In Episode 8 of Green Hearts in Action, we speak with Paul Mero, Executive Director of EcoSpark, a powerhouse in grassroots environmental education and citizen science in Ontario. For over 25 years, EcoSpark has been connecting people with nature through hands-on learning, advocacy, and action—engaging more than 100,000 students, teachers, and community members.

Paul shares insights into the organization’s innovative programs that empower individuals to monitor ecosystems, take part in real scientific research, and become stewards of their local environment. We also get a glimpse into Paul’s personal journey—what drives his passion for sustainability, community, and collective climate action.

Whether you're a teacher, student, environmentalist, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, this episode will leave you inspired to make a difference in your own backyard.

Follow EcoSpark to learn more:

https://www.ecospark.ca/

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Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ 

We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. 

Follow us on social media for more 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntoronto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Krissan Veerasingam — lifelong Scarborough resident, community activist, and co-founder of the Scarborough Environmental Association (SEA). Krissan shares his journey from grassroots political canvassing with Progress Toronto to launching SEA, a local force for equitable environmental action in Toronto’s east end.

Discover how his upbringing shaped his passion for repair culture, how SEA is using bike repair and pollinator planting events to bring people together, and why redefining “environment” is key to community building.

Krissan’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change often starts right at home. Tune in to hear how one resident’s vision is transforming Scarborough into a model of grassroots leadership, sustainability, and community care.

Special Highlight: Krissan is the recipient of GNN’s 2025 Green Hearts Award — celebrating his outstanding contributions to environmental justice and community empowerment.

Follow SEA to stay connected with their creative, action-packed journey: https://www.scarbenv.ca/

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Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ 

We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. 

Follow us on social media for more 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntoronto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Restoring Toronto’s natural areas is more urgent than ever, and in this episode, we spotlight the volunteer-powered work of Toronto Nature Stewards as they protect and revitalize one of North America’s largest urban green spaces. Spanning more than 11,000 hectares—an area comparable to the size of Paris—Toronto’s ravines support the well-being of over three million people, safeguard biodiversity, regulate critical water and nutrient cycles, and mitigate flooding and erosion risks. Unfortunately, these vital ecosystems face severe threats from invasive species, climate change, development, and litter.

Join us for an in-depth conversation on how Toronto Nature Stewards combats these challenges by removing harmful plants, planting native species, clearing trash, and raising community awareness about the importance of ecological balance. Discover how hundreds of passionate volunteers unite across 42 sites to nurture healthy, self-sustaining urban habitats for current and future generations. Learn how you, too, can contribute to preserving Toronto’s ravines and embrace an active role in urban conservation. Tune in for a powerful reminder that every individual can make an impact, one natural area at a time.

Find out more info about Toronto Nature Stewards here: https://torontonaturestewards.org/

Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ 

We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. 

Follow us on social media for more 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntoronto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 5 of the podcast, we speak with Rhonda from Toronto Urban Growers, a network of local food producers dedicated to scaling urban agriculture in Toronto. Rhonda shares her journey from social work to urban farming, emphasizing the community-building power of growing food. She discusses the challenges and successes of transforming public spaces, like Flemo Farms in Flemington Park, into thriving community gardens and farms. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, policy advocacy, and the vision for a more inclusive, sustainable food system. Rhonda also touches on the broader environmental and cultural impact of urban farming, including the integration of Indigenous, Black, and queer farmers into the movement. With a focus on hands-on community engagement, the episode encourages listeners to get involved, support local agriculture, and reimagine how urban spaces can be used to feed both the body and the soul.

To find out more about this initiative, please check out:

https://torontourbangrowers.org/

Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ 

We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. 

Follow us on social media for more 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntoronto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our pollinator population is in trouble - because of their population decline, so are our birds. Cliffcrest Butterflyway is here to help increase the numbers and biodiversity of bee, bird, and butterfly populations through gardening. With restorative garden practices and the focus on native powerhouse plants, gardeners can create food and an environment that supports the various life stages of our insects and birds. Combined, gardeners have an enormous, untapped impact on restoring large-scale biodiversity and on reducing our carbon footprint.

To find out more about this initiative, please check out:

https://www.cliffcrestbutterflyway.com/

https://www.pollinatorgarden.ca/

Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ 

We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. 

Follow us on social media for more 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntoronto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Greener Future is an environmental non-profit dedicated to leading the effort in sustaining a clean and healthy environment. By bringing together a community of volunteers and environmental stewards, they facilitate programs that eliminate waste from the environment. As education is at the centre of what they do, they inspire change through a variety of learning opportunities. Their programs raise awareness about plastic pollution in the Great Lakes Region, and detailed data collection sheds a light on the most common items that are found during litter cleanups. 

To find out more about this initiative including, please check out: https://www.agreenerfuture.ca/

Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/ 

We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. 

Follow us on social media for more 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntoronto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's podcast guest is Tim Grant, an inspiring fellow neighbour in Toronto working on reducing his community's greenhouse gas emissions. His efforts are enhanced by his ability to drum up enthusiasm and create a snowball effect by utilizing the power of neighbourhood alchemy. This episode was recorded while I met Tim in his neighborhood and walked around his community. He points out houses that have already taken action to get off gas and become more energy-efficient through retrofitting. 

To find out more about this initiative including webinars and signing up for their mailing list, please check out: https://harbordvillage.com/projects/netzero-carbon-project/

Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto fosters connection and collaboration among people and grassroots groups across Toronto and the GTA striving to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about us here: https://gnntoronto.ca/

We recognize the urgency for global climate action, and our personal roles in it. We support initiatives that promote a fair and just transition to a low carbon future. 

Follow us on social media for more 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnntoronto/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gnntoronto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GNNToronto/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since Toronto Green Community (TGC) held its very first meeting in 1995, Helen has brought her knowledge, wisdom, ideas, and infectious enthusiasm to the work of the organization.  She has served as a board member, and as the creator or co-creator behind the first Seedy Saturday in Toronto, the Eglinton Park Community Garden, the Green Garden Visit, and as the creator and driving force behind the Lost Rivers Project.

Over the last 30 years, Lost Rivers has researched, mapped, and shared local in-depth knowledge of Toronto’s watersheds, lost rivers, our connections with land and water in the city, and ways we can intervene to improve the urban landscape. Through walks and workshops–led by Helen, other Lost Rivers members, and hundreds more volunteers–the Lost Rivers Project has informed and inspired tens of thousands of participants. 

Helen has touched many more through her founding role in social enterprises like the Green Garden Visit, Rivers Rising, RAINscapeTO, and other partnerships and collaborations. 

Helen was also among the creative minds that imagined a network of green neighbours groups in 2016. Her guiding wisdom has helped make GNN what it is today. 

GNN is so very pleased to make a donation to Lost Rivers Walks in Helen’s honour. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.