As the trees slowly awaken and Spring approaches, the FCF team has been hard at work gearing up for an exciting 2025 season! We’re thrilled to share the new initiatives and updates we’ve been working on throughout the winter. From enhancements to our stewardship program and a brand-new volunteer badging system, to the launch of a community-focused Tiny Forest program, this season is shaping up to be our most impactful yet. Whether you’re a longtime volunteer or looking to get involved for the first time, there are plenty of opportunities to dig in, make a difference, and help our communities thrive!
Webinar Recordings Now Available!
This March, we were excited to launch our very first webinar series! Our team was eager to share their knowledge and create an engaging space for learning, questions, and open discussion with our community. Missed a session? No worries! All webinars have been recorded and are now available to watch anytime on our YouTube channel.
Click here to explore the series!
Become a Core Volunteer & Make a Lasting Impact
Want to take your volunteering to the next level? Join our Core Volunteer Crew—a team of dedicated volunteers who commit to supporting urban forests on a more regular basis, with a schedule that fits their availability!
Whether you’re passionate about tree care, watering, nursery work, or event support, this is a great way to make a lasting impact while building new skills. Crew members can sign up for a flexible schedule, typically committing for 4–8 weeks at a time. Opportunities include assisting at tree care and planting events, keeping young trees hydrated in the summer, tending to tree stock at our Base of Operations, and even supporting fundraising efforts.
We’ve updated our volunteer registration page so you can now choose to sign up as a “casual volunteer” or become part of the Core Volunteer Crew! Click below to explore the different crews and find your perfect fit!
New Badges & Opportunities in the Forest Stewardship Service!
Our Forest Stewardship Service has new badges and opportunities for volunteers! This education-focused program is designed to equip volunteers with hands-on skills while recognizing their efforts through badge achievements.
From seed collection and tree stewardship to research opportunities, there’s a badge for every type of volunteer. Want to learn more? Watch our “Volunteering with Our Forest Stewardship Service” webinar to see the full program launch.
Ready to start your badge journey? Check out our blog post to learn how you can get involved and start earning badges today!
If you’re looking to earn the Research Ranger badge, we have an exciting opportunity! We’re seeking volunteers to assist with our Tiny Forest research study in partnership with the University of Guelph. Interested? Email us at comms@foretcapitaleforest.ca to get involved!
Introducing Tiny Forests Together
While working closely with communities across the National Capital Region, we’ve met so many passionate individuals and groups eager to make a difference in their neighbourhoods. Recognizing this shared ambition, we wanted to find a way to support community-led efforts to plant tiny forests while staying within our capacity to meet our broader tree planting goals.
That’s why we’re officially introducing Tiny Forests Together! This program is built on collaboration, by bringing together our technical expertise in planting tiny forests with the passion, knowledge, and local connections of dedicated community groups. By working together, we can create more vibrant green spaces that benefit people and nature alike.
Watch our Tiny Forests Together information session recording on YouTube to learn more.
We’re currently accepting applications for the 2025 planting season until May 6, 2025, and for the 2026 season until October 31, 2025. If you’re interested in applying, please watch the information session recording and read our Tiny Forests Together factsheets to ensure your community group understands the commitments and what you’ll need to prepare.
Ready to bring a tiny forest to your neighbourhood? Apply now at foretcapitaleforest.ca/PlantTiny. Once we receive your application, a member of our team will reach out to discuss next steps.
For any questions, feel free to reach out to us at PlantTiny@foretcapitaleforest.ca.
Spring & Summer Events Are Here!
Have you been eagerly checking our events calendar for upcoming opportunities? The wait is over! Our Spring and Summer events are now live, and you can easily register for tree care and stewardship events directly through each listing. It’s time to get outside, care for the trees, and start earning your badges!
Here are a few of our upcoming events:
Be sure to check our events calendar for more tree care events happening this Spring!
Are you part of a work, school, or community group that’s passionate about trees? We’re looking for groups interested in stewarding our trees by joining a 2-hour volunteer event at one of our sites. If your group would like to get involved, fill out our Volunteer Form, select “group/organization,” and tell us how you’d like to help! A team member will be in touch to schedule your event.
Community Spotlight: Special Thanks to Our Supporters!
Raymond James Ltd.
A huge thank you to the team at Raymond James Ltd. for their generous $1,000 donation in support of tree planting and care in the National Capital Region. Their team joined us last fall at our first-ever Mer Bleue planting event, where, alongside other volunteers, they helped plant over 300 trees. We’re grateful for their commitment to urban forests and look forward to planting with them again this year!
uOttawa Climate Crisis Coalition
We also want to extend our appreciation to the students at the uOttawa Climate Crisis Coalition for their incredible fundraising efforts! Through their Movie Night event, they raised funds to support FCF’s work, demonstrating their passion for environmental action. We are so grateful for supporters who go above and beyond to help grow our impact.
Support Our Urban Forests—Ways to Give!
Want to help grow greener, healthier communities? Here are a few ways you can support FCF’s work:
For just $15, you can symbolically care for a tree planted in Ottawa or Gatineau! Your contribution helps nurture and protect urban forests while fostering a meaningful connection to nature. Plus, you’ll receive a unique story about a native tree species growing in the National Capital Region!
Make a donation through CanadaHelps to celebrate a loved one or as a meaningful gift. Your contribution will support tree planting and stewardship efforts across the region.
Rally your friends, colleagues, or community to raise funds for urban forests! Whether it’s a workplace initiative, a birthday fundraiser, or a team challenge, every dollar makes a difference.
