Windy Ridge Conservation Area

Volunteers will park in the main parking lot at Windy Ridge Conservation Area. Upon parking, please proceed to the gazebo directly east of the parking lot to check in. The planting area is an open field abutting the south boundary of the parking lot, and can be accessed on foot from the parking lot.

Tools: We will have some shovels on site but there may not be enough for every volunteer. Please bring a gardening shovel with you if you have one. 

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.