Help us transform underused land into vibrant pocket and food forests that restore the environment, strengthen community, and create meaningful employment for OLS Alumni (graduates of OLS programming). In partnership with Little Forests Kingston, we train and hire Alumni to care for urban forests that benefit people, wildlife, and neighbourhoods.

Growing Forests. Growing Skills. Growing Belonging.

Our Livable Solutions’ Forest Care Team is a new community-driven initiative that turns small urban spaces into thriving pocket forests and food forests. In collaboration with Little Forests Kingston (LFK), we bring together property owners, tenants, neighbours, volunteers, and OLS Alumni to grow little forests that heal land, inspire community, and create paid, purpose-filled work.

These forests do more than plant trees, they help people rebuild their lives through connection, nature, responsibility, and pride.

Why This Matters

Many OLS Alumni face barriers to employment after exiting homelessness. The Forest Care Team provides:

• Paid, meaningful work in an emerging green sector

• Hands-on training in ecological land care and forest stewardship

• Purpose, dignity, and a sense of belonging

• Leadership opportunities within the community

With training provided by Little Forests Kingston at the Lakeside Community Gardens, Alumni develop valuable skills in tree care, soil regeneration, biodiversity, and long-term forest maintenance - skills that open doors to future green jobs.

Environmental & Community Impact

Your support grows more than trees, it grows micro-communities of care.

Pocket and food forests create:

- Increased biodiversity and pollinator habitats

- Cooler, healthier neighbourhoods

- Stronger community connections

- Urban food-growing opportunities

- Long-term climate resilience

How Your Donation Makes a Difference

Your gift helps OLS cover the costs of training, equipping, and supporting Alumni as they care for forests across the city.

Monthly donors help us build long-term stability for the program, consider joining our Forest Stewards Circle with a recurring gift.

Want to Get Involved Beyond Donating?

Other meaningful ways to support this initiative:

1. Become a Host Property

Have a yard, lot, or underused private green space? Host a pocket or food forest! Property owners cover site costs, while we provide training and long-term care through our Alumni Forest Care Team. Contact us to explore a partnership: forests@ourlivable.solution

2. Volunteer

Join planting days, help care for forests, or support community engagement.

Your support brings training, employment, environmental care, and community healing to life. Together, we can regenerate land, empower people, and grow a more connected and compassionate city.

Thank you for helping us plant roots of change for the land, for our community, and for every Alumni steward who helps it thrive.