The Future is Leafy: Innovation in Urban Green Spaces

Nadina Galle - Ecological Engineer | Kim Statham, Janette Harvey and Mark Sherman - City of Toronto Urban Forestry | Wesley Reibeling - Park People/ Jane’s Walk

🌿 About the Speakers - This walk is guided by a passionate group of urban nature lovers, city staff, and community advocates working at the intersection of ecology, technology, and park spaces:

Nadina Galle is an ecological engineer, podcast host, and author of The Nature of Our Cities, exploring how technology and urban ecology can work hand-in-hand. Through her Internet of Nature podcast and international speaking, she helps reframe nature as essential infrastructure.

Kim Statham (City of Toronto Urban Forestry) brings expertise in protecting Toronto’s tree canopy and rethinking how our urban forests adapt to climate challenges.

Janette Harvey and Mark Sherman (City of Toronto Urban Forestry) are dedicated to supporting and building greener, more resilient parks, ravines, and green spaces. They both bring deep knowledge of ecological restoration, policy, and community stewardship.

Wesley Reibeling (Park People/ Jane’s Walk) Wes is a multidisciplinary artist, urbanist, and community connector working at the intersection of public space, storytelling, and environmental connection. Wesley helps lead creative and community-driven initiatives that center equity, ranging from queer placemaking to Into the Ravines, a program that invites people to engage, connect, celebrate, and protect Toronto’s ravine system and relationship-building with the land.

This walk explores the intersection of public space, citizen participation, and digital tools in shaping more connected and resilient urban environments.
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Toronto is a city full of hidden ecological wonders; join the City of Toronto Urban Forestry Branch and the author of The Nature of Our Cities, Nadina Galle, Park People and other nature enthusiasts on a walk through the beaches on our urban tree cover.

This walk invites you to look beyond the park, beach, and boardwalk to explore how trees, innovation, stewardship, and community shape, protect, and celebrate our green spaces and leafy friends.
Join us as we walk from the historic entrance of Kew Gardens through the Beaches and down to the dunes, uncovering how urban innovation and ecology intersect. Along the way, we’ll explore Toronto’s hidden natural history, the role of citizen science, climate-resilient habitats, and how communities use tech to care for nature. You’ll be invited to get involved in protecting and nurturing the trees and green spaces throughout the city and your neighbourhood.

We’ll highlight the stories of iconic trees and what it takes to protect spaces like these for future generations. Walk topics will include urban trees, smart sensors, citizen engagement, dune ecology, and celebrating all things leafy, lovely, and local.
This is the perfect walk for anyone passionate about trees, climate resilience, or spending time in beautiful spaces. Whether you’re a nature nerd, a local community member, a park lover, a beach stroller, or someone just wanting to learn more about Toronto’s Urban Canopy, come walk with us and explore the intersection of ecology, design, and community.

Walk Start:

Kew Gardens Entrance Plaza

Queen St. East & Kenilworth Ave.

Walk End: