August 22 at 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Discover how nature is reclaiming and restoring a Toronto waterfront transformed by centuries of human activity.
Walk along Toronto’s eastern waterfront to explore the many layers of a landscape that has been dramatically reshaped over the past two centuries. Look across the Outer Harbour to Tommy Thompson Park and hear how a breakwater built from construction debris evolved into an important habitat for birds, mammals, and fish. You’ll also learn how invasive plants are transforming local ecosystems, and see how volunteers are removing them and reintroducing native species to help biodiversity flourish. Beyond its environmental history, you’ll explore the different communities that have found space at Cherry Beach, including its longstanding significance to Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
This tour was developed and will be led by Heritage Toronto volunteer James Abbott. After spending 20 years teaching Geography and Environmental Studies, James became a volunteer with Toronto Nature Stewards, a community of nature restoration volunteers passionate about building self-sustaining urban ecosystems. As a nature steward at Cherry Beach for 4 years, James finds it rewarding to make the area a healthy environment for both humans and wildlife and is grateful for the opportunity to show what’s been achieved there.
Alternate date
Registration
This tour is provided for $8.00/person. The total cost is $10.05 (includes a $2.05 transaction fee). Please note that space is limited on our tours. You may not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time through our website.
Accessibility
This tour is approximately 1.2 kilometres, with many sections on unpaved nature paths.
A public washroom is located at Cherry Beach Sports Field.
FAQs
Our staff and volunteers will be at the tour’s starting location 30 minutes prior to each tour. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time for check-in. Feel free to call us at (647) 542-3450 if you are having trouble finding the start location.
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