On April 18th and 19th, as many as 50 members of the community headed into the Vale of Avoca to gather any trash and litter that could be found. This event coincided with the city-wide Earth Day park clean-ups that enjoy wide support from ravine and park supporters across all neighbourhoods. The Vale of Avoca clean-up itself has come a long way: 14 years ago, Rob Spindler of Moore Park decided to “do something” and started what has become an annual clean-up event. (For more on Rob’s efforts, check out the May 1, 2025 Hidden Gems Toronto podcast.)
The Saturday weather might have been a deterrent, with temperatures in low single-digits, and occasional precipitation. From the start, a steady stream of participants made their way into the ravine. They came from all directions: north (Eglinton, Davisville), east (Moore Park), west (Deer Park), South (Rosedale, Summerhill), and many came from farther afield. The first day turnout produced solid progress, covering the north end of the ravine starting at the access from Mount Pleasant Cemetery, down to south of the St Clair Avenue bridge.
The Clean-up Day welcome table directed volunteers, shared Avoca Ravine information,
and doled-out Timbits judiciously.
Sunday –the second day of the clean-up– focused on the southern half of the ravine. The welcome table was relocated down to the ravine access road off Avoca Avenue, and saw lots of sidewalk traffic. Some passers-by were interested to talk about the ravine, while others took a garbage bag and gloves and spontaneously joined in the clean-up.
Members of the clean-up crew ready for action.
The clean-up event resulted in the removal of a significant amount of litter from the ravine. The collected trash was carefully consolidated and piled at designated points just outside the ravine for pickup by the City. It is difficult to say exactly how much was gathered, but our estimates run to many hundreds of kilograms. There was a notable absence (thankfully) of classic ravine discards like shopping carts and tires. A number of volunteers reported gathering more than a few carefully tied dog-poop bags that had been tossed by the path, suggesting a fruitful avenue for future behavioural research. Some plastic tubs were the largest single items pulled out of the ravine.
A fraction of the clean-up result, waiting for pick-up beside the Avoca Avenue railing.
There was a shared sense that the two-days of ravine clean-up had materially improved the condition of the ravine. Of course, you never get all of it (sadly). We all hope that the improved appearance of the ravine will inspire everyone to ensure they take litter with them out from the ravine. A number of people make it a practice to take a garbage bag with them on ravine walks and pick up any wrappers or coffee lids that they see along the way. The Midtown Ravines Group is aiming to arrange occasional pick-up outings in various sections of the ravine over the season to minimize litter accumulation.
Two of the ravine’s regular visitors were highly appreciative of the volunteer clean-up efforts.