Jess
Bio: Jess is the RPP Operations Supervisor at LEAF. When she’s not daydreaming about trees, she enjoys hanging out with her dog and getting lost in movies.
“I carry on my mom and friend’s winter tradition of adventuring through inclement weather. When a snowstorm comes to town, I make it my business to greet it. Whether I’m standing on my balcony embracing an icy blizzard or trudging through a meter of fresh snow on my way to a friend’s house, this tradition helps reconnect me to the land during a time of year when I usually struggle to do so. Feeling the raw power of nature from the blowing snow on my face to the forceful pushback of deep snow against my legs humbles me. It reminds me of the fragility and strength of all things. It also lends perspective. After feeling winter's strength, I can better understand the resilience of the plants and animals around me and it reminds me that they too deserve my respect and service.
One of my more memorable adventures was January 2022 after almost half a meter of snow fell on Toronto. As per tradition, I trekked up Yonge Street through the deep snow and was rewarded with a beautiful silence, one that only happens after an incredible snowfall.”
Amba
Bio: Amba enjoys dreaming of future urban landscapes that are thriving and full of life. In her role as RPP Programs Assistant, she channels her love for nature into helping others create beautiful green spaces.
“With its quiet stillness, winter is the perfect time to dream about the seasons ahead. For me, garden planning is more than preparation—it’s a way to connect with nature. Sitting with seed catalogues, sketching layouts, and imagining plants thriving helps me feel rooted in the cycles of the natural world. But garden planning today feels different than it did a few years ago. Each winter, I find myself considering not just what will thrive in the coming spring, but what will endure in the face of climate change. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns require me to think more critically about what I plant and why. Native species, drought-tolerant plants, and pollinator-friendly choices have become essential.
Planning a garden reminds me of nature’s adaptability and my role in its stewardship. It’s a hopeful act, envisioning a landscape that grows with care and intention. Winter, though a time of rest, offers the chance to reconnect with the land and imagine a garden that flourishes not just for one season, but for many years to come.”
Joel
Bio: Joel is the RPP Programs Field Assistant at LEAF and an aspiring outdoor winter activities enthusiast.
“I struggle to feel connected to nature during the winter months. Shorter days, less sun and chilly temperatures each do their part in reinforcing my desire to hibernate. However, somewhere around mid to late January, with the holiday season come and gone and many weeks of winter still to go, even if all my instincts are telling me to stay inside and cozy, the sun shining through a break in the dreary, grey clouds will inspire me to brave the outdoors once again.
Once I am out there, I remember the joy and beauty of being in nature, regardless of the season. From a game of backyard shinny under the lights, to sledding down a hill at the park, flying down a ski hill, getting some shots up on a shoveled-off court, or of course the LEAF classic, a crisp walk through a forest trail, enjoyable outdoor pursuits are available all year round. I just need to remember to cut hibernation season short, and get back to them!”
Jon
Bio: Jon is the RPP Senior Field Coordinator at LEAF. He feels fortunate enough to help homeowners through each step of the BYTP program, from applications and in-person site consultations to planting and tree care.
“Killing trees is the tuition you pay for learning bonsai.” - John Naka (Master Bonsai Cultivator)
“You might think I’d get my fill of trees during our busy planting seasons, but that’s never the case. During the frosty months, I stay connected to nature’s cycles through bonsai—the Japanese art of growing and shaping miniature trees in containers. Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by this art form but hesitant to start, fearing the possibility of failure and the loss of the trees in my care.
Over time, I’ve learned that bonsai teaches profound lessons about patience, resilience and the impermanence of life. Whether thriving or no longer with us, trees hold wisdom about nature’s cycles. Each one reminds me to cherish what is here now, to nurture and appreciate life in all its forms while it lasts. Bonsai offers me a calming and contemplative connection to nature—a grounding practice during winter’s tranquility.”
Brenna
Bio: Brenna has a profound connection to nature and an unwavering commitment to preserving and expanding the urban forest for generations to come. As LEAF’s RPP Manager and an ISA-certified arborist, Brenna plays a key role in program development, strategic planning, partnerships and mentoring staff in their roles as stewards of the urban forest.
“Winter often provides a welcome invitation to slow down and rejuvenate for the upcoming year, but it can also bring feelings of loneliness and isolation. To combat these, I choose to spend time outdoors, connecting with nature in meaningful ways. Physical activities such as hiking or ice-skating help improve my cardiovascular health. Exposure to natural light, snowy landscapes and the sounds of crunching snow help reduce stress, improve my overall mood and promote a sense of grounding. Outdoor winter landscapes also offer me a sense of peace, calmness and tranquility, inviting moments of self-reflection and fostering an opportunity to practice mindfulness. The stillness of nature in the winter forces me to slow down and look at the little things that often go unnoticed, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the beauty around me. It is also a reminder that even in the cold, dreary months, nature continues to thrive, which reminds me of my own capacity for growth. Ultimately, connecting with nature in the winter by spending time outdoors supports my overall physical and mental well-being and is essential for maintaining balance during a season that often feels challenging.”
As winter blankets the world in quiet, it reminds our team that these months are not just a time to recharge. This season also strengthens our shared purpose as urban forest stewards, reinforcing why we do what we do. Every tree planted, every decision made, is part of a larger commitment to nurturing a greener future.
We hope our reflections inspire you to embrace winter and find your own ways to stay connected to nature.
Amba is the Residential Planting Programs Assistant at LEAF.
LEAF offers a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program for private property. The program is supported by the City of Toronto, the Regional Municipality of York, the City of Markham, the Town of Newmarket, the Regional Municipality of Durham, the Town of Ajax, the Township of Brock, the Municipality of Clarington, the City of Oshawa, the City of Pickering, the Township of Scugog, the Town of Whitby and Ontario Power Generation.