Native Trees Event
Project Details
50 women and non-binary folks of colour were invited to a community event to build relationships in the shared goal of stewarding urban land and waterways. The goal is to celebrate and honour the work being done to protect and regenerate ecosystems while encouraging relationship building between those who are driving positive change forward.
Project Description
The beginnings of a larger project to steward land and waterways, including revitalizing the urban tree canopy, encouraging relationship building between community members who are actively using their skills and abilities to create stronger, more sustainable, and equitable communities. Given that reforestation projects cannot begin until next year, this event is about building partnerships and foundational knowledge around native trees and tree equity.
This project has been created in commemoration of the lives of all the victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, including two Ocean Bridge ambassadors, Danielle Moore and Micah Messent. We aspire to carry on their legacy and commitment to making the world a better place by creating long-lasting impacts with a firm commitment to driving positive change for the environment and our ocean. We will never forget the light that Danielle and Micah brought to the world and will continue to keep them in our hearts. To learn more about these two amazing people, please visit: Honouring Danielle and Micah – Ocean Wise. This work is partially funded by the Commemoration Fund for Victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy.
What was your biggest challenge?
My current and biggest challenge is that I booked an event space without seeing it and now having done a site visit, I know there is no elevator or accessible entry for folks with disabilities. Fortunately this has not been a request from attendees but if it becomes one, I will need to find a new space. It makes me realize how generally inaccessible downtown Toronto is.
What was your most valuable takeaway?
My most valuable takeaway was the importance of taking time. I solicited feedback from potential invitees back in November and now, four months later, I can confirm event details with them based on their specific requests. That feels really special.
This project has been such a powerful catalyst for my own professional networking and community building. I used project management and stakeholder engagement skills to engage 50+ women and non-binary folks of colour who work supporting rural and urban ecosystems and communities. In planning an event that recognizes and honours the unique needs and requests of each attendee, I also practiced and refined by justice-centered approach to event planning.
