Upcoming Environmental Events in the Toronto Area: June 22- June 28, 2009

6pm

Pickering - Petticoat Creek Watershed Action Plan

1367 Altona Road, Pickering (Altona Road Community Church) (map)

You're Invited to an Open House and Presentation Learn about the Petticoat Creek watershed, share your concerns & ideas for the future of the watershed. For more information, contact Andrea Cube-Goss at 416.661.6600 ext. 5633 or adube-goss@trca.on.ca

6:30pm

Brampton: Tuesdays on the Trail - Birding for Beginners

Wexford Park, Brampton (map)

Learn the basics, from using binoculars to attracting birds to your yard. Look for birds that make the trail their home. Cost: FREE For more information: Jessika Corkum-Gorrill - (416) 661-6600 ext.5748

7pm

Markham - Designing Beautiful Gardens with Native Plants

Markham Village Library (Meeting Room AB) (map)

2009 Pesticide Free - Natural Lawn Care Workshops Ontario has gone pesticide free. Markham, in cooperation with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, is offering free workshops so residents can learn about and practice natural lawn care. Come and learn about environmentally friendly gardening. Whether you are a beginner or expert gardener, these ‘how to’ workshops include topics on pest and diseases, organic lawn care and ecofriendly gardening. Space is limited, sign up today. This workshop is offered free of charge and will fill up fast. Register today using the Town's EZ Reg online registration system or by calling 905-477-5530.

7pm

Markham - Learn to Conserve - Attend A Free Workshop

7600 Kennedy Rd, Unit 1, Markham ON (Milliken Mills Library) (map)

Would you like to save money and help our environment? Are you interested in learning more about solar energy? Come to a free Learn to Conserve Workshops to learn about energy saving programs and home conservation strategies, as well as how to save energy by using a microwave instead of your oven and enjoy a cooking demonstration. All participants will recieve a free conservation gift bag that will help you save electricity. Space is limited to call now to reserve your spot - 905-477-5530.

3pm

Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market

873 Dufferin St, Toronto (in Dufferin Grove Park) (map)

Outdoors around the rinkhouse in summer; in and around the rinkhouse in winter. For more information:http://www.dufferinpark.ca/market/wiki/wiki.php

7pm

Brampton Clean City Committee

City Hall, Brampton ON (Clerks Boardroom) (map)

The Brampton Clean City Committee is a committee of City Council made up of concerned citizens who volunteer their time and effort in promoting environmental awareness and a clean community. The Committee meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., City Hall, Clerks Boardroom. For more information:http://www.brampton.ca/cleancity/

7pm

Grafton Community Gardening Night

Roncesvalles and Queen, Toronto (Grafton Community Garden) (map)

Join the West End Flower Fairies, residents and business owners to help green the community! Participants will be out every Wednesday, Rain or Shine.

7pm

Scarborough - Urban Forest Orientation Session

150 Borough Drive (Scarborough Civic Centre), Committee Room # 2 (map)

This free public session will provide ideas, information and contacts for individuals and groups who want to get involved in tree planting and care as well as tree protection in their own neighbourhoods. Come share your ideas on how to protect and improve Toronto's urban forest. Registration recommended but not required. Call 416-413-9244 x 14 or register onlinehttp://leaftoronto.org/event-registration-form  

7:30pm

Whitby - Fabulous Rose Show & Garden Lecture on Pesticides, Who Needs Them

Brooklin United Church (downtown Brooklin, near Cassels Rd. E. & Hwy 12 (Brock St.)) (map)

Before 7:30 - dessert and socializing At 7:30 sharp the meeting will start with short announcements and then the introduction of this month's gardening experts. Garden Expert this month is: Carol Dunk, the Director of the Ontario Horticultural Association, district 16, Barrie; who will speak to us about Pesticides, Who Needs Them. After the lecture/slide show your eyes will pop out by the Rose Flower Show and Friendly Competition. This is where you can view old and new eye popping Roses and other favourites, that approximately 200 members have brought in from their gardens to dazzle you. For more information Cheryl Penner 905-665-6316 cheryl.penner@sympatico.ca
www.brooklin.org/hort/events.html

Canadian Solar Buildings Conference

Delta Chelsea, Toronto ON (map)

Buildings account for approximately 30% of Canada’s energy consumption, 50% of its electricity consumption and 28% of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The available solar energy incident on the building envelope far exceeds building energy needs, particularly when solar energy utilization systems and energy efficiency measures are optimally integrated. The energy consumption and GHG emissions, which are associated with heating, cooling and lighting buildings, have the potential to be substantially reduced if the incident solar energy on the façades and roofs of buildings is utilized. This will be the the 4th Conference of the Solar Buildings Research Network, which brings together top researchers from 11 Canadian Universities to develop the solar-optimized building of the 21st century. This conference will be a cornerstone of Canadian efforts to promote innovative research and development in solar energy utilization. It will foster a culture of excellence in an area that significantly affects two major sectors of the Canadian economy – energy and construction. Cost: After May 15th: $475 Students: $125 For more information:
http://www.solarbuildings.ca/conference  

3pm

Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers' Market

South of Bloor on the east side of Dufferin, in Dufferin Grove Park (map)

A year-round farmers' market every Thursday afternoon from 3 to 7 pm. Outdoors in the beauty of the park in summer, on the skating rink pad in fall, and inside the rink buildings throughout the winter. Local farmers and city-based food producers bring a great variety of organic foods. A special feature of the market is wood-fired oven breads baked right in the park. For more information contact: Phone: 416-392-0913

3pm

Pickering - Farmers Market

Pickering Recreation Complex (at the back by the arena entrance) (map)

Fresh from our local farms. The Market is open every Thursday until Thanksgiving. City Partnership, contact Erin Michel at 905.492.2522, erin@dwac.ca Location is the Pickering Recreation Complex, at the back by the arena entrance (off Diefenbaker Court).

Canadian Solar Buildings Conference

Delta Chelsea, Toronto ON (map)

Buildings account for approximately 30% of Canada’s energy consumption, 50% of its electricity consumption and 28% of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The available solar energy incident on the building envelope far exceeds building energy needs, particularly when solar energy utilization systems and energy efficiency measures are optimally integrated. The energy consumption and GHG emissions, which are associated with heating, cooling and lighting buildings, have the potential to be substantially reduced if the incident solar energy on the façades and roofs of buildings is utilized. This will be the the 4th Conference of the Solar Buildings Research Network, which brings together top researchers from 11 Canadian Universities to develop the solar-optimized building of the 21st century. This conference will be a cornerstone of Canadian efforts to promote innovative research and development in solar energy utilization. It will foster a culture of excellence in an area that significantly affects two major sectors of the Canadian economy – energy and construction. Cost: After May 15th: $475 Students: $125 For more information:
http://www.solarbuildings.ca/conference

11am

Toronto: Worm Harvest Party

2 Surrey Place, Toronto, Ontario (map)

The Coffee Shed has been feeding and operating their Vermicomposter since October 2007. Once again it is Harvest Time! Come out and see what the worms have done and how they can help clean up our planet. For more information:http://cathyscomposters.com/  

6:30pm

Summer Solstice Suppers

Pickering Museum Village (map)

Reserve a seat at the Log House dinner table for a journey back in time to partake of period- authentic amusements, a full course 1830’s meal and lively conversation with your hostess. Available for three evenings only. Booking minimum of four people. Cost: $46.50 per person For more information Katrina Pyke at 905.683.8401

Canadian Solar Buildings Conference

Delta Chelsea, Toronto ON (map)

Buildings account for approximately 30% of Canada’s energy consumption, 50% of its electricity consumption and 28% of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The available solar energy incident on the building envelope far exceeds building energy needs, particularly when solar energy utilization systems and energy efficiency measures are optimally integrated. The energy consumption and GHG emissions, which are associated with heating, cooling and lighting buildings, have the potential to be substantially reduced if the incident solar energy on the façades and roofs of buildings is utilized. This will be the the 4th Conference of the Solar Buildings Research Network, which brings together top researchers from 11 Canadian Universities to develop the solar-optimized building of the 21st century. This conference will be a cornerstone of Canadian efforts to promote innovative research and development in solar energy utilization. It will foster a culture of excellence in an area that significantly affects two major sectors of the Canadian economy – energy and construction. Cost: After May 15th: $475 Students: $125 For more information:
http://www.solarbuildings.ca/conference

5am

St. Lawrence North Farmers’ Market

92 Front Street East, Toronto (at Jarvis) (map)

For more information:http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/

8am

Markham Farmers' Market

Robinson Street and Main Street North, Markham (map)

Featuring many organically grown fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods, preserves, flowers and much much more! The main focus is quality and competitive pricing. For more information: 905-472-2462

8:30am

The Village Organic Farmers’ Market at Toronto Waldorf School

9100 Bathurst St, Toronto (map)

For more information:http://www.villagemarket.ca/  

10am

Toronto: Beach Solar Systems and Green Roof Workshops

Community Centre 55, 97 Main St (Main & Swanwick) (map)

Session One: Solar & Solar Hot Water Systems Workshop 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon Speaker: Ken Traynor, Toronto Renewable Energy Cooperative Learn about the costs, benefits and requirements for solar power and solar hot water systems. You can even sign up for a solar neighbourhood bulk-buying initiative! Session Two: Residential and Commercial Green Roofs Workshop 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Speaker: to be determined Learn all about the energy savings and benefits of green roofs and rooftop gardening. FREE admission. Light refreshments will be served in the morning. Lunch will be provided for attendees of BOTH sessions only. Pre-registration is required by June 25 Please contact: Martina Rowley, Community Animator, mrowley@toronto.ca, 647-208-1810

7pm

Toronto - Vegetarian Community Dinner

103 Bellevue Avenue (at College), Toronto (St. Stephen-in-the-Fields Church) (map)

Adam Solomon Performs at June 27 Community Dinner unique blues style and delicious vegetarian food! Gifted singer-songwriter Adam Solomon is a Juno Award Winning artist. He was born in Kenya and began performing at an early age, playing at village celebrations and festivals. He later performed with popular bands and musicians from a variety of African countries. Adam has a unique guitar style that draws on both the Mississippi Delta blues style and the African blues style - it's beautiful and inspiring! The delicious menu will include: * olive tapenade and crackers? * fruit punch? * akkara patties (made from black-eyed peas) with chile sauce? * spicy corn pancakes? * crimson coleslaw with cranberries? * potato/asparagus salad? * mixed bean salad with edamame? * brownies and mini cheesecakes? * fresh fruit? * coffee and tea? (no dairy products or eggs in any of the dishes) The event will last from 7-10, with appetizers at 7:00 and dinner at 7:30 The cost is $15.00 per person RESERVATIONS REQUIRED (so we'll know how much to cook!) To make a reservation, send an email to 27juneststephen@gmail.com, or leave a message at 416-504-4702 or sign up on Facebook, athttp://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=185434380393#wall_posts

10am

Pickering - Summer Splash

1100 Whites Road in Pickering ON (Creek Conservation Area) (map)

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area is having a celebration to mark the seasonal opening of the pool. There will be children's entertainers, pony rides, live music, a hotdog and burger BBQ, exotic animals and reptile shows, and much more. Cost: Kids 16 and under are free into the park. Regular admission fees apply for adults $5 and seniors $4. Pool admission $3.50 Kids 4 and under are free. For more information: 905.509.1534 or visithttp://www.trcaparks.ca/