The heritage of our city is about more than buildings

Stacey Fowler —

Natural heritage affects all of us on a daily basis. However, it often only makes it into the greater public discussion when we experience something extreme, like the flooding of the Don River this past July or the downing of the Maple Leaf Forever heritage tree. From an environmental and climate change perspective, more extremes are projected moving forward – for example, the years 2040 – 2049 are projected to have Torontonians feeling the heat as the number of days when the humidex exceeds 40 degrees Celsius are likely to increase fourfold .

Natural heritage is also important to our health and wellbeing – there is evidence that contact with nature is associated with health benefits like lower blood pressure and cholesterol, enhanced probability of survival after a heart attack, and more speedy recovery from surgery.

 Heritage Toronto’s Natural Heritage Symposium examines our city’s rich natural heritage, the challenges it faces, and what we can do to preserve it

Toronto has a number of natural heritage gems, from the oak trees in Queen’s Park that are estimated to be over 250-years-old to the majestic Scarborough Bluffs just to name a couple.

On November 12, Heritage Toronto’s Natural Heritage Symposium brings together experts from Toronto Environmental Alliance, Ontario Heritage Trust, City of Toronto and Toronto & Region Conservation Authority to examine our city’s rich natural heritage, the challenges it faces, and what we can do to preserve it:

•  Barbara Heidenreich from Ontario Heritage Trust will speak about trees as natural heritage resources.

•  Franz Hartman from Toronto Environmental Alliance will address the big picture of what has changed in environmental conservation in the 25 years TEA has been operating.  He will speak to what average citizens can do to conserve natural heritage in the context of our natural ecosystems.

•  Jane Weninger from City of Toronto will address the City of Toronto’s Natural Heritage Study, which is a big picture view of what the city is doing to conserve and enhance our natural heritage.

•  Carolyn Woodland from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority will discuss management of natural heritage resources related to water including river valleys, marshes, the waterfront, and more.

•  Geoff Cape, Evergreen’s Executive Director, will moderate the panel.

Attendees will also get the chance to ask their questions about our city’s natural heritage.

Heritage Toronto’s Natural Heritage Symposium will be held on November 12 at St. Lawrence Hall from 7:00 – 9:00pm. The event is complimentary but those wishing to attend must pre-register at http://naturalheritage.eventbrite.ca or call Rachel Ostep at (416) 338-0682.