After completing the YUFL program, Aisha was excited to apply her newfound knowledge in her own community through the TCH Planting and Stewardship Initiative. Her motivation came from realizing the many benefits of planting native shrubs on her property. Aisha explained, “I first became interested in planting native shrubs on my property after learning about the importance of local biodiversity in creating resilient ecosystems, especially as we begin to see the effects of climate change. I was also encouraged to plant shrubs after coming across more research explaining the importance of green spaces in reducing stress levels.” She was excited to learn how to bring more diverse native species to an area that currently has many non-native species.
Aisha has learned how much planning and care it takes to naturalize greenspaces in a community. But it’s worth it! For her, the most meaningful aspect of the TCH Planting and Stewardship Initiative has been engaging with neighbours after being disconnected during the pandemic. Aisha emphasized that, “this is a community project, where we all have come together
To inspire more TCH tenants to participate in the program, Aisha shared, “I would encourage them to get involved by explaining how simple and organized the process was, and that it is also a fun summer project! It’s really rewarding to care for a plant and watch it grow, which is something many TCH tenants don’t experience enough because they live in buildings.”
Outside of her involvement with LEAF, Aisha is currently an Environmental Advocacy Co-Director for the University of Toronto Muslim Students Association, where she creates events that unite Islam and the environment. In addition to improving biodiversity in her own community, Aisha is also working to improve the biodiversity of Canada's largest national park, as a data analyst for the Wood Buffalo Action Plan.
Aisha's experience with LEAF's programs over the past two years have supported her in becoming a community leader. LEAF is proud to support remarkable individuals like Aisha, and help them steward their communities.
This blog is the first in a series that highlights some of the amazing community members we’ve met through our Toronto Community Housing Planning and Stewardship Initiative. This blog was written by James Marcucci based on an interview he conducted with Aisha Chohan. Stay tuned for more great blogs in this series!
James Marcucci is a TCH Research Assistant at LEAF
The TCH Planting and Stewardship Initiative is implemented by LEAF, TCH and the City of Toronto. It is funded by the City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Grant and the TD Green Space Grant from TD and the Arbor Day Foundation.
The Young Urban Forest Leaders Program is supported by a City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry Grant.