Conservation Volunteering Toronto

✨ Volunteering: Food Bank

We’re hosting a volunteer event with the Daily Bread Food Bank 💛, one of **Toronto’s largest charities**, which supports people facing difficult circumstances every day. We’ll be **sorting food** 🥕🥫📦 and, if needed, helping to prepare it for distribution. This is hands-on help that directly impacts someone’s daily life. **No special experience or skills are required.** All that matters is your willingness to get involved and donate a few hours of your time. ⏰ **Time:** 9:50 AM to 12:00 PM 💬 **Coordinator:** Kate 💜 **Participation is free** ⚠ Age requirement: 15 and older ❗ Before participating, you must **review the mandatory form from Daily Bread.** You can sign it on-site, but it’s important to read the document in advance. We’ll send the link via the bot after registration. **Register on [TryToronto website](https://trytoronto.org/events/food-bank-sep)** **Our Instagram: [@try_toronto_](https://www.instagram.com/try_toronto_)**

Cliffs & Fall Colours: A Bruce Peninsula Hike

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/bruce-peninsula-26)** **The Bruce Peninsula does dramatic better than almost anywhere else in Ontario, and fall is when it really shows off.** We'll be out for most of the day, covering 8.5km of moderate hiking through some of the best autumn scenery in the province, with the changing leaves against the escarpment's limestone making for a proper contrast. We'll start in the forest before the trail opens onto the coastline, tracing the cliffs down to the Grotto. It's the most photographed spot on the peninsula for good reason: crystal clear water, a sea cave carved into the rock, and a natural window out to the bay. We'll take our time here, including a stop for lunch. From the Grotto we'll keep following the shoreline out to Stormhaven, crossing pebble beaches with open views across Georgian Bay the whole way. We'll turn around there and retrace the coastline back, catching all the same cliffs and colour from the other direction with the light shifted by then. **Two important things to note:** 1. **Self driving isn't possible for this trip. Parking passes at the trailhead sell out well in advance, so all members travel together on WU transport.** 2. **Bruce Peninsula National Park is stunning, but be aware that it is a long drive there and back. Full details are in the itinerary below.** **Accessibility** Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to info@wildernessunion.com **Highlights** **The Grotto:** The peninsula's most famous natural feature: a limestone sea cave with turquoise water and a rock window looking out over Georgian Bay. **Stormhaven Coastline:** A stretch of cobble beach with wide open views across the bay, well past where most day hikers turn around. **Fall Colour on the Escarpment:** Peak autumn colour against the Niagara Escarpment's pale limestone cliffs, a contrast you don't get anywhere else on the Bruce Trail\*\*.\*\* **Event cost: $140+HST. Transportation is included in the cost of the adventure. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/bruce-peninsula-26)** **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/)***

Event equipment carry and set up volunteers

Need 3-5 volunteers depending on how many nets we will need Sign up here if you want to volunteer to help with equipment and set up in the morning. Volunteers will come early before the event start to help carry equipment and set up nets. Volunteers please arrive early at the assigned time and place. Meeting time will be up to an hour before the event start time. Volunteers will play for free and will get additional perks. Number of volunteers needed will depend on how many nets are required. Regular volunteers will get preference. **Please only sign up to volunteer if you are attending the event for sure.** Please answer the RSVP question and add yourself to the waiting list and I will add you if you’re needed as a volunteer and I will contact you to confirm with details. Once confirmed you will be added as a volunteer

One Last Backcountry Weekend in Frontenac

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/weekend-in-frontenac)** **Fall (aka shoulder season) camping brings the serene beauty of the backcountry, without the crowds and bugs.** At this time of year, Frontenac will be less busy and the trail into Big Clear Lake belongs mostly to us. It's a 9km hike to reach the site, working through root tangled trails and stretches of open granite typical of this stretch of the Canadian Shield. Only the most stubborn leaves will remain on the trees and you’ll enjoy long sightlines through bare branches where the canopy used to be. The pace is steady and moderate the whole way in, never technical but never quite letting up either. We set up camp on the shore of Big Clear Lake as the light starts to drop, we get a fire going, and cook dinner together. Late October nights out here are serene, with a sky full of stars over the lake. In the morning, we’ll take our time over breakfast before packing up and heading out along the other side of Big Salmon Lake: a different stretch of trail from the one we hiked in on, with its own look at the park before we're back where we started. By the time we're back at the cars, you'll have had that sweet final night of the year in the backcountry. What's included * Professional & certified guides * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. **Accessibility** Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to info@wildernessunion.com **Highlights** **Last Trip of the Season:** The final overnight on the calendar before WU's backcountry program pauses for winter **Shoulder Season Solitude**: Long, quiet stretches of trail, with the lake mostly to yourselves. **A Clear Night Sky:** Bare branches and dry autumn air make for some of the best stargazing conditions of the year at the campsite. **Event cost: $265+HST. $70 optional transport also available. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/weekend-in-frontenac)** **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/)***

Fall Colours Canoe trip to Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

This is a trip to view the back country Ontario during prime fall colours. This is a one-night trip. We will paddle into the interior and camp for the night. There are 2 small portage. Camp sites and canoes will be reserved. Food will be provided and carpooling arranged. You do not need to bring any food. We will be asking for a $50 deposit via paypal or bank email transfer to keep your spot since I need to reserve the sites and canoes ahead of time. I will send out a note with further information to those who sign up. See paypal and bank email transfer info under "COSTS" below. RSVP REQUIREMENTS RSVP "Going" if you are sure you can attend, are able to meet the difficulty requirement, bring what is needed and have reviewed the costs associated with this event. EVENT DETAILS Difficulty: Easy to Moderate - You are able to paddle 3-4 hours per day and are reasonably fit. What to Bring: Hat, Personal water bottle, 2 or 3 dry bags or garbage bags (to use for your clothes & sleeping bag) Put the garbage bag inside to line you backpack. Put another one inside your sleeping bag case to line that. Waterproof Coat. List of Clothing : Hat, swimsuit, sweaters or sweatshirts (it will get cold in the evenings), jeans or long pants, 1 towel, 2 pairs shoes - 1 for dry hiking and 1 for wet stuff. Wet shoes need to be secure, flip flops and loose sandals may get stuck in the mud. bowl, cup, spoon, fork, sun glasses, flashlight or strong headlamp, Toiletries: Toilet paper, sunscreen, bug spray. When you pack your stuff, if you can pack everything in one pack, portaging will be much easier! Other camping items: Backpack, Sleeping bag (suitable for cold weather), sleeping pad or mattress GETTING THERE Drivers will be notified by the organizer where to meet and pick up passengers. Drivers will be sent complete directions as to where, when and who to meet and directions to the Park. Please sign up for the carpool here: https://groupcarpool.com/t/po0qbj COSTS Other: 50 deposit to remain on going list. Total cost between 180 and $220. This cost includes all gas, camp fees, food and canoe rentals. The balance is payable at the end of the trip when we calculate the costs owed by each member. HOW TO PAY: contact Pedro for paypal account and e-mail address INTRODUCTION TO CANOEING Please review the following safety videos: (You don't need to kneel, sitting is fine for this type of trip. The other safety tips are good) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrjXT9bAB6c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrjXT9bAB6c) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTtFSpelQk4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTtFSpelQk4) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zHSfEhEqkU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zHSfEhEqkU) Please ALWAYS check your email or the event post in the evening or in the morning prior to the event for cancellation, rescheduling or last minute changes. Please Note: You are required to respond to Meetup messages in a timely manner. The messages may be on the comment board below, private message, or through the email address you have registered with [Meetup.com.](http://Meetup.com.)

Hike Leaders’ Meeting at Marjan’s Trail ✅

Our hike leaders are getting together to share ideas, plan future hikes and adventures and help our community continue to grow. Thank you to all our volunteers and members for making every hike a great experience. 🥾🥾

🍁 Chasing Fall Colours at Forks of the Credit

Let’s head out to Forks of the Credit Provincial Park for a beautiful fall hike through colourful forests, rolling trails, and the scenic Cataract Falls! We can then stop on our way back for dinner! We’ll take our time, enjoy the views, take plenty of photos, and have some good company along the way. Meetup fee - $2, please interac to - mech.mandeep@gmail.com or vibhuchaudhary@yahoo.com 🥾 The Plan Moderate hike — roughly 2–3 hours Forest trails + fall colours + Cataract Falls Start hiking at 12:15 PM Please arrive by 12:00 PM so we can get organized and start together IMPORTANT — PARK RESERVATION Everyone driving must book their own vehicle reservation in advance. Reservations open 5 days before the visit. Please book the 12:00 PM–4:00 PM time slot. Please don't wait until the day of the hike, as October weekends can fill up quickly. Bring water, snacks, and comfortable hiking shoes. Autumn trails can be muddy or slippery, so dress accordingly. Come for the fall colours, stay for the waterfall and good company! 🍁😊

Autumn Awe at Crawford Lake

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/crawford-lake-26)** **Crawford Lake keeps its secrets in its sediment. We’ll share some of them with you on this adventure.** This emerald green meromictic lake is a scientific marvel. It’s so still that its deep layers never mix, and nothing that settles to the bottom ever gets disturbed. That untouched geological record, laid down year by year, is part of why it’s so special. We’ll follow the lake’s shores on the newly completed boardwalk, with radiant fall colours towering above us. From the lake, the trail climbs onto the Niagara Escarpment and joins the Bruce Trail, the longest trail network in Ontario. This section has some moderately technical terrain that will ask you to slow down and pay attention. Partway through, the trail passes the reconstructed 15th century Iroquoian village, three longhouses rebuilt on their original footprint. From there, the trail carries on toward Rattlesnake Point, climbing to a pretty spectacular viewpoint over the canyon before looping back through mixed hardwood forest to the lake. By the time you're back at the boardwalk, you'll have covered the escarpment's best angles: canyon, cliff, and calm water, all in one loop. **Accessibility** Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to info@wildernessunion.com **Highlights** **Rattlesnake Point Viewpoint:** The high point of the loop, with open views out over the escarpment cliffs and the valley below. **Crawford Lake:** Formed roughly 10,000 years ago in a sinkhole carved out by retreating glaciers, tucked into forest at the top of the escarpment. **Peak Fall Colours:** The escarpment forest turns early and hard here, with the ridgeline views making the reds and golds even more dramatic than from the trail floor. **Itinerary** **09:00** \- Shuttle leaves from near Keele station **10:00 - 10:30** \- Explore Iroquoian Longhouse Village **10:30 - 15:30** \- Hike Crawford lake loop and to Rattlesnake point\, with a stop for lunch along the way **16:30** \- Arrival back in Toronto **Event cost: $55+HST. $40 optional transport also available. Please register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/crawford-lake-26)** **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/)***

Sauble Falls Camping

Come join us for a 3-day camping getaway at Sauble Falls Provincial Park. This meetup is for anyone who wants a fun, relaxed outdoor weekend with a little adventure and a little fresh-air therapy. Plan for the weekend: Saturday: Arrive, set up camp, and enjoy kayaking/canoeing Sunday: Hiking day and time to explore the falls and trails Monday: Slow morning, pack up, and head home Important details: Electric campsites Everyone brings their own food, drinks, and camping gear Great for people who enjoy camping, nature, and easygoing group vibes Water activities and hiking are part of the plan, so bring clothes and shoes for both What to bring: Tent or camping setup Sleeping bag and pillow Food and snacks for the weekend Water bottle Warm clothes for the evening Hiking shoes Clothes for kayaking/canoeing Flashlight or lantern Toiletries and personal items

Private Photography Session: Canadian Raptor Conservancy

The Wilderness Brothers (Sudbury)

Contact Alex for location and information.

An SD walk in the park

**An autumn service safari through Toronto's Vale of Avoca and Moore Park Ravine** We’ll meet at David A. Balfour Park and head through the Vale of Avoca and Moore Park Ravine. Along the way, we’ll introduce and try out a classic service design tool — the **[service safari](https://servicedesigntools.org/tools/service-safari)**[ ](https://servicedesigntools.org/tools/service-safari)— using the ravine as our real-world playground. We’ll walk, observe, and capture what we notice about how we find, navigate, and experience the place. Our timing is interesting too: The City of Toronto is [currently exploring improvements to the Vale of Avoca](https://haveyoursay.toronto.ca/vale-avoca-ravine-improvements). We’ll compare what we notice, spot patterns and see what questions and opportunities emerge. We’ll also borrow lightly from Design Council’s [Skills for Planet](https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/skills-for-planet/), widening our lens beyond our own experience to notice the environment around us. **No slides. No presentations. Just curious people, a beautiful fall walk, some service design in the wild and hopefully some good fall colours. 🍁** Bring: comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate layers + a charged phone. No service design experience required - curiosity is plenty. -- Bonus: After the walk, we’ll bring what we learn together into a short set of SDD field notes that we could share with the Vale of Avoca project team.