5 environmental organizations that are helping create a more vibrant planet

(NC) Many of us will be spending a lot of time outside this summer, and what better way to celebrate the season than getting involved with organizations and initiatives whose mandates are focused on helping make our planet a healthier place? If you’re not sure where to start, here are five organizations that are helping improve the quality of the environment across Canada this summer and beyond.

In addition to volunteers and private donations, these organizations also rely on funding from corporations and other funders, such as TD Bank Group and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is a conservation organization that aims to protect natural spaces across the country. As a private, non-profit organization, the NCC works with individuals, corporations, foundations, Indigenous communities, other non-profits and governments at all levels to protect the lands that sustain plants and wildlife. To learn more about the NCC and to volunteer, donate or attend a local event visit natureconservancy.ca.

Evergreen Brick Works

For people living in or visiting Toronto, the Evergreen Brick Works – a repurposed brick factory that is home to hiking trails, a garden market, educational workshops and more – offers free immersive self-guided tours. The organization says that it aims “to reveal how ecosystems and people co-exist and co-create our urban places.” For more information on their workshops and activities, visit evergreen.ca.

Meewasin Valley Authority

The Meewasin Valley Authority is a non-profit organization that describes itself as existing “to ensure a healthy and vibrant river valley, with a balance between human use and conservation, for the benefit of present and future generations” in Saskatoon and its surrounding area. For more information about what the organization is doing, visit meewasin.com.

Ecosource

Ecosource is an Ontario-based organization whose mandate is “to inspire communities to become more environmentally responsible through creative public education.” Ecosource runs a volunteer program from April to October to grow fresh produce for local food banks. Each session includes seasonal gardening tasks such as seeding, transplanting, harvesting, watering and moving compost." You can find out how to get involved in these sessions and more at ecosource.ca.

10,000 Trees for the Rouge

10,000 Trees for the Rouge is a volunteer-driven, non-profit group in Ontario with the goal of restoring natural habitat within the Rouge Valley, on Toronto’s eastern border. The organization hosts several planting events each year. Learn more at 10000trees.com.

Learn more at td.com/readycommitment.