Join us for an intro to the features, functions, and possibilities of Bentway Staging Grounds through a free guided tour and foraging walk! Then explore creative ways to collaborate with nature using foraged materials to create artwork inspired by the site and local environment.
Bentway Staging Grounds is a new temporary public space that transforms the area below the Gardiner Expressway at Dan Leckie Way into a living laboratory, offering opportunities to learn about urban ecology and stormwater management. Specially designed experimental gardens use rainwater run-off from the highway above to support the growth of flowering plant species.
Join us at Staging Grounds for an introduction to the features, functions, and future possibilities of the site with a guided tour and foraging walk. Learn from the project’s ecological consultant, Brother Nature, about the process of rainwater collection and filtration from Gardiner run-off and how that feeds the growth of native plants to support urban ecology. Plants include wild ginger, pawpaw tree, sumac, nodding onion, and more, chosen for their resilience and remediation qualities.
Following the walk, participants will explore creative ways to collaborate with nature through a hands-on art activity led by a local artist which will utilize foraged materials to create artwork inspired by the site and local environment.
Workshop Schedule:
- 2-3pm: Guided foraging walk
- 3-4pm: Arts activity
What to Expect:
- This is a family-friendly event! All are welcome.
- This event is held at The Bentway Staging Grounds, an outdoor space. Participants may have to navigate uneven, large river rocks on site. Please wear sturdy shoes and appropriate outerwear.
- During this event, accessible public washrooms are available nearby at The Bentway Studio (55 Fort York Blvd), about a 5 minute walk away up a gentle hill.
- Bentway Staging Grounds is accessible to mobility devices; visitors enter onto a series of walkways approx. 7ft wide.
