Conservation Groups Toronto

Beautiful Awenda Park - hike, lay on the beach, swim - repeat

Awenda Park is one of the best provincial parks. it has beautiful beaches on Georgian Bay and great hiking trails. It is close to great attractions like the Wye Marsh and Sainte Marie Among the Hurons. **Important Reminder:** By participating in this hike, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the Liability Waiver and Acknowledgement of Risk. If you have not done so, we kindly request that you refrain from participating in this event. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to an enjoyable and safe adventure! • Dress for the weather! Prepare for the weather and wear suitable gear for the trail • Arrive on time! Please be punctual, as the group will leave on time. • Know your limits! Choose the hike that match your fitness level. This is an intermediate hike. We will meet in the parking lot at 8:30 am. https://maps.app.goo.gl/x1Dn9SPXNs1J9FAb6 We'll go to Beach to # 3 and enjoy the beach and the amazing water and then after lunch go on a hike. Pack a lunch and snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and a lot of water. There is a park entrance fee/car. You may consider carpooling. If you get lost, call my cell 647 949 6912.

Red-headed Woodpeckers at Presqu'ile!

🌿 **Presqu'ile Provincial Park Adventure!** 🦅 I'm excited to announce that we're heading back to one of my favourite birding destinations in Ontario... **Presqu'ile Provincial Park!** Located on the shores of Lake Ontario near Brighton, Presqu'ile is one of the province's premier migration hotspots. Every visit is different, and that's what makes it so exciting. August marks the beginning of fall migration, with shorebirds already moving south, early songbirds on the move, waterbirds gathering along the shoreline, and birds of prey always a possibility. We'll spend the day exploring Presqu'ile's beaches, marshes, woodlands and scenic trails, searching for whatever nature has in store. **Red-headed Woodpeckers** are always a highlight, along with Great Blue Herons, Ospreys, swallows, ducks, terns, gulls, and a wonderful variety of other birds and wildlife. One of my favourite stops is a private backyard bird sanctuary just outside the park. The feeders often attract a wonderful assortment of birds and offer fantastic opportunities for close-up photography. Even if you're new to birding, this trip is a great way to learn. We'll take our time, identify everything we see, answer questions, and simply enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature. As always, we'll travel in a **small group of only 3 guests**, giving everyone a much more personal experience than a large tour. 💲 **Only $99 per person** Transportation from Toronto is included. If you'd like to spend a summer day exploring one of Ontario's finest birding locations with great company, I'd love to have you join us.

🌿 Saturday Evening Hike – Charles Sauriol Conservation Area

Join us for a relaxing Saturday evening hike through one of Toronto’s most beautiful urban nature trails. We’ll explore the scenic Don River ravine, walk across wooden bridges, and enjoy the peaceful forest as the sun begins to set. It’s a great opportunity to get some fresh air, meet new people, and enjoy good conversation. 📅 Date: Saturday 🕠 Time: 5:30 PM (please arrive 10–15 minutes early) 📍 Meeting Point: Charles Sauriol Conservation Area Parking Lot, 1191 Lawrence Ave E, North York Hike Details: * Distance: Approximately 6 km * Duration: Around 1.5–2 hours * Difficulty: Easy to Moderate * Pace: Relaxed and social What to Bring: * Comfortable walking or hiking shoes * Water * Bug spray (recommended) * Weather-appropriate clothing Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking to enjoy nature and meet new friends, everyone is welcome. Looking forward to seeing you there!

High Park Yoga

**\~Please [SIGN UP here](https://calendly.com/breathinginnature/yoga-in-nature) for free before the class\~** [Click here for a map of the exact location](https://goo.gl/maps/x1YMV41Bmhcf7chb6). My community classes in High Park are by donation, for all bodies, and no experience is required. What is yoga? We combine breath, movement and awareness, all in the healing nature of High Park. **What to bring?** * Yoga mat (optional - the grass is nice to yoga on) * Water * Weather-appropriate clothing/ blanket for relaxation We yoga rain or shine. There is shelter if we need it. [Exact location](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9424Zn5G1Xf4kTEj7), close the the High Park Forest School by the North Gate (short walk from High Park Subway station, Bloor and High Park intersection). My classes are by donation, or pay what you can. It's also drop-in, so feel free to just show up. Donations can be made at the class in person, via our [Breathing in Nature Gift Economy](https://www.breathinginnature.com/gift-economy/) or e-transfer to nici@breathinginnature.com. On average folks donate between $5-$30 per class. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. 416.885.0583 If you are wondering who I am and what I do, feel free to check out my my [website](https://www.breathinginnature.com/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/breathinginnature/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/nicole.bohr) page, [my bio](https://www.breathinginnature.com/about/), or [my LinkedIn](www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleczerwinski/).

Hike & Swim the Grotto at Bruce Peninsula National Park

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-swim-grotto)** We're doing a day trip to one of the most spectacular locations in Ontario: the Bruce Peninsula National Park. This area is full of unique, dramatic landscapes with stark cliffs and views over the enormous Georgian Bay. We'll be tackling a moderately difficult 8.5km hike through some of the most incredible summer scenery in Ontario. We're starting the day off by visiting the Grotto, perhaps the most famous natural spot in the province. We'll hike through the forest then along the beach, ending up at the incredible rock formations and crystal clear waters of the Grotto. Here we'll stop for lunch, taking in the incredible views and turquoise water before hiking on to the backcountry Stormhaven Campsite. On the way we'll cross pebble beaches, forest trails and unreal views of Lake Huron before coming back the way we came. **Please note that self drivers will need to purchase a permit for parking.** **Highlights** **Visit the Grotto:** Explore Ontario’s most famous natural landmark, where striking limestone cliffs meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. **Hike Pebble Beaches:** Walk across rugged shoreline beaches and forested trails that lead to the remote Stormhaven backcountry campsite. **Views of Georgian Bay:** Take in sweeping panoramas of cliffs and open water, with autumn colours adding even more drama to the landscape. **Event cost: $70+HST (for explorer members) - $70 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-swim-grotto)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Making the case for service design

How do you communicate the value of service design at your workplace? Where does your team stand, **and** what is your role within it? We all know service design creates value, but pinpointing exactly *where* your org stands, and what role you should be playing to move it forward, is a different skill entirely. This session is about getting clearer on that. **Format:** Design jam **What to expect:** * A quick icebreaker * Opening context — a fast recap of the article and why it matters * A spotlight share — one person walks us through where their own org sits on the model, and what that's actually looked like in practice * Main activity — working solo, then in pairs, then as a full table * A quick close — one small thing to try shifting this month **To get ahead:** Read the [Service Design Maturity Model article;](https://service-design-network.org/community_article/the-service-design-maturity-model-a-strategic-framework-to-embed-service-design-into-an-organisation) it's a quick one, and it'll give us a shared language for the night. The model breaks organizational SD maturity into five stages Explore, Prove, Scale, Integrate, Thrive) and tracks how a service designer's role shifts through each: from scout > doer > trainer > facilitator > leader. No need to have it all figured out before you arrive. Just come ready to think out loud with a few new people. See you there!

Come to BC With Us!

Holiday Time! I'm away for a week. Keep an eye on the schedule for our sunday hikes!

School Bus Hike: Caledon Trailway

Join us on a moderately paced hike on flat terrain on the Caledon Trailway from the village of Caledon East past Albion Hills, through the hamlet of Palgrave to Highway 9. Suitable for families and beginners or anyone wanting to enjoy a day out in the countryside not far from Toronto on a not too challenging hike. Dropouts at 7 km, 10 km, and 12 km. We'll have a refreshment stop in the downtown Bolton heritage conservation district where the town of Bolton Mills was formed and there's a variety of options for hikers to enjoy before our ride back to York Mills. Bus Fare: $25.00 Bruce Trail Conservancy Member, $32.00 Non-Members, reduced fares for Children Under 12. Fares Includes a $1.00 Donation to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Note you need to register and pay your bus fare through the [Bruce Trail Hike Schedule](https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/bus-hike-caledon-trailway-caledon-east-palgrave/2026-08-15/). Registration will open at 8:00 PM Saturday August 1st. Our hikes proceed rain or shine and bus fares are non-refundable and they may not be transferred between seperate events. Please read our refund policy linked from the above registration page before registering.

🌅 Tommy Thompson Sunset Walk & Lighthouse — Wildlife & Skyline (9km)

Consumerism and The Good life

Do We Own Things, or Do Things Own Us? At Auravista Gathering 5, we will explore the relationship between consumerism, media, advertising, and our idea of a good life—a conversation about how our desires are shaped and whether having more necessarily means living better. 🎙️ Five open mic spots are available for those who would like to share a five-minute personal reflection or experience. Please send us a DM to participate.

Canoe & Hike the Best of Algonquin

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/canoe-hike-algonquin-26)** **We’ll be headed to Rock Lake in Algonquin Park for an adventure that will allow you to take in the stunning scenery from two perspectives: a floating canoe on the lake’s serene waters and atop an amazing rocky lookout point.** We’ll start with a quick canoe lesson onshore and then launch our boats into the lake and set off. We’ll cruise through crystal clear waters and follow the shoreline beneath dramatic granite cliffs. Keep your eyes on the western shore: if we’re lucky, we’ll be able to see ancient pictographs that are etched into the rock face near the southern end, which are amongst the oldest recorded evidence of Indigenous presence on these shores. Loons are also common out here, and moose have a habit of appearing at the marshy edges when you least expect them. We’ll eventually arrive at the Booth's Rock trailhead, where the trail climbs steadily through mixed boreal forest before breaking out onto an exposed granite ridgeline with views over Rock Lake, Whitefish Lake, and a sweep of unbroken Algonquin forest. The descent follows a long wooden staircase back into the trees, then traces the old Booth railway grade along the water's edge until we return to the trailhead. Plan for a full day of amazing nature. This is Algonquin at its best! **Highlights** **Rock Lake Cliffs:** The eastern shore drops its dramatic granite faces plunge straight into the water, creating a dramatic landscape.. Paddling beneath them puts the scale of these structures in perspective. **Sandy Beaches:** Discover lakeside sandy beaches contrasting the granite cliffs. **Booth's Rock Lookout:** Views over Rock and Whitefish lakes and hundreds of square kilometres of Algonquin forest. **Event cost: $100+HST (for explorer members) - $60 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/canoe-hike-algonquin-26)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Saturday Nature Leisure Walk and Night Life in Port Credit (Walk, Talk & Flock!)

Hello everyone, **\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a great **Saturday in** **Port Credit.** If you have never been; it's a great place to enjoy the sun, the water, the trees, the flowers, grab a coffee, ice cream, go for a leisure walk by the lake and then enjoy a tasty meal. Port Credit is also known for it's live music and dancing too (Event is both indoor and outdoor) I'm going to show us all around Port Credit, play a couple new ice breaker games and then head to a fun restaurant in the main strip of town with a great dinner menu following the walk. \*The walking portion will be roughly 2 hours with some stops along the way; then we will head for dinner and more mingling. This will be a fun day and evening gang! We will meet at **Star Bucks (111 Lake Shore Rd. West) in Port Credit** where you are welcome to grab a beverage or pastry if you like. This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on our small evening adventure through **Port Credit.** More details below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) **Event Details:** Saturday Nature Leisure Walk and Night Life in Port Credit (Walk, Talk & Flock!) -A great day as we explore some of the best area's of Port Credit near the water, board walk and entertainment strip (lots of live music too) -We can stop and rest at different spots, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together -Play a couple ice breaker games near the beginning as well to help us get to know one another \*A great way to naturally make connections, get some fresh air and enjoy our long weekend together) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (cash only) when you arrive (HST is included) or e transfer in advance to Steveflemming11@gmail.com \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Time and Location: Where to meet us?** We will meet at **Star Bucks (111 Lake Shore Rd. West) in Port Credit** where you are welcome to grab a beverage or pastry if you like. \*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at 4::00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 4:30) Go Train will take you there by Union Station too :) Plenty of parking in that area too- especially near Front Street and the Library :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-