Becoming a LEAF volunteer will help you gain new skills, connect with others and create lasting impact. From getting your hands dirty at a community tree planting event, educating the public at local outreach events, photographing the fun at a tree tour or assisting behind the scenes – we have something for everyone.
Read on to discover four things you can look forward to as a LEAF volunteer and sign up now for an orientation to join the LEAF volunteer community and help us grow a greener future!
March 8 Virtual Volunteer Orientation
March 25 Virtual Volunteer Orientation
Grow the Urban Forest and Create a Greener Future
A healthy urban forest provides benefits that all communities deserve access to, like improving air quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, managing stormwater runoff and making our cities more resilient to climate change. Now, more than ever, we must work together to enhance and protect our urban forest. Your support as a volunteer helps us continue this important work and make a lasting impact on our environment.
If you share our vision of healthy, vibrant communities where everyone values and cares for the urban environment, here’s your chance to dig in and grow the urban forest for future generations. Whether you choose to assist at our community tree planting events as a Tree Planting Leader, maintain pollinator habitats as a Garden Steward, help set up equipment as an Event Assistant or participate in another role, you will be making a tangible impact!
Last year alone, LEAF volunteers dedicated 4,000 hours to planting 8,300 native trees and shrubs on public lands. We have another big year of planting ahead and invite you to help us restore habitats for local wildlife, improve air quality and provide even more community benefits!
Learn and Share Knowledge with Others
LEAF volunteer positions provide opportunities for you to develop new skills with others who share your passion for the environment. You’ll have opportunities to learn more about the urban forest, improve your native tree and shrub identification skills and receive training on how to plant a tree so that it thrives for years to come.
On top of expanding your knowledge and network, we provide volunteer opportunities for those interested to go from learners to leaders! After attending one of our upcoming orientations, you can join our Outreach Team and educate the public about the importance of the urban forest at community events across the Toronto Area. Sharing your passion for nature with others can create a ripple-effect to inspire others to take meaningful action to grow and enhance the urban forest.
Explore the Outdoors and Connect with New Friends
LEAF events are the perfect opportunity to explore new greenspaces while connecting with like-minded people! Some volunteer roles involve planting trees alongside LEAF staff and fellow volunteers in parks across York Region and Durham Region. Others will have you tending to pollinator gardens hidden in plain sight along Toronto’s subway lines, working with dedicated garden stewards to support vital urban biodiversity. No matter the role, you’ll gain hands-on experience in urban greening while meeting others who share your passion for the environment.
Be Recognized For Your Contributions
Your hard work and dedication won’t go unnoticed! Throughout the year, the LEAF team takes every opportunity to recognize and celebrate our incredible volunteers. You'll be invited to our annual Summer Garden Party, where you can enjoy an evening of food, raffle prizes and heartfelt appreciation from our team. Plus, as you reach key volunteer hour milestones, we’ll highlight your achievements, because every hour you give makes a lasting impact on our urban forest.
March 8 Virtual Volunteer Orientation
March 25 Virtual Volunteer Orientation
Ready to green your community and connect with others? Register for one of our upcoming volunteer orientations through the links above and join the LEAF volunteer community today! Attending the orientation is your first step toward achieving your personal goals while making a difference this year. We hope you’ll join us in the urban forest to help build resilience and improve communities, one tree at a time!
Natasha Jovanovic is the Education Coordinator at LEAF.
Our Volunteer Orientations are supported by Ontario Power Generation.