Be a Green Guardian

Are you passionate about protecting the environment? Do you want to inspire your neighbours to do their part to keep the community clean? Starting Tuesday, Nov. 1, you can sign up to become a Green Guardian with the City of Vaughan and make a positive impact on the community! 

Green Guardians is the City’s environmental stewardship program – and residents and businesses are encouraged to join in. This program enhances awareness and encourages participation in environmental events throughout the city. It also offers an accessible and resourceful database for citizens and businesses to learn more about environmental stewardship events, programs and activities they can participate in. 

Since launching in May, seven community cleanups, two corporate tree plantings and one community planting have taken place this year. Thank you to all Vaughan’s Green Guardians for making a meaningful difference! 

Interested in taking part? There are two ways to become a Green Guardian: 

Participate in existing events and programs

As a community member, not-for-profit organization or business, you can participate in environmental stewardship events run by the City, such as the 20-Minute Makeover, Curb Appeal and various planting events. 

Create your own event

Consider developing and leading your own litter cleanup event in one of Vaughan’s parks, neighbourhoods, trails or open spaces. You can also initiate a pollinator garden planting, a rain garden planting or species at-risk habitat creations in your community. Funding is available for community members, volunteer groups, local not-for-profit organizations, school boards and faith-based groups leading their own events through Community Planting projects. Additionally, the Corporate Tree Planting program encourages local businesses to plant trees within the City’s green spaces. It is an opportunity to improve the environment, give back to their local community, get active, socialize and build employee engagement – outside and in-person! Applicants will be considered under the following criteria: if the event will result in a more sustainable and healthier environment; and if the event will encourage the protection of Vaughan’s natural resources. Applications for 2023 community planting and corporate tree plantings events will be accepted starting Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. To learn more or apply for funding, visit vaughan.ca/GreenGuardians. 

Everyone is responsible for creating a clean, sustainable green space for generations to enjoy. As a Green Guardian, you will play an important part in keeping Vaughan green. 

A driving force in the development of the Green Guardians Environmental Stewardship Program is Green Directions Vaughan – the City’s Council-approved strategy and plan to make the community even more sustainable and mandate the delivery of environmental stewardship opportunities to residents. The program also supports the City’s commitment to Environmental Stewardship, a priority outlined in the Council-approved 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. 

Learn more about the Green Guardians program at vaughan.ca/GreenGuardians. 

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