Blog  October 30, 2012

Green City Gal: Caroline Misek

MOVE Volunteer Caroline Misek (Photo: Katie Findlay)

Caroline Misek has been involved at Evergreen Brick Works since 2009, helping transplant native plants around the site. This fall, she returned to volunteer as a Host MOVER, welcoming visitors to MOVE: The Transportation Expo.

Caroline has had the opportunity to see the site evolve over the years and to explore and discover new areas of Evergreen Brick Works. Seeing the transformation from initial construction to what it is now, and witnessing the growing interest and involvement of the community, has been exciting and inspiring for her.

What I’ve enjoyed about volunteering: It’s been fun and educational and it’s helped me to discover and further develop my interests in sustainable urban design, and green building technologies. I also support Evergreen’s mission and I’m encouraged by the understanding that nature and cities are not to be separated but combined for the benefit of the communities that reside there. Volunteering has been an excellent way of giving back while developing friendships with like-minded, enthusiastic people, working towards a shared goal.

Fall highlight: I especially enjoyed the MOVE Innovation Talks—this was a unique opportunity to see design experts and industry professionals together discussing their research, inspirations, ideas and goals to promote positive change in the city. The Talks were a chance to learn more about creative environmental design and new urban planning initiatives, which are truly inspiring.

My favourite Evergreen spot: I really like the Kilns Building—I wasn’t too familiar with the kilns before getting involved with MOVE. I appreciate the history of this space and it’s different layers: The history of brick production, layered with more recent graffiti and now transformed into an alternative gallery space—reclaimed, restored, revitalized space for the public to visit—very dynamic. In the winter, I also like ice skating in Koerner Gardens. It’s a beautiful rink, truly unique to the city.

My other life: I have a background in environmental studies from York University and I’m currently studying architecture at Humber College. My interests include listening to music and exploring the urban nature found around the Don Valley.

After MOVE: I plan to continue at Evergreen—possibly as a Tour Guide. I’m eager to share my interest in EBW’s industrial heritage and present-day transformations with new site visitors.