Our Special Spaces

Highlights of 2021

Each year, Ontario Nature’s Youth Council organizes conservation volunteering events across Ontario. From July to October 2021, Youth Council members hosted four habitat creation and restoration events. They hosted events in the Greater Toronto Area, Strathroy, Whitby and Markham.

We are grateful to our local partners and the 85 volunteers who helped make these events successful. They planted more than 860 native wildflowers, shrubs and trees for riparian restorations and establishing of pollinator habitat.

Our Special Spaces 2021, Strathroy © Hannah B

Background

Since 2011, hundreds of people have joined Our Special Spaces events and contributed to conservation efforts in their communities. Past projects include pollinator habitat creation, tree planting, litter removal, hiking trail maintenance and shoreline cleanups.

Youth Council members have hosted 76 Our Special Spaces events, engaging over 2,300 youth across Ontario.

Our Special Spaces 2021, Whitby © Christine Ambre

Contact

Please contact Christine Ambre to get more information or about sponsorship inquiries for future Our Special Spaces events

Email Christine

or 416-444-8419 ext. 244.

Our Special Spaces 2021, Markham © Andy Wei

Testimonials from 2021 events

“It was so incredible to finally be able to attend a planting after waiting so long with COVID-19 but it was definitely worth the wait. It was really fun to speak and interact with the local conservation authority and learn about the benefits of planting along riverbanks to prevent erosion. Being able to actually get my hands dirty and leave knowing that when I come back to visit our work will have grown and made an impact is super empowering.” – Sammie H, Youth Council member and volunteer for Our Special Spaces Strathroy

“The planting event was all in all a great experience! As young individuals who care greatly about the environment, it felt amazing to be able to contribute positively in my local community through this planting event and ultimately, it gave me a sense of self-satisfaction.” – Pritika L, Youth Council member and volunteer for Our Special Spaces Whitby

Our Special Spaces 2021, Rosedale Park, Whitby © Christine Ambre