Toronto Nature Stewards (TNS) volunteers strengthen Toronto's urban ecosystems

In partnership with the City of Toronto, Toronto Nature Stewards (TNS) is a volunteer-driven environmental organization dedicated to restoring and protecting urban ecosystems. Since 2019, TNS has been hosted by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, led by Professor Sandy M. Smith‘s Urban Forest Health Lab.

During the 2025 field season, 2,000 volunteers contributed to the annual health of local habitats by removing invasive species, planting native vegetation, collecting litter and sharing knowledge about the importance of healthy ecosystems.

Highlights from the 2025 Plant Inventory Monitoring Report include:

• Greater community science participation – all active monitoring sites now track species abundance and native plant communities in addition to species presence/absence
• 15,500+ volunteer hours contributed in 2025, reflecting sustained community engagement across 49 sites
• Early ecological improvements – reductions in Garlic Mustard and Buckthorn observed in 42% of monitored units
• 4,987 native plants added to the ravines – nearly double last year’s total, accelerating site restoration efforts

The land known today as Toronto is situated on the territory covered by Treaty 13, made between the Crown and the Mississauga Anishinaabeg (Michi Saagig). Toronto Nature Stewards acknowledges the enduring presence, leadership and stewardship of Indigenous Peoples. 

Read the Toronto Nature Stewards 2025 Plant Inventory Monitoring Report