How do we make multifaceted outdoors spaces more engaging – especially on a limited budget and in the face of a global pandemic?
Agents of Discovery offers a range of affordable options, including innovative solutions for nonprofit organizations. The following testimonial highlights work at a highly visible and busy area in the City of Toronto, Canada. Specifically, Evergreen Brick Works’ site hosts a school, an open area available to the public (including Toronto’s largest farmers market), education facilities, and natural areas with both human history and ecological features.
Evergreen is a national nonprofit organization working to make cities flourish. Our programming across the country engages communities in creating healthy and sustainable urban environments in our public spaces and schools. So much of our work is based on collaborative partnerships. We look for creative and accessible ways to spark conversations and affect change.
Three years ago, we learned about the Agents of Discovery program and saw the potential it had in sharing learnings about the land through a creative medium. Since then, we’ve launched a series of missions with varying themes that encourage participants to explore the Brick Works site and Lower Don Trail including: Trees of the Ravines, The Fall Salmon Migration, Evergreen Brick Works Sustainability, and more.
During the pandemic, we’ve seen an increase in use as families are looking for safe ways to experience the outdoors and learn about their surroundings. We’re excited to continue to build out new challenges over the coming year with new themes.
Annie Vandenberg
Sr. Program Manager, Programming Evergreen Brick Works
