3.2.2 Case Studies

Dublin Mountains Partnership

The Dublin Mountains Partnership are a group of partners, both public and private, formed to improve the recreational experience of the public in the Dublin Mountains.

The key focus of the group is to manage the area as an integrated entity for recreation, along with creating a sustainable development plan.

The Dublin Mountains Partnership runs a Volunteer Ranger Service. The volunteers give two days a month on a range of activities from leading guided walks, assisting the public, conservation and trail maintenance. Education is a key part of the ranger role, along with practical conservation. The volunteers are an essential part of the organisation and are characterised by having a passion for the Dublin Mountains and the outdoors. Their interaction with the public is vital in the conservation of the mountains

Selection of volunteers includes six month training and those who proceed are identifiable by their uniforms.

City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation

The City of Toronto runs a number of Parks, Forestry and Recreation volunteering programmes throughout the city in order to engage the public in taking ownership of its parks, open spaces, greening and wildlife.

Trees Across Toronto is the city’s native tree and shrub planting program that responds directly to the tree canopy goal of 40% coverage and is a major step forward in reclaiming some of the city’s underdeveloped lands. It is Toronto’s signature tree planting event, funded by corporate partners, that takes place each year in April

City Parks Foundation New York

The City Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization that creates volunteer programs in parks throughout New York City with the aim of connecting New Yorkers through free and accessible arts, sports, education and community-building initiatives.

It’s My Park Day activities are coordinated by local community groups, City Parks Foundation and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. Activities include litter picks, bulb planting, painting benches and fencing, along with more intensive events, such as beach and coastal area clean-ups. The programme offers corporate groups team-building events, and ad-hoc events in non-profit institutions and local parks.

Free events are also hosted, including tennis lessons, face painting, historic house tours and nature walks.