Neighborhood Stewardship - Home making in the Anthropocene
Join Garden Aurora at the Aurora Legion for a presentation by Homegrown Society’s founder, Julien Robertson.
Drawing from Homegrown Society’s stewardship work, we will paint a picture of what it means to care for Urban Nature in the Anthropocene and what we can do to be better neighbors to our shared natural spaces. Together we will explore the wonders of the Lake Simcoe Watershed with a focus on Aurora’s natural heritage and envision new and old paradigms for a greener collective future.
Aurora Youth Environmental Committee - Info Night
We’re launching a new youth program for ages 12 - 17, the Aurora Youth Environmental Committee!
Invasive Mapping & Removal
Invasive species cause imbalances in the ecosystem by pushing out the native species that our wildlife need to thrive. If we don’t act these species can easily become established and spread throughout the landscape. You can make a difference for nature in Aurora by lending a hand on Saturdays through November from 10am – 12pm.
Join us as we learn how to be good residents of our ecosystem by removing invasive species. You are sure to learn something about nature while protecting Aurora’s Biodiversity!
Event Details
You will be trained how to identify invasive species and remove them. Expect to be kneeling or bent over, and walking across uneven terrain.
You will be provided with gloves.
Where do we meet? -> Anne Bartley Smith Property: Stemmle Drive Entrance
Follow this Google Maps link for directions.
*NOTE* We may meet at another entrance to the property depending on which area we are working in. The location will be confirmed with you via email prior to the event.
What you need:
A signed volunteer waiver. All new volunteers must sign the waiver to participate.
Closed-toe shoes
Weather appropriate clothing -> it’s chilly now… bundle up!
Your own water. Snacks will be provided.
If you are able to, please bring your own shovel. We have limited quantities!
The meeting area is accessible via YRT 32 (McClellan Way / Briardale Pl) , and the VIVA Blue Line (YRT 98, YRT 98E) stop at Henderson Drive (2.6 km walk from Henderson). Parking can be found on Stemmle Drive.
There are no public washrooms on the property. The closest one is at the Harvey’s in the Metro Plaza (Yonge and Henderson).
Masks are encouraged. Please do not come to the event if you are feeling unwell.
If you have any questions, email Julien at society.homegrown@gmail.com
Vine Pull @ Smith’s
Join us on Saturday November 9th & 16th from 10am - 12pm, as we remove dog-strangling vine from the forest.
Dog-strangling vine, also known as, DSV or swallowwort forms thick mats that can impact forest regeneration by suppressing seedlings in the understory. Monarch butterflies can mistakenly lay their eggs on DSV instead of milkweed which can lead to further population declines in this iconic species-at risk.
Come learn about nature and help protect Aurora's Biodiversity!
Event Details
You will be trained how to identify DSV and remove it. Expect to be kneeling or bent over, and walking across uneven terrain.
You will be provided with gloves.
Where do we meet? -> Lower Spruce Plantation at the end of Stemmle Drive
Follow this Google Maps link for directions.
What you need:
A signed volunteer waiver. All new volunteers must sign the waiver to participate.
Closed-toe shoes
Weather appropriate clothing -> it's getting chilly now... bundle up!
Water/snacks
Long sleeves and long pants are recommended to protect from bugs and branches!
If you are able to, please bring your own shovel. We have limited quantities!
The meeting area is accessible via YRT 32 (McClellan Way / Briardale Pl) , and the VIVA Blue Line (YRT 98, YRT 98E) stop at Henderson Drive (2.6 km walk from Henderson). Parking can be found on Stemmle Drive.
There are no public washrooms on the property. The closest one is at the Harvey's in the Metro Plaza (Yonge and Henderson).
Masks are encouraged. Please do not come to the event if you are feeling unwell.
If you have any questions, email Julien at society.homegrown@gmail.com
Aurora Youth Volunteer Fair
Come visit us at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, 135 Industrial Parkway North, to find out more about our programs and join our neighborhood stewardship team!
September 28 Hike
Join us on Saturday September 28th for a fun filled morning of nature exploration through one of Aurora's prime natural heritage features.
We'll be walking through the woodlots and open fields of the Anne Bartley Smith Property, a 97 acre natural heritage park in the Aurora Highlands.
Our walk will begin at 10 am starting at the lower entrance of the property (cul-de-sac at the end of Stemmle Drive) and finish our walk at 12pm at the upper entrance (cul-de-sac at the end of Allenvale Drive).
Be aware that trails have uneven ground that is often hilly, and overgrown in places.
Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the hike!
What you need:
Your curiosity and imagination!
A completed volunteer waiver. If you've volunteered with us already this year, you don't need to fill this out!
Closed-toe shoes
Weather appropriate clothing
Water/snacks
Bug spray (optional)
Event attendance is by donation. If you are under 18, are caring for children, have a fixed income or if the donation would otherwise be a barrier to attend, please select the free ticket. All donations go towards our neighborhood stewardship efforts. For more info about our program visit our website or follow us on social media - Instagram, Facebook.
How to get there and other details:
The Anne Bartley Smith Property is accessible via YRT Route 32. Parking can be found on Stemmle Drive and in the cul-de-sac at the end of Allenvale Drive.
There are no public washrooms at Smith Property. The closest one is at the Harvey's in the Metro Plaza (Yonge and Henderson).
Masks are encouraged. Please do not attend the event if you are feeling unwell.
Have any questions? Contact us - society.homegrown@gmail.com
Webinar - Neighborhood Stewardship: Garden Escapees and Forest Care
From 6 - 7pm on Thursday September 26, Homegrown Society and the Ontario Invasive Plant Council will be hosting a virtual presentation titled Neighborhood Stewardship: Garden Escapees and Forest Care.
Over the past 4 years, Homegrown Society has been stewarding Case Woodlot through the Case Woodlot Guardians program, a community effort to preserve Aurora's natural heritage.
In this webinar we will talk about our efforts protecting Case Woodlot from invasive species. We will cover information on the impacts of invasive plants, how they spread through improper disposal, and what you can do to keep our neighborhood biodiversity thriving!
The OIPC are experts in all things invasive species. They create the Best Management Practices used by land managers from all across Canada, including in our restoration work in Case Woodlot. You are sure to learn something new!
Aurora Highlands Hike
Join us on Saturday August 24th for a fun filled morning of nature exploration.
Experience the Aurora Highlands like never before with a guided hike across two very important natural areas located at the headwaters of Tannery Creek, the Case Woodlot and the Anne Bartley Smith Property.
Join us as we walk from one nature area to the next. Explore the intersections of nature and the built environment and learn about all the different species and ecosystems that make the Aurora Highlands so special.
We'll begin our walk at 10 am starting at the Henderson Drive entrance to Case Woodlot (directly across from Watt’s Meadow) and finish our walk at 12pm at the Anne Bartley Smith Property (in the cul-de-sac at the end of Allenvale Drive).
W hat you need:
Your curiosity and imagination!
A completed volunteer waiver. If you've volunteered with us already this year, you don't need to fill this out!
Closed-toe shoes
Weather appropriate clothing
Water/snacks
Bug spray (optional)
Case Woodlot and the Anne Bartley Smith Property are accessible via YRT Route 32. Parking can be found on Watt's Meadow, and Tamarac Trail (but not on Henderson), and in the cul-de-sac at the end of Allenvale Drive.
There are no public washrooms at Case Woodlot or the Smith Property. The closest one is at the Harvey's in the Metro Plaza (Yonge and Henderson).
Masks are encouraged. Please do not attend the event if you are feeling unwell.
CWG - Make A Difference Week 2024
Make A Difference Week, hosted by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), is an annual week of global restoration action where individuals and organizations from around the world host and participate in local volunteer restoration events. Through Make a Difference Week, everyone, everywhere has a chance to positively impact their local communities by engaging in hands-on restoration projects.
Join the Case Woodlot Guardians as we take part in 2 special events!
On Saturday June 1 from 10am - 12pm, we’ll be completing the last of Garlic Mustard removals.
Saturday June 8 from 10am - 12pm, we’ll be planting native plants in the areas we’ve cleared over the past month.
Event Details
Where -> Entrance to Case Woodlot on Spence Drive
Follow this Google Maps link for directions.
What you need:
A signed volunteer waiver. All new volunteers must sign the waiver to participate.
Closed-toe shoes
Weather appropriate clothing
Water/snacks
Bug spray (optional)
If you are able to bring your own shovel to the planting event, that would be great! We have limited quantities.
Case Woodlot is accessible via YRT 32 , and the VIVA Blue Line (YRT 98, YRT 98E) stop at Henderson Drive (1.8 km walk from Henderson). Parking can be found on Watt's Meadow, and Tamarac Trail (but not on Henderson).
There are no public washrooms at Case Woodlot. The closest one is at the Harvey's in the Metro Plaza (Yonge and Henderson).
Masks are encouraged. Please do not come to the event if you are feeling unwell.
If you have any questions, email Julien at society.homegrown@gmail.com
Garlic Mustard Pull #3
Will we pull all the Garlic Mustard out of Case Woodlot?
Be a part of community-led ecosystem restoration on Saturday May 25 from 10am - 12pm.
Join us to learn about Garlic Mustard and what you can do to protect biodiversity in your neighborhood.
Event Details
Where -> Entrance to Case Woodlot on Henderson Drive (across from Watt's Meadow)
Follow this Google Maps link for directions.
What you need:
A signed volunteer waiver. All new volunteers must sign the waiver to participate.
Closed-toe shoes
Weather appropriate clothing
Water/snacks
Bug spray (optional)
Case Woodlot is accessible via YRT 32 , and the VIVA Blue Line (YRT 98, YRT 98E) stop at Henderson Drive (1.8 km walk from Henderson). Parking can be found on Watt's Meadow, and Tamarac Trail (but not on Henderson).
There are no public washrooms at Case Woodlot. The closest one is at the Harvey's in the Metro Plaza (Yonge and Henderson).
Masks are encouraged. Please do not come to the event if you are feeling unwell.
If you have any questions, email Julien at society.homegrown@gmail.com
Garlic Mustard Pull #2
We’re back at it! This time with a new event lead.. welcome Sarah!
On Saturday May 18 we will be conducting our first Garlic Mustard removal of the year from 10am - 12pm.
Kick off the long weekend by helping nature!
Come learn about Garlic Mustard and what you can do to protect biodiversity in your neighborhood.
Event Details
Where -> Entrance to Case Woodlot on Henderson Drive (across from Watt's Meadow)
What you need:
A signed volunteer waiver. All new volunteers must sign the waiver to participate.
Closed-toe shoes
Weather appropriate clothing
Water/snacks
Bug spray (optional)
Case Woodlot is accessible via YRT 32 , and the VIVA Blue Line (YRT 98, YRT 98E) stop at Henderson Drive (1.8 km walk from Henderson). Parking can be found on Watt's Meadow, and Tamarac Trail (but not on Henderson).
There are no public washrooms at Case Woodlot. The closest one is at the Harvey's in the Metro Plaza (Yonge and Henderson).
Masks are encouraged. Please do not come to the event if you are feeling unwell.
If you have any questions, email Julien at society.homegrown@gmail.com
Spring Kick Off!
Join us for our first event of the season!
On Saturday May 11 we will be conducting our first Garlic Mustard removal of the year from 10am - 12pm.
Join us to learn about Garlic Mustard and what you can do to protect biodiversity in your neighborhood.
Event Details
Where -> Entrance to Case Woodlot on Henderson Drive (across from Watt's Meadow)
What you need:
A signed volunteer waiver. All new volunteers must sign the waiver to participate.
Closed-toe shoes
Weather appropriate clothing
Water/snacks
Bug spray (optional)
Case Woodlot is accessible via YRT 32 , and the VIVA Blue Line (YRT 98, YRT 98E) stop at Henderson Drive (1.8 km walk from Henderson). Parking can be found on Watt's Meadow, and Tamarac Trail (but not on Henderson).
There are no public washrooms at Case Woodlot. The closest one is at the Harvey's in the Metro Plaza (Yonge and Henderson).
Masks are encouraged. Please do not come to the event if you are feeling unwell.
If you have any questions, email Julien at society.homegrown@gmail.com
Seed Processing Workshop with Youth Nature Keepers
Processing seeds from our Westview Seed Garden!
Innovation Works -> 201 King Street, London
This event is open to Youth Nature Keepers only.
Spooky Scary Bioblitz
Join us as we collaborate on a national bioblitz initiative!
Case Woodlot -> entrance in front of Watt’s Meadow.
Bring warm clothes!
Invasive Species Survey @ Case Woodlot
Getting eyes on the ground and identifying areas for future restoration.
Case Woodlot -> Entrance in front of Watt’s Meadow
Still a bit buggy out there… bring long pants/shirts!
Explore Case Woodlot
Take a walk through beautiful Case Woodlot and help the guardians identify as many species as possible in this exciting bioblitz!
iNaturalist training will be provided, as well as guided walks throughout the day. Join us as we explore this important natural heritage feature!
Moth Survey @ Westview Seed Garden
Come celebrate National Moth Week at the Westview Community Garden in London, Ontario!
Restore Case Woodlot
The Case Woodlot Guardians will be planting a variety of native plants in the areas where Garlic Mustard was removed. On June 3 take part in the guardian’s very first planting event!
This event will coincide with the Society for Ecological Restoration’s Make A Difference Week. Join us as we take part in a global movement for restoration action.
Case Woodlot Guardians - Garlic Mustard Pull + Biodiversity Monitoring
Garlic Mustard removal and biodiversity monitoring in a new area of Case Woodlot. Come support our stewardship efforts at the Headwaters of Tannery Creek!
Case Woodlot Clean Up + Steward Orientation
The Case Woodlot Guardians will be kicking off their spring clean up of the forest on Saturday April 15! Come learn how to remove Garlic Mustard and help support biodiversity at the Headwaters of Tannery Creek.
Seed Processing
Come learn about seed saving and help process our seeds from the Community Seed Bank.
Cavendish Park Bioblitz
Bioblitz at Cavendish as part of SER’s Make A Difference Week. Use iNaturalist to discover what lives in Cavendish Park!
Make A Difference Week - Case Woodlot
As part of Make a Difference Week, we are hosting a Garlic Mustard Pull at Case Woodlot. This volunteer event will be held on June 4th from 10am-12pm.
Garlic Mustard Pull - Case Woodlot
First Garlic Mustard pull of the season in Case Woodlot! Contact society.homegrown@gmail.com to register.
Henderson Headwaters Clean Up
Keeping the Lake Simcoe headwaters clean. Parking at the Metro @ Yonge St/Henderson Drive. Email society.homegrown@gmail.com to register.
Mud Creek Cleanup
Picking up trash by the stream, keeping our waters clean! Click here for event details. RSVP by emailing society.homegrown@gmail.com
Case Woodlot Demothing Blitz
We will be removing LDD Moth from Case Woodlot over the weekend.
Click here for event details.
#demoth Contest!
Take a photo or video of you removing LDD Moth egg sacs and get entered into a draw to win a native plants package! For full contest details click here.
Case Woodlot LDD Moth Removal
First effort for LDD Moth removal in Case Woodlot. Click here for event details.