Creemore - NCC Nature Preserve

Volunteers will walk together from the parking lot to the planting site along a forested path which is approximately 2.5 km round trip (20 min each way). However, due to limited parking at the NCC Nature Preserve, a free shuttle bus has been arranged to transport volunteers from the town of Creemore to the Preserve. There will be limited parking at the Preserve so please utilize the shuttle option if possible. Meeting location for Shuttle Bus: Please meet and park at the Creemore and District Recreation Centre - 218 Collingwood St, Creemore. The shuttle bus will be parked at the east side of the parking lot closest to the Collingwood St. entrance. 44°19'40.7"N -80°06'37.4"W Volunteer parking is available at the Recreation Centre. Volunteers can board the bus starting at 12:30 pm. The bus will depart the parking lot at 12:50pm in order to arrive at the planting site for 1:00pm. The shuttle will then depart the planting site at 4:00pm, returning to the Recreation Centre for approximately 4:15pm. If participants need to park at the Preserve, please note that the road into the Preserve is a steep and unpaved road with reduced visibility, and should be approached from the East (from the town of Creemore) as it is a sharp turn. This site is not accessible from the south and parking is limited. Easy to spot Volunteer Event roadside signage will be in place. From Creemore, drive west on County Rd 9 (approximately 4 km), then turn left and head south on Concession 6 South Nottawasaga for approximately 350m. The parking and meeting location will be on the right. Google "Creemore Nature Preserve Entrance" or use GPS coordinates 44.3206, -80.14259 for directions to the parking and meeting location. Please ensure that the word Entrance is included in your search to avoid misdirection.

TD Tree Days events are hosted by local not-for-profits, municipalities, and Indigenous groups that specialize in environmental stewardship. They provide the planting stock and prepare the site.

When you arrive on site, you will check-in with your Site Leader(s) and/or Planting Coordinator(s) and receive your gardening gloves. The event itself will begin with a welcome from the Site Leader and a planting demonstration. Event duration times vary from approximately 1.5 - 3 hours, and volunteers should arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time to check-in.

Volunteers need to be prepared for physical activity including digging, lifting, and planting, and may be asked to do other planting activities such as mulching, securing mulch mats, placing tree guards, and watering. You will have access to drinking water at the event, and we recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle to reduce waste.

Reminder: Revisit this page the morning of your event for any important updates.

1. Appropriate clothing: Events take place rain or shine so be sure to dress for the weather. Layers provide flexibility in changing conditions and rain gear can help keep you dry in the event of rainy conditions. A hat and sunglasses might come in handy too!
2. Sturdy footwear: Please wear solid closed-toe footwear. In general, hiking boots work well.
3. Sunscreen & insect repellent: Consider bringing your choice of sunscreen and/or insect repellent to the event.
4. Gardening gloves: Gardening gloves will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.
5. Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated! There will be drinkable water on site, but please consider bringing your own refillable water bottle.
6. Snacks: We'll have some snacks and refreshments available, but feel free to bring your own.
7. Forms & paperwork: Minors who wish to count this activity as volunteer hours are required to bring their official volunteer form for the TD Site Leader to complete and sign.

Be prepared for wasps and ticks

We're planting in natural areas where wasps and ticks may be present so coming equipped with some understanding of how to stay safer around these bugs is ideal.

Wasps: To be prepared for any wasps on site, check out this information from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Ticks: It’s recommended that volunteers wear long-sleeved, light-coloured shirts and pants with pants tucked into socks at these events. Remember, light-coloured clothing makes ticks easier to spot. Information about ticks can be found in here on the Government of Canada Website.