EcoSpark

EcoSpark is open for fall school registration! Today we are highlighting the Tree Benefits workshop. 🌲📈💚

In this workshop, students will learn to use simple urban forestry tools and ArcGIS to measure and learn about the positive impacts of trees, map the location of existing trees and provide tree survey data to support long-term tree monitoring projects. Students will also measure and calculate the environmental and economic benefits of local trees storing carbon, water and air pollutants and use this information to plan stewardship actions.

Register your school for a Tree Benefits Workshop at our website -- link in bio!

EcoSpark is open for fall school registration! Today we are highlighting the Environmental Leadership workshop. 🌲🌎💚

In this workshop, students will be equipped with the knowledge, tools and skill sets required to become the next generation of environmental leaders in their community. They will master the art of utilizing citizen science apps and field guides to identify local plants, insects, and animals, and contribute valuable data to online databases, actively engaging in scientific research.

Students will not only gain expertise in biodiversity monitoring but also learn effective teaching methodologies, enabling them to educate their peers and foster communities of informed environmental stewards.

Register your school for an Environmental Leadership Workshop at our website -- link in bio!

EcoSpark is open for fall school registration! Today we are highlighting the Energy workshop. 💡💚🌡️

In this workshop, students will learn about energy and conduct experiments to understand the different types of energy through hands on activities such as assessing the electricity usage of every day devices with wattmeters and building solar oven pizza boxes. Through this process, students will will learn about ways to conserve energy, how heat energy is converted into light energy, and the greenhouse gas effect.

Register your school for an Energy at our website -- link in bio!

EcoSpark is open for fall school registration! Today we are highlighting the Biodiversity workshop. 🌲🌎💚

In this workshop, students learn how to find and identify a wide variety of plants, insects, and animals using interactive species ID apps, scientific tools, and field guides, in order to track biodiversity on their school grounds and in nearby greenspaces. Data collected by students is contributed to larger online research databases (such as eBird and iNaturalist) to help researchers monitor climate impacts and conservation activities. Students will explore connections between climate change and biodiversity, expand their eco-literacy skills and learn more about the connections that make up healthy local ecosystems.

Register your school for a Biodiversity Workshop at our website -- link in bio!

It was so special to be part of the film panel for The Extraordinary Caterpillar screening in Rochester, NY! 🐛

Thanks to STEAM teacher for sharing this delightful sketch from the event. Science + art = engagement!

Heartfelt gratitude to B-Friendly Farm and Gardens and for organizing the event and supporting EcoSpark programs.🦋

EcoSpark is open for fall school registration! Today we are highlighting the Health and Wellness workshop. 🍃💚🫙

In this workshop, students will learn about the science behind nature connectivity and mindfulness for health and wellness, and about positive actions for health and wellness in communities.

Students will learn to craft their own organic body product, empowering individuals to prioritize sourcing natural ingredients with health benefits and develop the skills to create their own personalized wellness solution

Register your school for a Health and Wellness Workshop at our website -- link in bio!

📅 Mark your calendars! As part of our Cultivating BiodiverCity initiative, we are highlighting some events around Toronto and the GTA which you can attend to meet other community members and learn more about biodiversity!

📌July 4-5: Learn to fish at Biidaasige Park – a 2 hour free registered introductory program that teaches you everything you need to get started fishing sustainably and safely!

📌July 10: Wigmore Park Urban Forestry Nature Tour – 1.5 hour free registered tour that focuses on native plants and the local ecology at this park

📌July 15: Summertime Frogs walk @ Oak Ridges Trail – free registered event where you can learn about Ontario’s frogs and toads and how to identify them by their unique calls!

📌July 20: Moth Night @ High Park - Learn about the 1,000+ moth species that call High Park home at this PWYC nighttime event!

📌July 29: TRCA Youth Council virtual town hall – Learn about the Humber River Watershed Plan being developed and make your voice heard!

📌 Ongoing: TRCA conservation youth corps – Calling all high schoolers! Earn up to 30 volunteer hours assisting conservation projects across the GTA!

📌 Ongoing: Weedy Wednesdays at High Park – Free gardening program where participants take part in caring for the high park gardens

Grab a friend and start exploring what this (biodiver)city has to offer! For more information on biodiversity in Toronto, check out our Cultivating BiodiverCITY blog on our website!

Happy Canada Day from EcoSpark! To share our appreciation for the land we call home, we are highlighting one of Canada’s most iconic animals, the North American beaver. Though they are small, beavers are a mighty force of land stewardship and wetland conservation. Their dams create vital wetland ecosystems, which create habitat for a vast variety of species, including plants, birds, fish, and amphibians. These new habitats increase biodiversity and slow the flow of water, reducing soil erosion and improving water quality downstream. The ponds and wetlands beavers create with their dams also act as large water storage sponges, which soak in excess water during floods and release much-needed water during periods of drought.

This Canada Day, lets all try and be more like beavers and help to care for and protect the beautiful land we call home!

Information found on the Government of Canada’s website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/nature/animals/mammals/castors-beavers