Urban Ravine Summit, Toronto Botanical Garden

On November 7, 2025, I delivered the keynote at the Urban Ravine Summit, hosted by Toronto Botanical Garden and Park People at Toronto Botanical Garden. In "The Wild is Calling: Reconnecting to Nature, Right Where We Live," I explored three forms of connection cities need to restore — to place, to species, and to purpose — drawing on examples from citizen-led biodiversity mapping in urban ravines to tweeting trees and AI-powered insect sensors. I shared stories from around the world, including nature-prescription programs and Amsterdam's "Talking Trees" project, to show how nature and technology can work together to rebuild meaning, belonging, and hope in urban life. The Summit brought together municipal staff, community leaders, environmental professionals, and nonprofit partners around Toronto's ravine system, including a deep dive into The Loop — an 80km active-transportation trail connecting the city's ravines, hydro corridors, and waterfront.