About us
Join us for free, engaging events and programs about nature and the environment. Dive into discussions on environmental issues, discover local ecosystems, and deepen your connection with nature and community by attending a broad range of protection, conservation and sustainability topics offered at branches across Toronto.
Whether you're passionate about native plants or climate change solutions, everyone can be an environmentalist. Let's come together to protect our planet and get inspired to take action.
Upcoming events
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Garden with Purpose: Practical Ecological Gardening
Toronto Public Library - Mount Pleasant Branch, 599 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S 2M5, Canada, Toronto, ON, CAYou have the power to create real ecological change — right in your own backyard. In this introductory program, discover the core principles of ecological gardening and learn how to transform your garden into a space that’s both environmentally responsible and visually stunning.
A Toronto Master Gardener will provide guidance on how to create habitat, manage water wisely, and reduce your ecological impact — all while cultivating a landscape rich with beauty and year-round interest.
Suitable for gardeners of any skill level and any outdoor space.
Register via TPL's website: Garden with Purpose: Practical Ecological Gardening | Toronto Public Library | BiblioCommons
Doors open at 5:30 pm to mingle and chat with fellow nature and environmental enthusiasts! The program starts at 6:00 pm.
This program is part of TPL's Our Fragile Planet program series, supported by Friends of Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.
1 attendee
Bee-ing a Pollinator Protector: Plan Now for a Buzzing Spring Garden
Toronto Public Library - Riverdale Branch, 370 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2M8, Canada, Toronto, ON, CASaving the bees is an environmental cause that resonates deeply with Canadians. While most of us might not be thinking about bees this time of year, our actions during the colder months can still support these pollinators, particularly native bees, which are crucial and threatened by climate change, habitat loss, and other pressures.
In honour of the late bee scientist Sheila Colla, this presentation will offer practical tips on planting and maintaining gardens that provide beautifully blooming habitat for pollinators, with a particular focus on how native plants support wild bees.
Presented by Lorraine Johnson, who co-authored A Garden for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee with Sheila Colla, as part of TPL's environmental program series, Our Fragile Planet, supported by Friends of Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.
Free. Register for a reminder.
Doors open at 6:30 pm for attendees to mingle, chat with Lorraine, and explore related resources. Presentation begins at 7:00 pm.
Place a hold or borrow from Toronto Public Library:
This program will also be offered virtually on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, as part of Climate Action Week. To register for the online program and for more info, see the listing.
Photo credit & info: https://www.savethebumblebees.ca/poster/
Accessibility
Live or automated closed captioning, sign language interpretation, intervenor services, or attendant services are available upon request. Please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance to: tpl.ca/accessibility-events.2 attendees
Tiny Titans: Insects Up Close | Book Launch & Panel Talk
Toronto Public Library - North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5N9, Canada, Toronto, ON, CADiscover the hidden world of arthropods through stunning macro photography — a visual journey celebrating their beauty, complexity, and essential role in our ecosystems.
Meet Dara Ojo, an award-winning macro photographer and conservation storyteller whose work brings the hidden world of arthropods into vivid relief. Ojo's book, Tiny Titans: The Silent Keepers of Our Ecosystem reveals the fascinating lives of insects, spiders, and other small creatures that quietly sustain life on Earth. Captured across Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and beyond, Dara Ojo’s photography highlights the intricate details and diversity of these often-overlooked species.
Ojo will be leading the conversation with:
Dr. Sandra Rehan, professor at York University and principal investigator of the Rehan Lab with a focus on wild bees, pollinator biology and conservation. Rehan's research explores the biology, behaviour and evolution of bees, with a particular interest in understanding and protecting native pollinators.
Dr. Laura Timms, Senior Specialist of Natural Heritage Management at Credit Valley Conservation and Adjunct Professor with the Daniels Faculty’s Institute of Forestry and Conservation.
Lorraine Johnson, author and native plant and ecological gardening advocate, bridging the connection between insects, plants, habitat and practical conservation action.
Join in this evening to celebrate macro photography and the intricate beauty and ecological importance of insects and spiders, creatures that quietly anchor global biodiversity, pollination, and climate resilience.
Free. Register for a reminder via TPL website or RSVP here.
5:30 pm: Doors open. Mingle and chat with fellow nature and environmental enthusiasts!
6:00 pm: Presentation begins. Enjoy a highly visual presentation combining photography, science, conservation and storytelling, taking the audience behind the scenes of six years documenting tiny worlds across five continents and exploring why these overlooked species matter. A light, informal conversation with guest speakers will explore why arthropods are so essential to our ecosystems, with a discussion of challenges impacting local species, and how science, photography and art can work together to help people notice, understand and care about the natural world. An audience Q&A follows this discussion.
7:30 pm: Book signing with books available for purchase.
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This program is part of TPL's Our Fragile Planet program series, supported by Friends of Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.
Questions? Please contact North York Central Library - Business, Science & Technology Department.***
Place a hold or borrow from Toronto Public Library:
- Tiny Titans : The Silent Keepers of Our Ecosystem (book) - Dara Ojo
- A Garden for the Rusty-patched Bumblebee (book) - Lorraine Johnson
## Accessibility
Live or automated closed captioning, sign language interpretation, intervenor services, or attendant services are available upon request. Please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance to: tpl.ca/accessibility-events.
1 attendee
