Save our Ravines

Living on a Ravine and doing work on your Property- Who Can you call? You can consult with City and TRCA staff when considering alterations or construction affecting a ravine. Experts and professionals can also provide information on addressing slope-related stability and/or erosion advice on maintaining trees, including proper pruning guidance on planting trees, shrubs and herbs, reports (e.g. arborist reports, site plans, engineered drawings etc.) and advice related to deve...lopment or planning Specialists you can contact and how they can help: Arborists- Have knowledge of tree biology and physiology and experience in arboriculture the cultivation, management and study of individual trees. They can help plan and undertake maintenance of individual trees and groups of trees. Offer advice to protect trees during construction. (Always make sure your arborist is accredited under the International Society of Arboriculture and the American Society of Consulting Arborists, or qualified by the Ontario Training and Adjustment Board Apprenticeship and Client Services Branch) Landscape Professional- Can be gardeners, landscape designers, landscape architects, invasive plant management professionals and licenced pesticide exterminators. They can assist with design, installation, and maintenance of vegetation. However, not all are experienced with ravine vegetation, so it is important to assess their level of knowledge and experience in these unique landscapes Native Plant Nurseries- A source to find native plants and shrubs appropriate to your ravine. Native Plant nurseries help Identify specific native plants based on the local conditions. Professional Engineer- Civil engineering, environmental engineering and structural engineering can develop plans for slope assessment and stability. (Only a PEO Certificate of Authorization holder can offer or provide engineering services to the public) Registered Professional Forester- With Knowledge of forest management. They can provide advice on when, where and how to reforest areas and protect other forest values (e.g. fish, wildlife, water) and can address larger forestry systems and provide woodland restoration and maintenance plans for areas with trees. Registered Professional Planner- Have Knowledge of applicable legislation, zoning, policies and regulation/permit requirements for site alteration and construction/development. Can advise and assist with development or construction of property by navigating re-zoning, site plans and other municipal processes and procedures. (Make sure professional planners are certified with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) or the Canadian Institute of Planners.)

What is "Biodiversity" and what does it look like: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life and species and the way in which they interact with each other at various biological levels. Biodiversity is one of the most vital and complex features in our environment, and influences the very environment in which we live in. Toronto's Ravines continue home to a wide variety of fauna (local animal species) and flora (local Plant species) illustrating a perfect example of rich bio...diversity The problem: Biodiversity globally has reached crisis levels and Toronto is not immune. A 2019 report from the UN highlighted unprecedented rates of biodiversity decline around the world. In Toronto, habitat loss, invasive species, climate change and human activities all threaten our native plants and animals. Biodiversity is key to a healthy natural environment and is fundamental to supporting the livability and resilience of the city. The Solution: 1. Practice proper garbage disposal, and don't litter. 2. Manage invasive Species in your garden 3. Work with your community to inspire change 4. Keep up to date with us and educate yourself on what you can do to better protect and help our Ravines.

"Bee's, Butterflies and Birds, oh my!" Toronto's Pollinator Protection Strategy: Pollinators are vital to creating and maintaining the habitats and ecosystems that many animals rely on for food and shelter. Worldwide over half the diet of fats and oils come from crops that rely on pollinators. ... Pollinators are essential in maintaining healthy Ravine's and Toronto has created a Pollinator Protection Program that works to: 1. Plant more pollinator-friendly native plants, trees, and shrubs in City parks and facilities, with the goal of creating pollinator habitat in every park, where feasible. 2. Work with members of City Council to identify at least one City-managed site in each ward that can be enhanced for pollinators and serve as a model garden, and establish a pollinator demonstration garden at Toronto City Hall. 3. Create pollinator patches at urban agriculture sites managed by the City by incorporating pollinator-friendly native plants into community gardens and allotment gardens. 4. Work with Solid Waste Management Services to identify City-owned closed landfill sites that may have the potential to become high quality pollinator habitat. 5. Review the City’s landscaping practices, including mowing and mulching activities, with the goal to preserve pollinator habitat. You can do your part to help pollinators by: - Planting Native - Creating Nesting Places for Bees - Avoiding Pesticides - Planting Milkweed For more information on the City of Toronto's Polinator Protection Plan please visit: https://www.toronto.ca//reports/draft-pollinator-strategy/

Great to see so many Eglinton Lawrence residents cycling,walking and jogging on the York Beltline Trail this morning. A wonderful green Linear Park from Marlee ...Ave. west to almost Keele St. that is a super oasis in this time of Covid. Thanks to local residents and City of Toronto Parks Staff for keeping it so clean and green. Believe or not I didn’t see one bit of litter all the way. See more

Sharing Lessons from Taiwan's Success in Combating COVID-19.How We Can Stop a Second Wave. WATCH the video and click the LIKE and HEART buttons to SHARE