Nature’s Wonders: Discovering Toronto’s Biodiversity

Are you 55+ and curious about nature? Join us for inspiring programs where you can learn and relax, make new friends or reconnect with old ones. Come with a buddy or on your own – either way, you’re in great company!
Try your hand at birdwatching with an expert guide, explore Toronto’s native birds, and find out how you could receive up to $5,000 to start your own pollinator garden.
Curious about what a native pollinator garden looks like? Want to know how you can help restore nature’s balance?
And join our guided walks in High Park and the Toronto Botanical Garden – and experience the joy of nature like never before!

Each tour has a limited capacity (15 participants max) to ensure a meaningful experience and includes services valued at $50+. Be sure to sign up early on Eventbrite to reserve your free spot!

All programs are free of charge, thanks to the support of the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Birds of Toronto
Instructors: Dr. Julia Zarankin – acclaimed birder, writer, and educator

Zoom Session Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025. 10:30 AM (EST) Location: Zoom Enjoy a fascinating online presentation celebrating Toronto’s birdlife – from the curious nuthatch to the brilliant cardinal, Julia will share stories, insights, and surprises from above the treetops. Tickets for Zoom Session, CLICK HERE

Guided Walking Tour – Ashbridges Bay Park Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025. 10:30 AM (EST) Location: Ashbridges Bay Park Please join us at beautiful Ashbridges Bay Park for an easygoing birdwatching tour. This is a great chance to learn birding basics and see our feathered neighbours up close. Binoculars are available to borrow! Register now via Eventbrite – only 15 spots available for each tour! Don’t wait – spots fill fast! Tickets for Guided Walking Tour, CLICK HERE

Introduction to Toronto’s Biodiversity

Zoom Session Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025. 1:30 PM (EST) Location: Zoom Join us for a fascinating online session exploring how climate, geology, and history have shaped the biodiversity we see in Toronto today. We’ll journey back to the last Ice Age to understand its lasting impact on the land, then move through Toronto’s diverse green spaces — from ravines to shorelines — with a closer look at the unique ecosystems of High Park. Tickets for Zoom Session, CLICK HERE

Guided Walking Tour – High Park Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025. 1:30 PM (EST) Location: High Park Join us for a guided walk through the park as we explore how geology, climate, and biodiversity shape its ecosystems and connect all living things. Building on our previous online session, we’ll observe seasonal wildlife, native plants, and discover the hidden links between nature and human impact. Register now via Eventbrite – only 15 spots available for each tour! Don’t wait – spots fill fast! Tickets for Guided Walking Tour, CLICK HERE

Native Plants and Pollinators

Zoom Session Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025. 10:30 AM (EST) Instructors: Daisy Goulart (Research Analyst, Environment & Climate, City of Toronto) and Claire Davis – both passionate about pollinators and ready to share all the “pollinator goodness” Toronto has to offer!  Location: Zoom Discover the beauty of native plants and their vital role in supporting bees, butterflies, birds, and more. Learn how Toronto’s PollinateTO initiative empowers communities—and how you can create your own mini pollinator haven at home. Tickets for Zoom Session, CLICK HERE

Guided Walking Tour – Toronto Botanical Garden Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025. 10:30 AM (EST) Location: Toronto Botanical Garden (65+) Join us for a free guided walk at the Toronto Botanical Garden and explore the vital connection between native plants and pollinators in one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. You’ll discover how wildflowers, trees, and shrubs support bees and butterflies, and get an up-close look at the garden’s vibrant pollinator zone. This in-person tour complements our Zoom session on June 3, where we’ll dive deeper into native plants and the PollinateTO initiative. Register now via Eventbrite – only 15 spots available for each tour! Don’t wait – spots fill fast! Tickets for Guided Walking Tour, CLICK HERE

Ecosystem in Balance – Protecting Local Nature
Instructors: Emma Rooney (Blooming Caravan)

Zoom Session Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025. 10:30 AM (EST) Location: Zoom Join us for a virtual journey into the wonders of nature with the amazing Emma Rooney! Emma is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Horticultural Therapy Practitioner with a passion for nearby nature connection and community building. We’ll introduce High Park, and offer context for Thursday’s guided walk. Tickets for Zoom Session, CLICK HERE

Guided Walking Tour – High Park Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025. 10:30 AM (EST) Location: High Park Join us for a special in-person nature walk in beautiful High Park, guided by the wonderful Emma Rooney, Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Horticultural Therapy Practitioner. This experiential tour invites you to slow down and connect with nature through your senses, while also learning about the Black Oak Savannah. Register now via Eventbrite – only 15 spots available for each tour! Don’t wait – spots fill fast! Tickets for Guided Walking Tour, CLICK HERE

Urban Wildlife

Guided Walking Tour – Downsview Park Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025. 10:00 AM (EST) Location: Downsview Park Join us for a delightful stroll through the beautiful Downsview Park! Discover the wonders of urban wildlife and soak in the beauty of nature right in the heart of the city. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on an educational and enjoyable walk, pointing out various wildlife and sharing interesting facts along the way Register now via Eventbrite – only 15 spots available for each tour! Don’t wait – spots fill fast! Tickets for Guided Walking Tour, CLICK HERE

Join us for our upcoming programs, organized by the Memories Without Borders Association. These events are made possible through the support of the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. We are excited to collaborate with the High Park Nature Centre, Toronto Botanical Garden, City of Toronto’s PollinateTO program- Daisy Goulart, Dr Julia Zarankin, and Emma Rooney (Blooming Caravan) to bring you a diverse and enriching experience.