YREA spring 2026 news & views

Moonstruck - light thoughts on gardening

Since ancient times, people have been aware of the effect phases of the moon have on the planting and tending of crops. They had this innate understanding even if they didn't realize the exact cause of why it was better to sow or weed at a given time of the month. We now know that the moon's gravitational pull not only influences ocean tides but also the ground water tables under our feet, the flow of moisture through the soil & plant itself. Timing farming & gardening tasks to moon phases is the basis of moon gardening. For example, the best time to turn over a garden is during the last quarter of the moon because that is when the water table has dropped to its lowest point. There is less moisture within the soil, making it lighter, less difficult to turn. Also worth trying if grass would need cutting less often. Check out moon gardening information. Start saving coffee grounds & eggshells for soil amendments.

Tea time is soothing anytime

Are you feeling tired, rundown, depressed, can't sleep, have aches & pains, can't concentrate? Herbal teas are one answer to so many of our discomforts. Lots of people have come down with colds, flu, norovirus and covid. There may be remedies to alleviate these ailments right in your kitchen cupboard. If not, see what you need & stock up or plant some this spring to use fresh. This source is worth checking out for a tisane to sooth your every need.

Forests & green space are sacred places

Would you leave garbage in your temple, mosque, church or synagogue? No? Then please also respect nature. Better yet, take an old bag from potatoes or apples & pick up garbage whenever you go for a walk in one of our wonderful forests. An awful lot of junk blows in from blue boxes over the winter. Spring is a great time to appreciate our green spaces by cleaning them up. Make this part of a forest bathing practice. Nature will thank you.

Join us, YREA will be at these spring events -

Vaughan Earth Hour Sat. March 28 2026 6:30pm - 9:30pm, Vaughan City Hall

Stouffville Earth Day Sat. April 25 Leisure Centre, 2 Park Drive 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Eco Family Fest Sat. May 30 12:00 - 5:00pm Elgin Barrow Arena, 43 Church St. Richmond Hill

Wood or plastic, which cutting boards are best? Fabric softener or vinegar? Vehicle idling and fireworks? Your everyday choices have a significant impact on our environment. York Region Environment Alliance will help you learn much more. Register here for this online Richmond Hill library workshop, Wed. April 8, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm on Toxins & Pollutants to Avoid.

Independently, as well as jointly with other NGOs, YREA made numerous appeals provincially, municipally and federally on issues of concern. It seems our pleas & petitions often fall on deaf ears yet we must continue to advocate even if it takes years before wisdom prevails. 2025 annual report.

In 2026 let's all Make Every Month Earth Month

YREA's Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that we are located on the ancestral lands, sacred gathering places and traditional territories of many First Nations including the Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. First Nations, because they were here first, inhabiting this land for more than 12,000 years. There are over 30,000 place names in Canada that are of Indigenous origin. These are often descriptive of the location named because of the inseparable spiritual connection First Nations have to not only land but also to water, air, plants and animals. They view their environment as sacred and feel a responsibility for its preservation for future generations. May we follow the example of Indigenous peoples to honour and protect this Earth we call home.