Youth Council
A diverse provincial network that is dedicated to inspiring, connecting and educating our communities.
Ontario Nature Youth Council, 2023 Youth Summit for Mother Earth © Kayla Salive
About
Ontario Nature’s Youth Council is a diverse provincial network that is 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 member Eila leads a youth bird walk in Oakville © Emma Horrigan
Join
Applications for the 2024-2025 Youth Council are now open! To apply, follow the link below.
Are you a high school student who wants to be part of a growing network of young environmental leaders in Ontario? Are you passionate about nature? Are you interested in community involvement volunteering hours that makes a difference and contribute towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)? If so, you’re a perfect fit for our Youth Council!We are looking for high-school students in Ontario who are passionate about nature, fun-loving and environmentally aware. The Youth Council is a great opportunity to protect nature and develop strong leadership skills.
If you have questions about the Youth Council, please contact Emily Green at emilyg@ontarionature.org or 416-444-8419 (toll-free 1-800-440-2366) ext. 280.
You can also follow @ON_YouthCouncil for updates.
Youth Summit 2020, Sustainability Workshop © Anna ET
Activities
As a 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 and workshops with support from Ontario Nature staff
- Raise awareness about environmental issues that matter to young people
- Meet like-minded youth from across Ontario
Please read Ontario Nature’s updated COVID-19 event precautions.
Follow the Youth Council:
@on_youthcouncil
Ontario Nature Youth Council member Aidan B on CBC Fresh Air
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.
Pollinator pledge © Daynan Lepore
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
ON Nature Magazine
Read the Winter 2024 issue of our award-winning magazine about conservation and nature for free.
© Lena Morrison