The TDSB EcoSchools Middle & Secondary Student Leadership Conferences are an opportunity to energize your school's EcoTeam/Environment Club and build stronger leadership skills; explore concepts, ideas, and questions related to sustainability; and find ways to participate in solutions, even when solutions are not obvious or straightforward.

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Fall 2026

Harvesting Knowledge: Curiosity in Place

Grades 9-12, September 22, 23, 24 & 25 (choose one), 9:00am-3:00pm ET

Climate change is happening now. If left unchecked, climate change will adversely affect every ecosystem and community. Students are the next generation to live with the impacts of climate change, and the ones who will influence our schools and communities towards a low carbon and climate resilient future.

The Fall TDSB EcoSchools Secondary Student Leadership Conference will energize your students to take the lead on climate actions, build their facilitation and leadership skills, and collectively transform schools into communities of hope and activism.

During the full-day session, students will participate in 3 workshops: visiting urban farm Zawadi (in Downsview); the Downsview staff will facilitate climate change games and your TDSB EcoSchools team will run a BioBlitz using Survey123. We'll end the day going deeper into the BioBlitz, connecting to a dashboard, and some planning time for your own blitz and climate action projects.

The conference is open to all secondary students. We welcome teachers and their student teams - maximum 5 students per school, and 1 staff member. Teacher release is provided for ONE teacher per school.

Please arrange your own transportation. Remind students to dress for the weather!

REGISTER NOW!

Location:
Downsview Discovery Centre
70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C5

Agenda:

8:30 * Registration

9:30 – 9:55 * Welcome and Introductions

10:00 - 11:30 * Workshop round 1

11:30 – 12:15 * Lunch (bring own)

12:15 - 1:45 * Workshop round 2

1:45 – 2:45 * BioBlitz results, discussion & planning

2:45 - 3:00 * Wrap up

3:00 * Departure

Notes:

• Spaces are limited, 10 schools per day - first come first served
• This is a precious learning opportunity, please be on time
• Dress for the weather, activities will be outdoors & visiting a farm
• Bring your own reusable water bottles
• Bring a lunch; veggie snacks will be provided
• EMA permission form

Questions? Contact Jenn or Chris @ TDSB EcoSchools.