BY: ayesha khan
Between the shrubs of local parks are hidden histories of plant migration. Torontonians can count ourselves fortunate; we are a city that cultivates and cares for green spaces, but many residents are unaware that as far as local flora and fauna are concerned, not all plants are created equal.
Throughout history, humans have brought plants across borders for various reasons. Sometimes, it's because they make great decorations. Sometimes, it's because they serve a purpose, whether for eating, medicinal use, or making clothing or equipment. But sometimes, foreign species take root too deeply in Canadian soil, and native species cannot compete.
While a voracious plant species may not seem like a problem, it is when local birds and insects cannot eat it, or at least cannot be well-fed by it, as with Edgeley Park. A crop of European buckthorn has smothered local plants, and though it may make a pleasant site, the berries offer little nutrition for local birds compared to local species. This is at the core of the mandate for the Toronto Nature Stewards, a mainly volunteer-led organization that works closely with the City of Toronto to help manage populations of invasive plant species and encourage local species to thrive.
The Toronto Nature Stewards (TNS) are working to create a group of local stewards to regularly care for Edgeley Park with weekly (or as often as possible) maintenance. Stewardship makes plant and human communities healthier by bringing locals into harmony with their natural environments. By joining efforts with neighbours to cultivate a sense of responsibility for caring for nature, we give space for nature to care for us. We feel better mentally and less physically isolated.
On September 14, a group of volunteers collected three bags of buckthorn branches, removing the berried portions and returning them as compost.
"Stewardship is all about making our communities healthier and more resilient. When we come together to help our local plants and wildlife, we also build stronger relationships with each other," said Victoria Bao Wang, one of three TNS staff who works as coordinator for these efforts.
While maintenance is a crucial part of TNS's work, they also espouse another important goal: education. After the trimming and composting were complete, Luke, a TNS team member, took volunteers on a native species tour of the park, where species such as Canadian Goldenrod, native sunflowers, and more were identified.
Despite warmer-than-usual temperatures, the team remained enthusiastic and, upon culminating, was proud of what they had accomplished.
"Tending to the lands means we're caring for ourselves, too." shared Victoria. "It's a cultivation of hope."
If you're interested in joining the local stewardship effort to help clean up Edgeley Park, please get in touch with coordinator@torontonaturestewards.org