​The new book "An Enduring Wilderness: Toronto's Natural Parkland" celebrates Toronto's natural parklands

Image of Scarborough Bluffs Park: Courtesy of Stephen Bulger Gallery ​

#RobertBurley, #AnneMichaels, #JohnTory, #Rouge National Urban Park, #JenniferKeesmaat, #JanieRomoff, #Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival 

Toronto, May 9 (Canadian-Media): The publication of a new book entitled 'An Enduring Wilderness: Toronto's Natural Parkland' was announced today by the City of Toronto. The book describes about the natural parkland and ravine system with which  more than 4,000 hectares across the city are covered, media reports said. 

Robert Burley, the photographer and six accomplished writers, including Toronto Poet Laureate Anne Michaels were responsible for the production of this book as well as for an associated photographic exhibition.  They collaborated  to celebrate Toronto's natural parklands and highlighting their important role by providing residents access to forests, wetlands, beaches, bluffs, creeks and rivers, a news release said. 

Toronto Mayor John Tory said, "Robert Burley has beautifully captured the natural parts of our city that offer Torontonians respite. As our city continues to grow, it is important that we take the time to enjoy these spaces and protect them for future generations." 

The exhibits of these photographs and stories complement other important City initiatives such as the beautiful natural o the mouth of the Don River, the creation of Rouge National Urban Park and the present planning for the future Rail Deck Park. 

"An Enduring Wilderness is part of an ongoing conversation we are having with the residents of Toronto about the importance of ravines and natural parklands to our quality of life," said Jennifer Keesmaat, the City of Toronto's Chief Planner. "There's a balance we work to maintain between urban intensification and maintaining and creating those green spaces that are necessary for a high quality of life." 

Janie Romoff, General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation said "Our parks and ravines are our common grounds, and we have shared responsibility to care for, protect and restore these natural spaces. The City's upcoming Ravine Strategy aims to guide the use, management, enhancement and protection of our ravine system today and into the future." 

Copies of this book are available for loan from local branches of the Toronto Public Library.

The book can also be purchased through the Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation and at local bookstores for $56.50 (including HST). A portion of the purchase price goes to the Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation.  

Presently the photos from the book are being exhibited as part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.

The exhibit runs through May 26 at the John B. Aird Gallery, 900 Bay St.

The gallery is located on the ground floor of the Macdonald Block (southwest corner of Bay and Wellesley Streets).

The building and the gallery are wheelchair accessible. 

The free panel discussions taking place at the John B. Aird Gallery this month are open to the public on: 
Tuesday, May 9, 5 to 6 p.m.: Enduring Photographs: Robert Burley in conversation with Toronto's Photo Laureate Geoffrey James 
Saturday, May 13, 1 to 3 p.m.: Toronto's Natural Parklands in the new Millennium: the role of natural parklands in building a great city 
Saturday, May 20, 1 to 3 p.m.: Enduring Wilderness/Nature in the City: Exploring the complex relationship between nature and the city 

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

---