Tomorrow Starts Today: Tree Planting

Since 2010, Across U-hub has been dedicated to raising environmental awareness through our Tomorrow Starts Today programs. These initiatives include various stewardship activities designed to educate youth on becoming socially responsible citizens. Our past efforts include tree planting, neighborhood cleanups, invasive species removal, cooking zero-waste meals, educational hiking trips, and more.

The name Tomorrow Starts Today reflects our belief that the future of our planet is shaped by our actions today. With our vision set on a greener future, every action we take now helps build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow.

Actions speak louder than words.
Ready to get your hands dirty for a greener tomorrow? 🌿
Join Across U-hub on May 24 for a meaningful hands-on experience to care for our Earth! We’re teaming up with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to plant 100+ trees, shrubs, or wildflowers in the Greater Toronto Area.

What is TRCA?

Since 1957, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has worked to enhance our region’s natural environment and protect communities from flooding and extreme weather. As enabled by Ontario’s Conservation Authorities Act, TRCA plays a key role in safeguarding land, water, and ecosystems—addressing the province’s leading cause of public emergencies. Learn more at www.trca.ca.

When?

Date: May 24, 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

Registration Deadline:
May 9, 2025 (Friday)

Where?

Planting location:
Phyllis Rawlinson Park
(11715 Leslie St, Richmond Hill,
ON L4E 3R7)

Parking and washrooms:

  • Park in front of the Robert Holland Interpretive Centre near the park’s main entrance.
  • Washrooms are available at the Centre.

Meeting location *:
Robert Holland Interpretive Centre

* Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the meet-up location.

Who?

  • Ages 16+
  • For those eager to make a positive impact on our planet

Community Service Hours will be provided!

Capacity: 20

How Much?

Free of charge

Thank you for your support, this year's Tomorrow Starts Today: Tree Planting is full and the registration is closed.

What are the objectives?

  • Develop a stronger sense of belonging and ownership by placing our footprint and roots in the city
  • Ignite our sense of wonder by taking practical, ground-level action to help the local environment
  • Appreciate the spring season

What will you learn?

  • Learn more about native trees, shrubs and invasive species
  • Learn how to plant a tree
  • Take part in environmental stewardship activities
  • Meet new people with a shared passion for conservation
  • Refresh ourselves through connecting with nature
  • Strengthen our connection to the natural world that coexists with Toronto’s urban environment

Activities include

  • Planting, mulching, and watering 100+ trees and shrubs
  • Litter cleanup around the park
  • Guided nature hike to explore the park, plants and habitats

Who are the instructors?

Staff from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Volunteer & Staff from Across U-hub

Dress code

  1. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions.
  2. Wear long pants and socks: Ideally, you can tuck your pants into your socks to prevent direct contact with grass and insects.
  3. Bring raincoat or waterproof jacket.
  4. Waterproof shoes are highly recommended, such as rubber boots or hiking boots that don’t mind getting dirty. The planting site is part of a wetland and will likely be wet and muddy.

What to bring?

  1. Packed lunch and snacks
  2. Full personal water bottle
  3. Sunscreen
  4. Hat
  5. Insect repellent
  6. Gardening gloves (if any) to ensure proper fit, but TRCA will have extra pairs available on-site
  7. Backpack to carry your personal belongings
  8. Optional: An extra pair of shoes to change into after planting
  9. For participants with allergies: Please bring an EpiPen (or alternate epinephrine device) for first aid treatment if needed. There are stinging insects in the park that may cause allergies for certain people.
  10. Participants are responsible for their belongings, please do not bring any valuables.

Cancellation Policy

The event will run rain or shine. It will be cancelled if there is a greater than 70% chance of thunderstorm or if hazardous weather arises. We will email registrants by 8:00 am the morning of the event if there is a cancellation.

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