Indigenous Plants/Indigenous Histories

Co-Presented with Evergreen
In Partnership with First Story Toronto

Led by Wild Foragers Society

Saturdays June 3rd, 10th, 17th SOLD OUT & 24th SOLD OUT, 10am–12pm
Sundays June 4th, 11th, 18th SOLD OUT & 25th SOLD OUT, 1–3pm

at Evergreen Brick Works*
550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
*Meet at the Weekend Shuttle Stop, just south of the Garden Market

Getting to the Brick Works »

Online registration required
Pay-What-You-Can ($15 suggested donation)

Participants will hike on guided tours through the Don River Valley using the Lower Don Trails. Along the way, members of Wild Foragers Society will demonstrate how to identify indigenous flora. At the same time, participants will learn about local indigenous history of the river basin and its wealth of medicinal plants through a smartphone app developed by First Story Toronto. A First Story Toronto representative will accompany the tour to provide firsthand knowledge and historical context. Both culinary and healing properties of the plants encountered will be discussed as well as strategies to promote sustainable use of native species while minimizing impact upon the land.

Each week will concentrate on a theme according to the natural growth cycle of the season. Participants are encouraged to attend multiple sessions to gain cumulative knowledge.


Wild Greens | June 3rd & 4th

Discover some of the tasty leaves and young shoots found throughout our wild city. Participants will look at both native and introduced plants that can be thrown into salads, sautéed with onions or whipped up into a pesto, This walk will focus on key ID characteristics and hazards to watch out for. We hope you’ll join in us in our outdoor frolic through the ravine!

Flora Frolic! | June 10th & 11th

Discover uses of flowers beyond just admiring their beauty! Participants will identify wildflowers and shrubs, and discuss how to recognize individual flower parts and when to harvest them. These tours will also touch on creating flower teas and syrups. We hope you can go home with a bouquet of knowledge!

Fruits & Seeds | June 17th & 18th

With this frolic through the ravines, participants will train their eyes on developing fruits and seeds. From simple spices to fruits for jams and preserves, this walk will highlight wild plants with fruits for snacking and ones from which to steer clear. Join the fun on this final round of frolics to learn about the abundance that our wild city has to offer.

Solstice | June 24th & 25th

In honour of the Summer Solstice and in conjunction with Evergreen’s National Aboriginal Day celebrations, First Story Toronto representatives will lead a weekend of tours especially dedicated to indigenous histories and knowledge of the river valley.


This project is supported through Toronto Arts Council Strategic Funding.