2026 Earth Tending Program
Written by Timara Osawamick, program participant.
This spring, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in SpruceLab’s Earth Tending Training Program (funded through Miziwe Biik). What began as a six-week training program became so much more, it was a journey of reconnecting with the land, Indigenous teachings, and a part of myself that I had been waiting to reconnect with.
On May 5, ten of us gathered together. Although we all came from different backgrounds, it didn't take long to realize we shared something important: a love for nature, plants, caring and connecting with the land. We began by meeting the people whose passion and dedication make the Earth Tending Program possible; Sheila Boudreau, Gwen Lane and Kerri-Lyne Garlinski. Their excitement for the work ahead was contagious and set the tone for everything that followed. They were joined by many other dedicated staff, mentors, Elders, knowledge keepers, and community members whose support, guidance, and hard work helped make the program a meaningful experience.
One of the most meaningful moments of the first day was gathering around the Sacred Fire with Knowledge Keeper Luana Harper-Shirt, Anishnaabe/Nehiyaw Iskwew from Treaty 6 territory well getting to know my fellow trainees. Throughout my life, I've been fortunate to hear many different Creation stories, each carrying its own teachings and perspective. Her Sacred Water teachings especially touched me. They reminded me of my childhood, sitting with my Elders, listening to stories and songs that carried generations of knowledge. It felt like reconnecting with a piece of myself that had been quietly waiting to be awakened again.
That afternoon, Carolynne Crawley, from Mi'kmaw nation and Turtle protectors, took us on a gentle walk through High Park, introducing us to native plants and their traditional and ecological importance. But this wasn't just any nature walk-it was an invitation to slow down. We experienced the park through all our senses. We listened to birds singing from the trees, the peaceful sound of running water, children laughing in the distance, airplanes overhead, and even the occasional city siren. We noticed the smell of fresh spring air, the textures of leaves and bark, and the warmth of the sun breaking through the clouds. For a little while, the busy world faded into the background.
As the weeks continued, we met so many inspiring people from organizations including LEAF, Friends of Allan Gardens, ACER, ZinCo, Ginkgo, Water Farmers, FoodShare, Avesi, Landscape Ontario, and several others. Each organization shared a different piece of the environmental knowledge, yet they were all connected by a common purpose. To restore, protect, and care for the land. Our group shared many journeys both in and out of the city, from nature walks and garden visits to nursery tours and farm explorations. Along the way, we met with Todd Irvine, Tara Ramkhelawan, Ian Rodhouse, and many others, all of whom demonstrated a deep passion for their work and fields.
At Friends of Allan Gardens, Jane Hayes, founder of Garden Jane, introduced us to urban permaculture and helped us understand how every part of an ecosystem supports another. It reminded me that even the smallest actions can have lasting impacts. We rolled up our sleeves and got hands-on by making seed bombs, planting, and helping maintain Allan Gardens and Miziwe Biik’s community gardens. Matt Canaran then guided us through Allan Gardens, sharing the history of the space while introducing us to an incredible diversity of plants from around the world.
Sarah Halonen from LEAF taught us how to identify native trees and shrubs by closely observing their leaves, bark, textures, and even their scent. It was incredible to realize how much information a single tree can reveal when we take the time to truly pay attention and observe it. As a group, we also had the opportunity to support the volunteers and staff by helping plant trees together. It was a meaningful experience to not only learn about the land, but to actively contribute to restoring and caring for it alongside others.
Learning from Alice Casselman, the founder of ACER , was another highlight of the program. Her passion for trees was contagious, and through forest bathing, tree identification, and hands-on lessons in assessing tree health, I gained a deeper appreciation for the quiet strength and wisdom that trees hold. Lorraine Johnson was another inspiring presence. Her deep commitment to environmental activism and her love for pollinators came through in every story she shared. Hearing about her journey, her advocacy, and the books she’s written over the years added a meaningful layer to my understanding of how individual passion can shape community change.
Flemo Farm was a great experience, showing how urban space can be used collectively and shared with the community. During our time there, we also participated in community gardening activities such as weeding, planting, and learning about composting, which gave us a hands-on understanding of how soil health and food systems are maintained.
At Native Plants in Claremont, Karen and Rob welcomed us with homemade treats and refreshments that made the morning feel instantly comforting. Their beautiful nursery is dedicated to growing native plants, and they shared how deeply they care about reducing their carbon footprint. They use recycled materials whenever possible and design their operations with sustainability in mind. Walking through their property, surrounded by plants that support local ecosystems, felt like stepping into a space built with intention, care, and a genuine commitment to the environment. The land they tend is thoughtfully planted with diverse species, giving back to insects, birds, and other animals that depend on it.
My time learning with the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) and the Kortright Centre for Conservation at the Earth Rangers Centre turned out to be far more meaningful than I expected. Their teachings on green and grey infrastructure, maintenance practices, and permeable paver research opened an entirely new way of seeing how water moves through our communities. We explored different types of permeable pavement, water drainage systems, and water gardens, and it became clear how beneficial these systems could be for cities, especially in managing water, when properly maintained.
What stood out most was gaining a deeper understanding of how municipalities manage water systems. I began to see how essential it is to integrate sustainable technologies and natural solutions to protect and maintain clean water sources. These approaches aren’t just environmental add-ons -they’re practical tools.
Sheila also shared her projects and designs, including the Fairford Bioretention Parkette and Raindrop Plaza. She discussed the Green Streets pilot projects, which uses rainwater capture through permeable paving and bioretention inlets to support healthy plant growth. The project also incorporates pollinator rain gardens, adding to the city’s busy landscape by creating spaces where people can sit, relax, and connect with nature. These designs feel like living art-giving back to the community and to Mother Earth.
At etobiGrow, brothers Lukas and Stefan Sirianni welcomed us into the remarkable vertical farm they created inside the back of a former auto mechanic shop. It was inspiring to see how they transformed such a limited space into a highly productive, multifunctional farm that grows fresh food year-round in the heart of Toronto using hydroponic technology. Every inch of the space was thoughtfully designed to maximize food production while remaining efficient and sustainable. They also developed innovative 3D-printed attachments that fit onto almost any jar, allowing people to start growing their own seedlings at home. Even more impressive, these products come with a lifetime warranty, reflecting their confidence in both their design and commitment to reducing waste. Their work demonstrated that creativity, innovation, and determination can transform even the most unexpected spaces into thriving sources of fresh, locally grown food. Visiting etobiGrow showed me that urban farming is not limited by space but instead driven by imagination, sustainable thinking, and a passion for strengthening local food systems.
Visiting the Toronto Metropolitan University Urban Farm was another unforgettable part of the training. On the rooftop garden of the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex, we met Samantha Williams‑Barrantes and Nicole Austin, who welcomed us into a vibrant space full of community care. Nicole shared her personal gardening style and spoke about food sovereignty. We joined her in weeding and even planted peanuts alongside her and help with some water irrigation. Samantha taught us about the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash) and how she plants using the medicine wheel. She explained how her knowledge has grown through observation, practice, and connection to the land. We harvested and braided sweetgrass she grew in her garden, and she offered teachings about the medicine itself and how It is connected to the Seven Generations before us, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and the Seven Generations ahead. The method uses 21 strands divided into three sets of seven before braiding.
Each rooftop garden we visited revealed its own mix of soil types, growing conditions, and approaches to production. From choosing the right sedum and plant varieties to withstand the extreme weather conditions on rooftops, to seeing how companies such as, Zinco, Next Level, and Ginko design green roof systems that manage stormwater while still supporting vibrant plant life, everyone offered a different perspective on what urban agriculture can look like. My favourite and the most inspiring, was the rooftop garden at Eastdale Collegiate. Aiden Crosby introduced us to a beautiful project that supports both the school lunch program and the surrounding community. The space was impressive not only for what it produced, but for the care, intention, and creativity behind it. We helped plant and harvest a variety of vegetables and plants, and it was easy to see how this garden can inspire other schools and communities across the city to move forward with similar initiatives.
We ended our training with Garrett Tribble and Michae Albanese at High Park Nature Centre, who shared their visions for stormwater management and practical, efficient ways to harvest rainwater for communities across Canada. They showed how outdoor living spaces can be transformed into functional water gardens in cost-effective ways, turning everyday yards into systems that support both people and the environment. Their teachings brought everything full circle, reminding us that sustainability isn’t just a concept - it’s a practice rooted in creativity, responsibility, and relationship with the land.
We closed the day with a sacred fire, where we gathered together to reflect on everything we had gained and appreciated throughout the Earth Tending program. Each of us shared our experiences, and the lessons we learned. We also brought food and drinks to share with one another, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere that reflected the sense of community we had built over the past six weeks.
Every week brought something new: Green infrastructure, ecological restoration, Indigenous stewardship, pollinator gardens, soil health, urban forestry, and sustainable landscaping. But beyond all the technical knowledge, the greatest lesson I learned was that caring for Mother Nature and the respect we all should have for her. This program reminded me that tending the land isn't simply about planting trees or maintaining gardens. It's about respect. It's about understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from it. As someone who has always felt connected to the outdoors, this experience strengthened that connection in ways I didn't expect. It renewed my confidence, deepened my appreciation for Indigenous knowledge, and I was reminded why this work matters so much to me.
I'm incredibly grateful to Miziwe Biik, the Knowledge Keepers, instructors, and every organization that shared their knowledge with us. Thank you for creating a space where learning, culture, community, and the environment came together so beautifully.
The Earth Tending Program may have lasted six weeks, but the lessons, and memories will stay with me.
Chi-Miigwetch,
Timara Osawamick