Opportunities abound for you to help nature in Toronto and have fun doing it! Our volunteers plant trees, cast seeds, pull invasives, monitor wildlife, identify plants, maintain trails, pick-up garbage, and so much more! We’re always looking for volunteers of all interests and experience levels.
Current Initiatives
Community Stewardship Program
TFN serves as Team Leaders at two Community Stewardship Program sites: Cottonwood Flats & Humber Arboretum! Join us and help protect & improve vital habitat in these areas. No prior experience or tools are necessary – just a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Cottonwood Flats Monitoring Project
Since 2017, TFN citizen scientists have monitored the evolution and ecological trajectory of Cottonwood Flats. Our team of botanists, birders, photographers & ambassadors meet five times a year to collect data, which is then reported to the City of Toronto. A great way to share your skills or learn new ones!
TFN’s Nature Reserves
Did you know that TFN owns and maintains 170+ hectares of private nature reserves which protect vital habitats, environmentally sensitive wetlands, and many provincially-endangered and at-risk species? We’re always in need of volunteers to help maintain trails & boardwalks, control invasives, and more.
TFN/CSP Monitoring Project
TFN is working with the Community Stewardship Program to establish a monitoring plot at every CSP site in Toronto by the end of 2025. TFN volunteers help conduct baseline vegetation assessments, manage ongoing CSP volunteer observation reports, and maintain plot integrity.
Special Projects
Our stewards support and contribute to many smaller initiatives, including those run by partner organizations like the City of Toronto, TRCA, the ROM, and naturalist clubs from all around Canada. Examples from recent years include: one-off plantings, deploying trail cams, speaking on panels, conducting literature reviews, assembling collections of historic photographs, writing blog posts, and advising on strategy & protocols!