Youth Council
A diverse provincial network dedicated to inspiring, connecting and raising environmental awareness.
Youth Council Wetlands Field Trip © Rowan McKenzie
About
Ontario Nature’s Youth Council is a diverse provincial network dedicated to inspiring, connecting and raising environmental awareness.
As a Youth Council member, you will work alongside Ontario Nature staff, become part of a vibrant peer network, and contribute to lasting, positive change through conservation action.
Youth Council, Youth Summit 2025 © Sarah Vanasse
Join
Are you a high school student looking to connect with young environmental leaders across Ontario? Applications to join the 2025-2026 Ontario Nature Youth Council are now open.
Deadline to apply is December 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET (10:59 p.m. CT). The application form will take about 20-30 minutes to complete. Please keep this in mind when crafting your application.
If you have questions about Youth Council, please reach out to Emily, Education Coordinator at emilyg@ontarionature.org.
Youth Council members, Wetlands field trip © David Pugh
Activities
As an active member of the Youth Council, you will:
- Take action on conservation issues including wetland protection, pollinator awareness, habitat restoration and advocating for biodiversity
- Plan and host events including Our Special Spaces and the annual Youth Summit
- Deliver presentations, outreach, and workshops with support from Ontario Nature staff
- Raise awareness about environmental issues, acting as a voice for a young generation.
- Meet like-minded youth from across Ontario
- Receive volunteer hours for obtaining your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Please read Ontario Nature’s updated COVID-19 event precautions.
Follow the Ontario Nature Youth Council on Instagram:
@on_youthcouncil
Our Special Spaces 2025, Markham © Emily Green
Recognition
Youth Council members have been honoured for their achievements individually and collectively by:
- Canada 150 Youth Award for Environmental Stewardship
- Canada 150 Award for Outstanding Youth
- Earth Day Canada’s Youth Hometown Heroes Award
- Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25 by the Starfish Canada
- Canadian Museum of Nature’s Nature Inspiration Awards
- Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards
Youth Council members, Parliament Hill © Sarah Hedges
Contact
For more information, please contact Emily Green at emilyg@ontarionature.org or 416-444-8419 (toll-free 1-800-440-2366) ext. 280.
Youth Council members, Toronto © Emily Green
Students at these schools raised funds to support Ontario Nature’s work:
Kingsville District High School
Lisgar Collegiate Institute
St. Clements School
Stamford Collegiate
Westfield Public School