York Regional Forest Walks and Events

York Regional Forest's guided walks and events are designed for various age groups, residents and visitors. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and registration opens one month in advance. While these events usually proceed rain or shine, extreme weather conditions may lead to cancellations. Registered participants will be notified of any event changes through their provided contact information.

MARCH 

Streams of Spring

Join us, along with Ontario Streams, for a fascinating discovery of the winter thaw and its impact on our forests and waterways in this unique springtime adventure. During this guided walk, you’ll discover how the Forest responds to the seasonal shift and the important role water plays in the ecosystem’s awakening. Learn about the animals that call our streams and wetlands home and uncover how they adapt to the cold months before the rush of spring begins. From aquatic creatures that survive the winter freeze to the Forest’s gradual transformation, this event offers a deep dive into the interactions of water, wildlife and seasonal change. Don’t miss the chance to observe how the Forest’s hidden aquatic world thrives and evolves as the days warm up.

Saturday, March 29 (ages 10 and up) 
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 
Eldred King Woodlands
16232 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville
 

APRIL

Green Up, Clean Up

Join us for a day of environmental stewardship to help keep our beloved York Regional Forests clean and healthy! During this Green Up, Clean Up event, we’ll be collecting litter and doing our part to ensure our Forests remain beautiful and vibrant places for our wildlife and visitors. 

Stop by Hollidge Tract, Brown Hill Tract or Nobleton Tract to pick up supplies like gloves, litter grabbers, bags, hand sanitizer and safety vests. Feel free to bring your own supplies if you prefer. Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day and, at 2 p.m., we’ll gather for a group photo at each of the trailheads at Hollidge, Brown Hill and Nobleton Tracts to capture our collective efforts in preserving this beautiful natural space.

Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to community clean-up events, this is a great opportunity to make a positive impact on our local environment. So bring your kids, friends and neighbours as we work together to protect our local Forests for generations to come. It’s a fun, rewarding day to get outside, make a difference and be part of something meaningful.

Saturday, April 26 (ages 6 and up) 
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hollidge Tract
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Nobleton Tract
5345 15th Sideroad, King

Brown Hill Tract
22612 McCowan Road, East Gwillimbury
 

MAY 

Birding 101

Join Creator’s Garden for a unique birding adventure in the heart of the Forest! Discover the art of identifying birds through both sight and sound, while learning the names of local species in Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe language. This guided experience will deepen your connection to the natural world as we explore the Forest and practice identifying birds by their appearance and calls. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, explore and appreciate the wonders of birdlife through both Indigenous knowledge and modern birding techniques. Binoculars are available to share on a first come, first served basis. Feel free to bring your own pair to ensure you don’t miss out!

Sunday, May 4 (ages 10 and up) 
6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 
Nobleton Tract
5345 15th Sideroad, King

Community Tree-Planting Day

Join us for a heartwarming day of giving back to the planet at our community tree-planting event! Whether you're young or young at heart, everyone is welcome to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty and make a difference as we plant native trees to help restore our environment.  Then grab a shovel, dig in and work alongside other volunteers to plant trees that will provide lasting benefits for wildlife and the future of our community. While we will have gloves and shovels available, we encourage participants to bring their own for a more personalized experience, as supplies are limited. As a special treat, each participant will receive their very own tree seedling to take home and plant as a lasting reminder of the day. This family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn something new and contribute to a greener future. Come for the trees, stay for the community and leave knowing you’ve helped plant a legacy that will grow for generations to come!

Saturday, May 10 (all ages) 
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. 
Centennial Tract
5028 Queensville Sideroad, East Gwillimbury

JUNE

Trailblazers: A Mountain-Biking Adventure

Join us for an exciting and informative mountain-biking experience, guided by the team at the York Mountain Biking Association. This event offers two time slots: one for riders aged 10 and up, and another for those aged 18 and up. It’s open to participants of all skill levels, whether you’re new to the sport or looking to refine your skills. You’ll explore the scenic trails of Brown Hill Tract, where expert guides will lead you through the rugged terrain, offering valuable tips on riding techniques, trail navigation and bike safety. The pace of the ride will be adjusted to suit all levels, ensuring a comfortable yet thrilling experience for everyone from beginners to more seasoned cyclists. This adventure provides the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, challenge yourself and discover the joys of off-road cycling in a safe and supportive environment. Be sure to bring your own bike, helmet, water bottle and closed-toe shoes, and get ready for a fun-filled day of adventure and learning on the trails.

No bike? No problem! Did you know some of your local libraries offer bike lending programs? Check out participating locations below:

• Markham Public Library
• Newmarket Public Library
• Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library

Saturday, June 28 
Ages 10 and up: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Ages 18 and up: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Brown Hill Tract
4389 Ravenshoe Road, East Gwillimbury

Can’t make it to one of our events? Check out what our partners have to offer:

• Evergreen
• Forests Canada
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA)
• Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests (LEAF)
• Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
• Oak Ridges Trail Association
• Ontario Streams
• Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
• Rouge National Urban Park

In 2025, we updated the Discover Your Forest (DYF) program! While many of your local libraries already offered nature backpacks, kits and lending items, we provided participating libraries with forest-related items and activities to enrich their existing collections and support local nature exploration. Check out the list of participating libraries below!

We’re also making nature exploration more widely available with new digital printable resources. This ensures everyone can enjoy the benefits of the DYF program, whether online or in person.

• Bark Quilt: create a colourful quilt by making bark rubbings from different trees
• Leaf It to Memory: enhance your tree identification skills with a memory card game
• Leafo Bingo: a bingo game that challenges you to find leaves with various characteristics
• Nature Exploration: boost your well-being with an activity that engages all your senses
• Sound Map: explore and document the diverse sounds of nature
• True Colours: a fun experiment that reveals the hidden pigments in leaves 
• Tree ID Wheel: match leaf characteristics to identify tree species