On the heels of last week’s Evergreen Conference, we’re more convinced than ever that great ideas thrive when people come together in person. Whether it was joining a group walk, getting involved in hands-on activities and workshops or simply exchanging ideas with others, it became clear that access to great public spaces strengthens local communities.
Truly, nothing beats face-to-face connections.
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In this month’s edition of Evergreen News, we’re highlighting how physical public spaces surpass virtual ones in building strong community connections. Read on for interesting stories and helpful resources. Then log off and come meet us in person!
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Face time over FaceTime: 5 reasons we love physical public places over online spaces
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Is your world starting to feel more browser tabs than boardwalks? More pixels than parks? More memes than markets?
Physical public spaces are gamechangers. They bring people together, improve our wellbeing and support the environment. So, while we’re not saying you need to completely ditch your Reddit, Instagram and Twitch accounts, read why IRL places are so much better than our virtual spaces. |
Evergreen Brick Works: bringing sustainable solutions to life! |
You might love visiting the Brick Works for the incredible trails, year-round markets or unique cultural events. But did you know our home, in the heart of Canada's biggest city, is also a test site for sustainable solutions that can be scaled across the country?
Rainfall, extreme heat and other extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity. Cities around the world are being challenged by the escalating impacts of climate change. Read more about how climate-ready spaces can support sustainable urban living. |
Ready to bundle up? Here's what to wear to be outdoors this winter
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As most of the country enjoys nice, crisp autumn air, Canadian winter is right around the corner. Whether taking to the trails on foot or bike, slapping on skates, or standing around as your kids roll in the snow, no one wants to be too cold or too hot when they’re having fun outside.
We asked some of our resident experts for a few tips on how to gear up so you can enjoy the great outdoors in all temperatures this winter. |
Canada's first climate ready school: parents talk impact on two-year anniversary
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In October 2022, Irma Coulson Public School in Milton, Ontario, became Canada’s first ever Climate Ready School. The pilot project aimed to better serve the unique and evolving needs of the students, community and the local ecosystem. Two years later, Evergreen visited the school to ask parents about the transformed school grounds. The impact has been greater than we could have imagined.
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Help us transform more public spaces for people and planet |
Be a part of ensuring that our cities are vibrant, green, and bursting with life for generations to come. |
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Other stories we're reading this month 📰
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🔗 Beginner Halloween pumpkin carving templates: HGTV
🔗 The Wilderness Hidden in the Heart of Toronto: The New York Times
🔗 Friendship 101: A guide for grown ups: Evergreen
🔗 How a tiny Toronto park went from overlooked lot to the beating heart of a community — with the help of a few clowns: Toronto Star |
Thank you for being part of the 2024 Evergreen Conference!
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Last week, we shared ideas, learned from experts and connected with incredible people committed to making public spaces more inclusive, joyful and climate ready.
As we heard throughout the conference, this work takes patience, humility and grit. We need to put our trust (and resources) in communities, connect with each other and absorb the wisdom of the natural world. Partnering with public, private and philanthropic actors can help make these dreams a reality. Thank you for sharing yours with us.
Head to our Instagram to check out some amazing moments! |
Reflect and connect at the Good Mourning Festival at Evergreen Brick Works
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On November 2 and 3, we invite you to Evergreen Brick Works to celebrate and reclaim death as a special part of life. Saturday is dedicated to exploring the significance of mourning in public spaces, and on Sunday we celebrate Día de los Muertos, a Mexican and Latin American celebration where we honour our relatives and friends who have passed. Through performances, workshops, food, art and more, we create a space where grief can be expressed, shared and understood.
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The Children's Garden is going through a magical transformation! |
From October 2024 to Spring 2025, the space at Evergreen Brick Works will be closed while we make exciting improvements to the amphitheatre and fireside experience. Please excuse our appearance during these changes. We are thankful for your patience and can’t wait to bring you even more fun-filled, nature-based play here – just in time for Spring! |
Experience nature connection in action with Evergreen’s Nature Play & Learning Lab🌲 |
This dynamic two-hour applied session on Saturday, October 19, 10am - 12pm, immerses participants in the fundamentals of outdoor learning and nature connection through a condensed workshop at Evergreen Brick Works that includes a guided hike followed by a sampling of our favourite seasonal outdoor activities that can be easily adapted to any space. We've got a discount code for our subscribers! Use code FALL5 for $5 off. |
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Want to work at Evergreen?
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We are looking for skilled, passionate individuals to join our growing team. As Evergreen works to build thriving cities that are livable and green, we are dedicated to developing a workforce that reflects the spaces in which we live and work. Visit our careers page |
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Our Staff Spotlight series shines a light on the voices and perspectives of the incredible Evergreen team. Up next is our Jessica Vuong, Program Officer at Evergreen. Jess brings her expertise to School Visits, Professional Development Workshops, Weekend Nature Play and Team Building. Read about her favourite thing about working at Evergreen! |
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4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning |
Beginning at the end of October and running until the end of May, this course is offered in partnership with over 50 non-profit organizations. It serves to support participants in deepening their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local Land and supporting more respectful, reciprocal relationships. |
Evergreen's Word of the Month |
This is the spot where we break down an overly ‘jargony’ word or term to help bring you into our work of building better public places. We think everyone should be able to join the conversation! Our October Word of the Month is Community Engagement, the process of people coming together to collaborate, share ideas and take action. Check out our City Builder Glossary for more definitions.
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