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How Community-Led Stewardship Works: A Toronto model

(11am CT, 10am MT, 9am PT)

Based at the University of Toronto’s Daniels Faculty, Toronto Nature Stewards has partnered with the City of Toronto since 2021 to create a scalable, community-led model of urban ecosystem care that includes invasive species removal and habitat restoration on public lands. Join us for this episode to hear about their “train the trainer” model through which over 150 volunteers have already become Lead Stewards, guiding activities across 49 sites citywide in a decentralized approach that builds knowledge, responsibility, and lasting community engagement.

Guest

Anna Meng

Toronto Nature Stewards

Stewardship Ecologist

Anna Meng is the Stewardship Ecologist with the Toronto Nature Stewards (TNS), a grassroots initiative to increase volunteer stewardship of Toronto’s urban ravines and natural areas. Following her studies in Forest & Wildlife Conservation Science (BSc) at the University of Toronto, Anna discovered her passion for applied research in ecological restoration and integrating scientific knowledge with community wisdom. Since the launch of TNS’ pilot program in 2021, Anna has been involved in the development of the training curriculum, invasive plant information sheets, and building the organization’s capacity. Anna’s current project explores the intersections between ecological monitoring (information, knowledge) and stewardship practices (action, application).