We are a group of nature-loving Torontonians committed to rescuing this precious and unique corner of Toronto’s special ravine system. The Vale of Avoca has been in decline for years now and we have started this campaign to advocate for action, bringing together all stakeholders to create a sustainable program of restoration and repair.
News
A plan for the Vale of Avoca
May 27, 2025
We are actively working in cooperation with the City of Toronto, the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA) and community groups to develop a Master Plan for the Vale of Avoca that will provide a detailed design for the work that needs to be done to restore the Vale to its former status as a major recreational and ecological resource.
See something, do something – a Hidden Gems Toronto podcast
May 27, 2025
Rob Spindler saw a problem in his local ravine – Yellow Creek/Vale of Avoca and decided to do something about it. What started out as a one-man operation has blossomed into an annual community event in Moore Park.
Events and walks
Jane’s Walk – Exploring the Hidden Vale of Avoca Ravine
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2:00pm to 3:30pm Meeting Point: St. Clair TTC Station, Pleasant Blvd exit What to Expect Discover the hidden oasis of the Vale of Avoca Ravine in midtown Toronto. A stream runs through it! Learn about the birds, rare plants and human history of one of our city’s treasures. You’ll get a
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Vale of Avoca Ravine Cleanup Days
With the rapid disappearance of the snow, we hope you have enjoyed exploring the Vale of Avoca and other local ravines as they start to come back to life. For two weekends in April, we are continuing the tradition of an end-to-end cleanup of the Vale of Avoca, aiming to remove all the litter that
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Vale of Avoca Info Sessions
The Midtown Ravines Group is now in its ninth year of advocacy on behalf of ravines in the area. In our view, 2026 will be a particularly important and exciting year for the Vale of Avoca. The City is developing a master plan for the Vale of Avoca. This plan will chart a path for
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Library Talk: Protecting Nature in Our City
Date: Thursday, April 9, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm EDT Where: Toronto Public Library, Deer Park Branch, 40 St Clair Ave E Nature is threatened by population growth and by the spread of invasive species such as garlic mustard and European buckthorn, often planted by enthusiastic gardeners. As land is taken up by urban
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A Short Walking Tour of Invasive Plants in the Vale of Avoca
Date: Sunday, November 23, 10:30am to 12:00pm Meeting Point: Roxborough Parkette (30 Roxborough Drive), near traffic light at intersection of Mt. Pleasant Road and Roxborough Drive What to Expect Join us for a guided walk into the Vale of Avoca ravine to learn about the invasive plant species that are quietly transforming our local ecosystem.
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Ravine Days in David Balfour Park
Saturday, Oct 4, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Lost Rivers Midtown Ravines Group Vale Walk with Floyd Ruskin of Lost Rivers and MRG’s John Bossons and Rob Spindler
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The Beautiful Trees of David Balfour Park
Saturday, Oct, 18, 2025; 2–3:30 p.m.
Join Urban Forestry Associates’ (UFORA) arborist Stephen Smith for a guided walk through the park’s wonderful tree canopy.
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