Catching Up With Leslie

Catching Up With Leslie

Cool East Market's original owner Leslie Padorr created a wonderful community here. Going above and beyond by helping people source hard to find East Asian and barefoot style footwear, she maintained friendships with our clientele and neighbours. She is passionate about our natural world and always brought that value into her leadership here.

Recently we asked Leslie what she's been up to in her retirement, and we wanted to share her updates with you, too!

 

Hi Leslie, what have you been up to since you retired?

Thanks for asking!  Since a successful hip operation, I’m moving more than ever. I’m volunteering with Toronto Nature Stewards which is a lot of fun.

Maybe you know already that many insects, bees, and other pollinators are disappearing, affecting birds and agriculture. By removing invasive species and carefully cultivating native plants, we are encouraging the return of the rich biodiversity originally here.

Also, as you know, hiking up and down Toronto’s many lush ravines gives us minimal shoe fans lots of opportunities to exercise all those many important foot muscles. It’s great fun working in nature, getting lots of healthy movement, and knowing that you’re making a difference.

 

I understand Toronto Nature Stewards cleans up and encourages natural restoration in dozens of green spaces across the city, where are you volunteering?

I volunteer at the Todmorden Mills Wildflower Preserve in the Don Valley, near Evergreen Brickworks. If you get the chance to visit, you’ll see the great work they’ve done there turning a dumping ground from DVP construction to a increasingly native woodland habitat welcoming bats, birds and native pollinators.

A First Sign of Spring - Bloodroot | Accent on Natural Landscaping

Photo of bloodroot, a native wildflower that blooms in spring, found in forest habitats.

I also just started volunteering at Riverdale Park, which is a very different environment. The city has recently begun introducing naturalized areas into this busy park along with its tennis courts, baseball pitches and running track. I chose locations that are convenient to me, but there are lots of opportunities to do nature stewarding all over Toronto. 

 

I was really excited to spot a Northern Flicker in my local park this week. Have you spotted any plants or animals you were really excited to see in person?

I do have a favourite, it's the leafcutter bee! There are several species of leafcutters native to this area, and they're really great pollinators, even better than honeybees, which are an introduced species. They are solitary and docile, so gardeners love them.



Leafcutter bees make nests in the ground for a small brood of larvae. The bees cut circles off the leaves and use them to wrap up and section off each individual larva, like a baby blanket.

I'm developing a native garden in my back yard, so the first time I saw these perfectly round circles cut from the leaves of my redbud tree I was thrilled. It turns out that the plants native leaf cutter bees choose have antimicrobial properties to add protection for the nest and prevent parasites. Isn't that smart?

 

That's incredible! What do you recommend for folks in the city who want to become more connected to the plants and animals we share this area with?

To learn more, I joined Toronto Field Naturalists. Over 100 years old, the TFN offers nature walks, lectures, and an informative newsletter which I currently help edit.  

 

Thanks for sharing Leslie, and maybe we'll see you on the trails!