Part of the Stories from the Greenbelt series
Summer in the Greenbelt: Connecting with Communities Across Ontario
Summer is one of our favourite times of year at the Greenbelt Foundation. It is a chance to get out into the communities we work alongside, connect with our partners and grantees, and meet the people who care about the places that make the Greenbelt so special. Whether we’re talking to families at a farm, cheering on trail users, helping students plant native species, or sharing Greenbelt trivia along an urban river, these events remind us that meaningful conversations often happen face to face. Here’s a look at a few recent events where our team had the opportunity to connect with the Greenbelt community.
Breakfast on the Farm
This year’s Breakfast on the Farm at Roy-A-Lea Farms in Binbrook welcomed more than 2,500 visitors for a day of learning, exploration, and fun. Hosted by Farm & Food Care Ontario in partnership with the Spoelstra family, the event gave people, many of them from urban communities, the opportunity to experience life on a working farm and learn more about where their food comes from.
For our team, it was an incredible opportunity to talk with people about the Greenbelt beyond the headlines. Many visitors had heard about the Greenbelt through recent news stories, but were surprised to learn about the Foundation’s work supporting research, grants, and communications. We had thoughtful conversations about protecting farmland, water, and natural systems, while also hearing directly from community members about the issues that matter most to them. Events like these are a reminder that listening is just as important as sharing information, and that strong partnerships with amazing organizations like Farm & Food Care Ontario and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture help make those conversations possible.
Oak Ridges Trail Association Adventure Relay
The Oak Ridges Trail Association Adventure Relay brought together participants, volunteers and supporters to celebrate one of Ontario’s most remarkable landscapes. Stretching 268 kilometres, the Oak Ridges Moraine trail system offers countless opportunities to explore the Greenbelt while connecting with nature and local communities.
It was inspiring to see so many people spending time outdoors and appreciating the trails that make this landscape so special. Supporting events like the Adventure Relay helps encourage more people to discover the Greenbelt and experience firsthand the water, forests, history and communities that make the Oak Ridges Moraine worth protecting.
Ecoschools Native Seed Planting
At Red Cedar Public School, we had the chance to see young environmental leaders in action through a native planting project supported by EcoSchools Canada and the Greenbelt Foundation’s micro-grant program. Students rolled up their sleeves to dig, plant, and learn firsthand about biodiversity, pollinators, and the role native species play in creating healthy ecosystems. It was inspiring to see how engaged and curious they were, turning classroom learning into meaningful action right in their own schoolyard. By planting native species, students are helping create habitat for wildlife, supporting pollinators, and contributing to more resilient local environments. Thank you to the students, educators, and partners who made this project possible and for showing what it looks like when young people take an active role in shaping a healthier future for the Greenbelt.
Celebrate the Humber
At Celebrate the Humber, hosted by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, our team had the chance to connect with people of all ages and share some surprising facts about the Greenbelt. One of the biggest conversation starters was letting visitors know that urban river valleys are also part of the Greenbelt. That simple fact opened the door to meaningful discussions about the many benefits these connected landscapes provide.
The event was also a great reminder that learning can be fun. Kids were especially excited to test their knowledge through our Greenbelt trivia game, creating opportunities to spark curiosity and share information in an engaging way. Throughout the day, it was clear that people value opportunities to connect with nature and want to better understand the places that support their communities.
These events may each look a little different, but they all share something in common. They bring people together to learn, ask questions, spend time outdoors and build stronger connections with the Greenbelt. For the Foundation, being part of these community events helps us strengthen relationships with our partners, hear directly from Ontarians and share the many ways the Greenbelt supports healthy communities, thriving farms and vibrant natural spaces.
We are so grateful to everyone who welcomed us this summer, and we look forward to many more conversations across the Greenbelt in the months ahead!