Conservation Volunteering Toronto

Urban Walk: Introductory Hike – Crothers Woods

Anyone is welcome to join this hike but we are especially inviting our new members (and prospective members) to learn about our hiking program and how our guided hikes are classified and described in the hike schedule and what you should bring with you on hike. We will explore Crothers Woods in the Don Valley, nature in the heart of the city, which will present some moderate challanges with it's ups and downs giving it's Level 2 classification. The actual route will depend on conditions of the day to keep it a moderate level hike. Please bring ice traction cleats (mandatory) for a safe hike. We'll have a brief outdoor snack/lunch stop along the route. We will return to Todmorden Mills at the end of the hike. Note transit users will need to ascend the fairly steep hill on Pottery Road at the conclusion of the hike. Washrooms are available at the Todmorden Mills Site. On this introductory hike we will: * Discuss how a hike is classified (Level 1,2,3, Moderate/Fast, etc) * Discuss the variables that affect the difficulty of any particular hike * Discuss why different people have different perspectives on the difficulty level of the same hike * Demonstrate some terrain that would raise the difficulty level of hike hiking * Help you know you have the information required to choose the hikes right for you Register At BTC website : [https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/crothers-woods-introductory-hike/2026-02-22/](https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/crothers-woods-introductory-hike/2026-02-22/) Please register at above so we have you on the waiver form

Local Social Host Sign-Up: Lunches, Drinks & Curated Experiences

**Want to help bring your city’s community together?** We’re looking for local hosts to organize small group lunches, evening drinks, mixers, movie get-togethers and curated experiences. **No experience necessary,** just a friendly attitude, some local knowledge, and a willingness to meet a few new people. After each event, we’ll send a short feedback form so we can improve and support you. The host will also be able to provide feedback so we can learn what worked and what didn't. **[Click here](https://form.questionscout.com/6926c9ab87a828a5c11a79fc)** to apply and get started: if you’re selected, we’ll reach out for a quick screening call.

Winter Stations at the Beaches

Ubuntu Toronto Meetup

Come and lets talk Ubuntu talk. Bring your laptops and show off your favorite apps and your wallpaper. Got questions ? Bring them too ! Location and time: Monday 7pm ,Feb 23, 2026 Bishop and Belchers pub Church and Bloor St E. 175 Bloor St E. Toronto, ON M4W 3T5 [(416) 591-2352](tel:+14165912352)

Nature-themed arts & crafts

Woodbine Beach Volleyball 4s/6s mixed levels

Play some beach and meet cool people

Winter Walk at High Park

The Wilderness Brothers (Sudbury)

Contact Alex for location and information.

Meet & Greet + Impact Discussion 🌱

This will be our very first **Justice for Animals** meet-and-greet, and it’s meant to be a relaxed, welcoming way to connect in person ☕🐾 We’ll get to know one another, chat about why animal welfare matters to us, and talk casually about how this group can support local animal rescues in Toronto in realistic, meaningful ways. No pressure, no heavy planning — just good conversation, shared values, and community. If you care about animals and want to meet like-minded people in a positive, supportive space, you’re very welcome to join. Looking forward to meeting you all!

Animal Justice: Ethics In Action!

For the past couple of years, these events have brought together professionals who share a commitment to animal protection, ethical leadership, and thoughtful engagement. This upcoming gathering marks a special edition of the series, and will feature Melanie D.G. Kaplan, journalist and author of Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research. Melanie D.G. Kaplan will be joined in conversation by Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice. Together, they will explore the ethical questions surrounding animal research and advocacy, drawing on Melanie’s investigative reporting, her experience sharing a life with a former lab dog, and Camille’s long-standing work in animal protection. **The conversation is especially timely, as Ontario moves toward prohibiting invasive research on cats and dogs—signaling a significant shift in how the province approaches the ethics of animal research.** **Why Attend:** ✔️ **Hear from an Expert: **Melanie D.G. Kaplan brings journalistic rigor and compassion to her work on Lab Dog, a book that sheds light on how animals are used in research and what ethical alternatives might look like. ✔️ **Deepen Your Perspective: **Gain a nuanced understanding of the ethical, scientific, and human questions at the heart of contemporary animal research debates. ✔️ **Explore What’s Changing Now:** Ontario is moving to ban invasive research on cats and dogs—this event provides a timely opportunity to understand the implications for animal research ethics and advocacy. ✔️ **Connect with Purpose: **Join others who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in their fields and communities. [RSVP HERE ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScX1DDdQ5NaZmMSlon944OkvzEGSWfaDXcycnJ3yQLCINwxFA/viewform?utm_source=google_form&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ethics_in_action&utm_content=email1_button2)

Wanakita Winter Weekend February 20-22 2026

Frozen Rapids Snowshoe

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/historic-winter-2026)** ***Join us as we explore this seemingly untouched wilderness known to just a few.*** This hike is a genuine adventure, taking us to a spot where trails appear out of nowhere then disappear again as soon as you find them. While only 9km, this is a harder hike that will see us bushwhacking through dense forest, hopping over myriad streams and potentially trudging through thick snow. The reward is incredible however - we end up tracing a raging river along an impossibly pretty shoreline and past some ferocious rapids. If you've been itching for something a bit more challenging, this is your chance. On this hike you can expect: \- Trekking along icy rivers \- Sprawling frozen scenery \- Raging rapids \- An epic feat of engineering ***A note for self-drivers: parking can be precarious here, especially with heavy snowfall. You are strongly encouraged to take WU transport to avoid issues.*** ***Snowshoes are included in the cost of this adventure. Please indicate at checkout if you require a pair.*** **Highlights** **Ferocious Rapids -** Trek along this winding riverbank with tumultuous rapids forming the river's path **A Forgotten River -** This river is teeming with life and beauty, how could anyone forget that! **Little-Known Crown Land Hike -** Hike through the unknown where the trail comes and goes. We doubt you'll see anybody else out there. **Event cost: $60+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/historic-winter-2026)** **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/)***