’s both environmentally responsible and visually stunning. A **Toronto Master Gardener** will provide guidance on how to create habitat, manage water wisely, and reduce your ecological impact — all while cultivating a landscape rich with beauty and year-round interest. Suitable for gardeners of any skill level and any outdoor space. Register via TPL's website: [Garden with Purpose: Practical Ecological Gardening | Toronto Public Library | BiblioCommons](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6ac3bad29d27a000454eac67) Doors open at 5:30 pm to mingle and chat with fellow nature and environmental enthusiasts! The program starts at 6:00 pm. This program is part of TPL's [Our Fragile Planet](http://www.tpl.ca/fragile-planet) program series, supported by Friends of Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.

Limehouse Conservation Area Loop Trail Hiking

Join our WhatsApp group [https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7838OJWfkiAlMEyNffVfZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7838OJWfkiAlMEyNffVfZ) Fri Nov 13, 2026 Limehouse Conservation Area Loop Trail Hiking Meeting Point: 08:00 am In front of Tim Hortons Dufferin Station 1094 Bloor St W, Toronto Reserve Carpool or Driver [https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto&h109dq](https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto&h109dq) * **Carpool**: You will be assigned to a vehicle. Let the driver scan your QR code to access your carpool service. * **Driver**: You will receive driver instruction in your confirmation email. Scan the QR code from the passenger to provide your carpool service to get paid The Limehouse Conservation Area Loop via Bruce Trail is a scenic 4.8-mile (7.7 km) loop hike that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Trail Overview * **Distance:** 4.8 miles (approx. 7.7 km) * **Elevation Gain:** 298 feet (91 meters) * **Difficulty:** Moderate, **What’s included** * Gas, Vehicle use, Driver effort. * Split bill with your vehicle people if any other expense is exist. Legal Stuff - Liabilities, Obligations, and Responsibilities * We are a group composed of volunteers. We are NOT a professional organization or pro trail guides and/or pro event organizers. However, as a group of friends and acquaintances, we will look out for each other. * The organizer and any/all assistant organizers and other attendees are in no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, before, during, and at any time after this event. By RSVPing "Yes", for this event, * You acknowledge that you fully understand and accept the aforementioned conditions and following event attendance conditions and, you are solely responsible for your health, safety, and well-being before, during, and at any time after the event as stated previously. All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event

Practical Philosophy Social!

Get to know your fellow hikers more intimately with a night of Practical Philosophy. In partnership with the Practical Philosophy Meetup I thought it would be a fun a social ! **How does it work?** We select a topic like monogomy vs pologomy and in groups of 6-8 with a moderator (so conservations are respectful) ten questions are asked and everyone has a chance to give their take on the subject. Get to know your fellow hikers on a deeper level! You may be surprised! **Opposing views are of course welcome!** Location to be determined!

Hands-on training: Agent Observability with Langfuse in Toronto

[​RSVP here](https://luma.com/clickh-1p8m) ​Agenda: Doors open + Lunch: 1pm Training start: 1:45 Estimated End time: 4:00 This is an evening hands on training open to all. Lunch provided. Please bring your laptops! Training will be about 2 hours. Join us for a hands-on Langfuse workshop where we'll show you how to observe, debug, and improve your AI applications, step by step, using a real sample app. Bring your questions and discover how Langfuse can level up your specific use cases! ​**Prerequisites:** * ​Attendees will need a langfuse cloud account (free tier available, no credit card required) * ​**Node.js** `^20.19.0 || >=22.12.0` — check with `node -v` and upgrade before installing if you are below it (`nvm install 22`, or the equivalent for `asdf`, `fnm`, or `volta`). * ​You will also need an LLM API key (e.g. OpenAI).

ROM Discounted - Tour, World Wildlife Photography + Other Exhibits

On **Saturday November 21st,** **join me at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) to take a Museum Tour, visit the World Wildlife Photography Exhibit, the Crawford Lake Exhibit and Cloudscape Installation.** Be among the first in Canada to see this year’s winners and finalists of the annual *[Wildlife Photographer of the Year](https://www.rom.on.ca/whats-on/exhibitions/wildlife-photographer-year-2026)* 2026 competition. Attendees can see any exhibits of interest. **Purchase your ticket for Saturday November 21st. We will be heading out for dinner after at the number 1 Chinese restaurant in Canada. This is a separate event and you can sign up [here](https://www.meetup.com/experiencetoronto/events/316869554/) if you'd like to join us.** **Museum Highlights Tour** Explore the wonders of ROM in a 45-minute tour that brings iconic objects to life. Enjoy highlights of arts, culture and nature… throughout the world and throughout time. **Cloudscape Installation** *Cloudscape* is a mesmerizing installation that blends traditional artistry with contemporary themes. Immerse yourself in Yan's floating masterpiece, where each sculpted cloud tells a story of cultural heritage and environmental consciousness, and invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature. **World Wildlife Photography** Each year, the annual competition - organized by the Natural History Museum in London, UK - receives tens of thousands of image submissions from aspiring wildlife photographers of all ages. One hundred selected images from this year's competition - unforgettable photographs of wildlife and the natural world - will travel to ROM right after the winners are announced. Experience the power of photography to reveal, connect, and transform our view of nature. **Itinerary** **2:30pm Meet inside the ROM at the Museum Station entrance** to the right side on the 1st Floor **2:35 - 2:45pm Cloudscape Installation** (**Level 1 China(** **2:45 - 3:45pm Museum Highlights Tour (Level 1 Currelle Gallery)**. The Tour starts 3pm, then head directly to the Wildlife Exhibit to enter before 4pm. **3:45 - 4:45pm World Wildlife Photography Exhibit, Level 4, Patrick Harris Gallery (last entry 4pm)** **4:45pm - 4:55pm Break** **4:55 -** **5:15p Crawford Lake Exhibit (Level 3, European Rotating Exhibitions)** Powerful, inspiring, and enlightening, the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition invites viewers into a world of extraordinary images and visual storytelling. The world's longest-running and most prestigious annual nature photography competition, Wildlife Photographer of the Year attracts and recognizes the world's best nature photography, and has done so every year since 1965. **5:15 - 5:25pm: ROM Store.** Take a look around for souvenirs. **5:30pm Museum closes** **We will be heading out for dinner at the number 1 Chinese restaurant in Canada. Sign up [here](https://www.meetup.com/experiencetoronto/events/316869554/) if you'd like to join us.** **COST** Adults: Admission $26 + Photography Exhibit $9 = $35 Seniors: Admission $21 + Photography Exhibit = $27.75 Discounted 15% (message me for the code) Adults: Admission only is $22.10, Admission + Photography is $29.75 Seniors: Admission only is $17.85, Admission + Photography is $23.59 Meetup fee: $5 *** **SIGNING-UP** * **Simply RSVP Yes (everyone goes on the waitlist until they post they have purchased their ticket).** * **[Purchase](https://tickets.rom.on.ca/en/shop) your ticket by selecting Saturday November 21st, General Admission plus World Wildlife Photography, 10am - 4pm, and complete the transaction. Please post you have your ticket, and I will move you to attending. If you would like the discount code, please message me.** * RSVPs close 1 day prior, and cancellations after will result in a No Show and impact future attendance. * You can also just show up and join us at the event meetup spot and time * A reminder will go out the day before with my cell and details when to meet, etc. ‐‐----‐----‐‐-------------‐----------- **MEETUP TIME** **Meet members at 2:30pm** **inside the entrance of the ROM at the Museum Station Entrance on Queen's Park Avenue to the right side** We will follow the itinerary above: however, folks can choose which other exhibits to visit, understanding there may be an additional cost. Enjoy and please post your Comments after!

Film Premiere: Big Ag’s Hidden Influence on Canada’s Food System

Join Animal Justice for the premiere of two original short films that investigate how farm industry lobbyists and front groups manipulate public opinion and control animal welfare standards on farms. **The Films:** **How Big Ag Is Keeping Canada 30 Years Behind** Runtime: 20 minutes Who sets animal welfare standards on farms? Discover how the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC)—an industry-dominated body—controls how farmed animals are treated, and why its secretive role deserves closer scrutiny. **When the Truth Becomes a PR Problem: The Rise of Agricultural Front Groups** Runtime: 33 minutes Explore how agricultural front groups copied tactics from Big Tobacco and Big Oil to manipulate public opinion and protect farm industry profits. **What to Expect:** ● Watch both short documentaries ● Enjoy a welcoming space for all, with light refreshments ● Take part in a facilitated discussion and share your questions and perspectives ● Connect with others interested in animals, food, and corporate influence Bring a friend (or two or three!), watch, and help spread the word. We hope to see you there!

Green Drinks Toronto

Hosted by [Green Drinks Toronto](http://www.greendrinks.org/ON/Toronto): *We will have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, students, government and business. Come along and you'll be made welcome. Just say, "are you green?" and we will look after you and introduce you to whoever is there. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always... a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network.* *These events are very simple and unstructured, but many people have found employment, made friends, developed new ideas, done deals and had moments of serendipity.* *GLOBAL: Now active in over 350 cities worldwide!*

🌿 Ride Line 5 to the Wild! Don River Ravine Walk

Bon Echo Provincial Park camping

**Bon Echo Provincial Park**

The Wilderness Brothers (Sudbury)

Contact Alex for location and information.