Arboretum Workshop Descriptions

This half-day workshop will introduce you to the fundamentals of pruning woody plants and aims to provide you with basic skills to confidently approach pruning in your own landscape. We begin with how to form pruning strategies, including choosing and maintaining equipment and understanding plant growth and timing. Pruning cuts and techniques will be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced together outdoors. This workshop's focus is on a wide variety of woody plants, please see the "Restoring Fruit Trees Workshop" for a fruit tree specific workshop..

Do you have a fruit tree in your life that you'd like to care for? This is a hands-on workshop on fruit tree pruning, using apple trees on The Arboretum grounds to demonstrate proper techniques. You'll learn how to prune for ideal branch structure, how restore old apple trees, how to train new trees for early productivity, and how pruning integrates with other elements of fruit tree care, such as holistic pest & disease management.

Diversity is the emphasis of this full-day course on how to grow your own native trees and shrubs. Characteristic seeds for the workshop will be collected while touring part of The Arboretum. Participants learn the techniques for cleaning, treating, and sowing seeds; and how to protect them as seeds and young plants. A tour of The Arboretum's native plant nursery is included.
*Maximum 16 adults when held in person.

Garden Fundamentals will focus on ornamental gardens including trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and grasses. You will gain a good understanding of how these plants grow and their relationship with the soil. We’ll cover lots of practical topics such as planting, maintenance, plant selection, sun/shade requirements, and Robert will give you some of his top picks. This course is suitable for the beginner and intermediate gardeners.

Watch master gardener Robert Pavlis being interviewed by Rogers TV about the Gardening Fundamentals workshop.

Join Robert Pavlis as he discusses how to create Healthy Soil. Below is a description of what he will discuss each week. You can sign up for one, two or all three of the workshops.

Week 1 - Soil Basics - What is soil and how do the basic components work together to provide a plant's needs? How do various gardening techniques affect soil and what is good soil?

Week 2 - Nutrients and Fertilizers - The role nutrients play in plant health and how plants get their nutrients. The role of the rhizosphere. How and when to use synthetic and organic fertilizers.

Week 3 - The Secret to Healthy Soil - What is healthy soil and how does a gardener develop the best soil in the neighborhood to grow great plants.

This course is designed for the new gardener or the gardener that has only been growing vegetables for a couple of years. We’ll start at the very beginning, with ordering seeds and end with a detailed discussion of the 10 best vegetables for new gardeners. Focus is on hardiness zones 4 – 6.

We’ll cover the following topics:
• Creating a new bed and different systems; in the ground, raised beds and growing in containers
• Best soil selection and how to get it ready for the growing season
• When to use seed vs transplants, and starting early indoors
• Dealing with weeds and other gardening tricks
• Watering, sun and fertilizer – keep them growing for a maximum yield
• Harvesting and fall crops
• Common vegetables myths

 

Robert is a Master Gardener and garden writer who publishes two popular gardening blogs and has published several gardening books. He owns and operates a private botanical garden where he grows over 3,000 different varieties of plants.

This full-day course introduces participants to the wonderful world of creating new plants. The morning session focuses on growing plants from seeds and include topics such as, collecting, cleaning, storing, dormancy, and stratification. Growing under lights in pots, winter sowing, and germination using the baggy method will also be discussed. The afternoon focuses on vegetative propagation including division, cuttings, layering, and budding. This course provides the foundation you need to propagate thousands of different plants, including perennials, shrubs, and trees.
*Maximum 20 adults when held in person.

This full-day program helps participants refine their skills to identify trees in Ontario. The focus of the workshop is on learning the important identification characteristics of difficult tree groups such as the cherry, oak and walnut families as well as the easier groups such as ash and maple. The afternoon is spent outside identifying trees in the forest as well as young cultivated trees with their Eurasian counterparts in the World of Trees collection.  Participants are encouraged to bring their field guides and binoculars.
*Maximum 16 adults when held in person.

Do you love trees but can’t tell an Ash from a Walnut, a Birch from a Beech, or a Spruce from a Fir? Are you looking to connect more with the natural world around you? Join Shelley Hunt, U of Guelph course instructor and former Arboretum Director, for a virtual, interactive tree identification workshop. Over the course of 4 Zoom sessions, with hands-on challenges to complete in between, you will learn the basics of tree ID, with a focus on native Ontario species (and their look-alike non-native counterparts). You will learn about the important features to look for (e.g. leaf shape and arrangement, bark characteristics, fruits and cones), as well as the details that help us to distinguish between species in the same group (e.g. Ashes, Pines, Maples). You will practice your skills on trees that you can find in your local area, and get feedback on your ‘homework’. The fourth session will include a virtual tour of trees in The Arboretum's collections.

No leaves? No problem! In this workshop you will learn about the variety of tree features that are useful for winter identification of deciduous trees as well as evergreens. From buds and leaf scars to bark and needles, we will take an in-depth look at the surprisingly distinctive characteristics that let us unlock the identities of trees in their dormant season. We will focus on native Ontario tree species. Optional 'homework' assignments will encourage you to get outside and observe trees in between sessions. The program runs once a week for 4 weeks.

Ontario has dozens of native shrub species, from dogwoods to viburnums, blackberries to spicebush, and everything in between. Where to start in learning to identify them? In this workshop, spread over 4 zoom sessions, we will cover basic shrub morphology and learn the key ID features of a wide variety of these diverse woody plants. The 3rd session will include a virtual tour of shrubs in The Arboretum's collections.

Learn how to design a diverse garden space that attracts native wildlife species through key design elements, plant choices and maintenance needs. This course will draw from concepts found in The Arboretum’s Gosling Wildlife Gardens, while also offering insight on design features and plant species that have proven to be successful in our local Ontario setting. From attracting endangered pollinators to gardening with native plants, participants discover the relationships between plants and wildlife and how these ideas can be applied to a backyard!

Japanese gardens have been an inspiration for centuries, influencing the creation of new gardens and landscapes both in Japan and in the West. In this introductory course to Japanese garden design, you will learn about the traditional techniques used to establish gardens of peace and Zen. These gardens require a high attention to detail, involving various techniques in pruning and shaping plants, the importance of viewpoints, wood preservation methods, as well as the unique applications of water and stone and how they connect to each other within the garden to create this compositional balance and harmony. Wherever your interest lie, in theory or in practice, this course is intended to help you appreciate and understand this unique tradition.

Diversity is the emphasis of this half-day workshop on ethical native plant seed collection.  Participants will tour the incredible grounds of the Arboretum looking at hundreds of species of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns while gaining experience with seed forecasting and identification, effective harvesting techniques, and ecologically-responsible considerations to follow while collecting.  Wear some comfortable shoes and prepare to be wowed by the incredible diversity of seed raining down upon us!

It’s that time of year again, the spring wildflowers are beginning to bloom! Our flowers like the trout lily, bloodroot, and trilliums only flower for a brief window in early spring, finishing all of their above-ground activity in a few short weeks. Join Christa Wise, Interpretive Naturalist at The Arboretum, to explore the fascinating world of our small but mighty spring wildflowers!

This workshop will focus on hands-on identification of spring wildflowers found in The Arboretum through visiting sites like Victoria Woods, Wild Goose Woods, and the Nature Reserve. In the classroom, we will also go beyond the field guide to learn the intricate ecology and history of these spring-time blooms.

This workshop is perfect for those looking to get hands-on experience with identification skills. Registrants will receive a copy of our Spring Woodland Wildflower booklet.

It is recommended to bring snacks, waterbottle, and appropriate outdoor attire as a significant portion of this workshop will be spent outside in The Arboretum.

*Maximum 18 adults.

Explore the mysterious, weird, and wonderful world of fungi!  The course is open to participants of any skill level, with the assumption that most will be beginners. The program begins with a morning foray that is followed by an identification session and generation of a species list. Participants are encouraged to bring a field guide such as George Barron's Mushrooms of Ontario and Eastern Canada, as well as a digital camera. 
*Maximum 16 participants when held in person.

Ever heard of a plant gall? Even if you haven't, you've likely seen one before! Galls are among the most overlooked signs of biodiversity around us, appearing as strange lumps, bumps, and growths on plants. They come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and forms, and can be found in nearly every terrestrial habitat. While they may look like a natural part of the plant, galls are actually created by other organisms—most often insects—that manipulate plant tissues to form these remarkable structures.

But what purpose do they serve? How are they formed? What groups of organisms are responsible for creating them? Do they harm the plant? How can we identify them? These questions and more will be explored during this workshop.

With the incredible plant diversity found throughout The Arboretum, we have the opportunity to discover a wide variety of gall-inducing species through the fascinating structures they create. The workshop will include an indoor presentation covering gall biology, diversity, and ecology, followed by a guided walk to search for and identify galls in the field.

*Maximum 18 adults.

Have you ever wondered what made those marks in the snow? In this full day program we will be learning how to track animals. We will be studying the tracks and signs of Ontario mammals and other types of wildlife. By the end of the day you will learn to identify and interpret animal tracks by looking at track patterns and gait analysis. The workshop will also include an introduction to scat identification. There is an outdoor component that will have us looking for and following animal tracks and trails. Please dress in layers to be outdoors and wear comfortable, warm boots. Recommended: Bring a notebook and a measuring tape to help with track identification.

*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

Watch this teaser video about our Winter Animal Tracking workshops.

Join us for our annual Odonate Count at The Arboretum! We will spend the day out on the Arboretum grounds searching for, catching, and identifying the Dragonflies and Damselfishes (Odonates) found here. As an inventory project, we will be using iNaturalist to document our findings, so please come with an iNaturalist account and have it downloaded on your phone.

This is a free event for those interested in helping us inventory the diversity of these incredible insects that call The Arb home. While experience with Odonate identification and capture is appreciated, this event is open to everyone willing to help. To learn how to identify dragonflies and damselflies, see our Dragonfly Workshop.

Nets will be provided for the duration of the count.

*Maximum 25 adults.

Ontario is home to over 150 species of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), many of which are common in the Guelph area. Most species can be identified with a field guide and pair of binoculars. Participants learn about these beautiful creatures, their fascinating lives, and see why they are an important part of our local ecosystems. This workshop includes an outdoor component of catching and identifying the dragonflies of The Arboretum.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

This workshop has been designed to educate participants about butterflies and how to identify them in the wild. Topics covered include, butterfly natural history, capture techniques, field identification, tagging, migration, and creating and maintaining butterfly habitat. The workshop concludes outside catching and identifying the butterflies of The Arboretum.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

If you have ever wondered about the close cousins of butterflies, this introductory workshop will open your eyes to the amazing and mysterious world of moths. Participants are introduced to the "moth world" and what makes a moth so unique; learn about the families or groups of moths that you are most likely to encounter in the Guelph area; and how to find, identify, and appreciate moths. The workshop concludes with an outdoor explore in The Arboretum looking for roosting moths, day-flying moths, and moth caterpillars.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

This workshop introduces participants to all the major groups of insects in Ontario with a focus on how to recognize major groups or families, with special reference to the common species one is likely to encounter in both the backyard and in the field. This is a great introductory course for educators, field researchers, and those who wish to simply become familiar with the mini-wildlife of Ontario.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

In this full-day program, participants will learn about the extraordinary biodiversity of ponds and learn the difference between the life in vernal (temporary) pools and permanent ponds. The workshop begins indoors with an overview of pond life and then moves outdoors for a hands-on opportunity to catch and identify organisms in a vernal pool and a permanent pond and discuss their unique ecologies. Participants receive a copy of the Pond Life Biodiversity Identification Sheet.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

Reptiles are the most at-risk group of flora or fauna in Ontario.  Due to their secretive nature, many of these amazing species, are largely unknown or overlooked by many outdoor enthusiasts.  Every one of Ontario’s turtle species needs help and learning about these adorable creatures is an excellent way to assist them. Snakes are often misunderstood and maligned, but through this program we hope to change this by teaching the truth about these animals and providing opportunities to interact directly with some live specimens. Identification, ranges, and habits of our reptile species will be covered, and hands-on opportunities with some of our native snakes and turtles will make this an exciting experience.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

In this day-long workshop, participants learn about the fascinating life stories and identification tips about our most important invertebrate predators, the spider. Participants will venture outside for part of the day learning how to find and identify some of our amazing local arachno-fauna, discover first-hand why most insects are arachnophobic, and how we can (and should) help our local spider population.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

In winter’s frigid grasp, insects, spiders and other invertebrates seem to vanish from the surface of the earth.  Knowing what to look for and where to find these hidden creatures make cold-weather expeditions far more enjoyable.  During this half-day program, participants search for goldenrod gallfly larvae and caterpillars that hide in burrs, learn how woolly bears forecast the severity of winter’s blast, and discover a great variety of other “bugs” that are surviving their most challenging season. Through photographs, hands-on bio-artifacts, and an outdoor exploration and discovery session participants become familiar with our cold and spineless neighbours. This workshop is held in winter, anticipate dressing to trek in cold and hopefully snowy conditions. A hand lens is recommended, but not required.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

Birding has become an even more popular hobby now that more people are home and enjoying nature. Why not take it to the next level? This workshop series includes eight noon-hour lectures on eight different bird groups: hawks, ducks, sparrows, sandpipes, gulls, spring warblers, fall warblers, and spring migrants. ID techniques, field marks, shapes, behaviour clues, and more will be covered. Each workshop includes a 10-15 minute discussion period for bird-related questions.

Week 1 - Hawks
Everyone loves raptors but they can be a bit challenging as they fly by overhead.  We will be covering what to look for to ID our 16 regular species.  A special emphasis will be learning how to tell Cooper's Hawks from Sharp-shinned Hawks as they are common backyard predators that can be confusing! $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Week 2 - Ducks
This colourful group of waterfowl is full of interesting shapes, patterns and lifestyles.  And, while the males are usually pretty straightforward to identify, the females can be quite challenging!  We will dabble with dabblers and dive into divers in this web-footed workshop. $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Week 3 - Sparrows
"Uh oh, a sparrow!"  If this statement has ever left your lips, then this talk is for you!  They may seem drab and dull at first, but these LBJs (little brown jobs) really aren't that hard once you know what to look for.  And since there are different species depending on the season, they are really worth knowing! $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Week 4 - Sandpipers
There's nothing like looking at a bird that is standing right out in the open and still not being able to identify it.  Sandpipers definitely fall into this category.  We will cover beak and body shape, leg and neck length, colour placement and behaviour so you will have a better chance to id that shorebird the next time you see it. $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Week 5 - Gulls
Did you know that southern Ontario (and specifically the Niagara River) is often considered the Gull Capital of the World?  In late fall/early winter, we can find many species of gull in this region, so it is time to get to know our french fry-loving friends.  We will focus on adults but also cover some immature stages to try and get a handle on this interesting group of birds. $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Week 6 - Spring Warblers
Mention the words "spring warblers" to birders in the depths of February and you'll see longing, wistful looks on their faces.  That's because spring warblers rock!  And southern Ontario in spring is an amazing place to see over 30 species of these colourful little rays of sunshine.  But this abundance of species does mean a lot to remember, so we will be covering ways to help with that. $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Week 7 - Fall Warblers
While "spring warblers" will bring a smile to a birder's face, "fall warblers" might turn that smile upside down.  This bird group is especially tricky during their fall migration when some species transform miraculously into seemingly different birds altogether!  But don't worry, we will get them sorted out. $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Week 8 - Spring Migrants
This hodge podge of bird groups makes May migration a special time for nature lovers.  We will cover some easy to id species (male Baltimore Oriole!) and some not-so-easy ones (ack, a little greenish flycatcher!) to help you be prepared for next spring. $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Fee: $8 (plus HST) per person, per session or book all 8 and get one free ($56 instead of $64).

Into birding but songs have you stumped? Join Chris Earley, Arboretum Interpretive Biologist and author of 5 bird field guides, for a series of eight virtual noon-hour lectures to cover over 150 bird species! We will focus on songs and some common, distinctive calls and will apply different methods to remember them. Each course will start with a short intro topic about birding by ear before we dive into the bird species. Learn how to make your own calls, read a sonogram, make up your own memorable bird song sayings and more! We will finish each class with a 10-15 minute discussion period so you can ask all your bird-related questions. The course is suitable for those new to learning bird sounds as well as the more experienced.

You can sign up for individual courses for $8 (plus tax) each or take all eight at the discounted cost of $56 (plus tax - that's eight courses for the price of seven!). See below to find out what bird groups are covered in each class. And don't worry - if you miss one or this time doesn't work for you, you will be sent recorded programs afterwards and will have access to them for a month after the whole series.  For those that take the whole course, we will also be making the videos available again for a couple of weeks in April so you can review them just before the peak of spring singing occurs!

Fee: $8 (plus HST) per person, per session or book all 8 in one transaction and get one free ($56 plus HST instead of $64 plus HST).

Day 1 - Owls and Wetland Birds
Whooooooo was that? Owls always grab our nightly attention but many wetland birds are also evening singers. We will cover a selection of rails, coots, bitterns, loons, grebes and more. And don't forget a couple of glorious goatsuckers (whip-poor-wills and nighthawks)! This course will include teaching you how to speak "owl." $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Day 2 - Blackbirds and Hawks
These two groups include some early migrants and now is the time we get to see them after a long absence! We will cover the whole blackbird family including meadowlarks, bobolinks and orioles. We will also study some raptor calls so you can figure out who might be flying through or maybe nesting in your local forest. $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Day 3 - Phrasers and Buzzers
Knowing warbler song is a key element for finding these tiny trinkets of the treetops. The males will even sing during migration so knowing their voices is important. In this course we will start with the species that sing distinctive phrases or use a buzzy texture in their songs. $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Day 4 - Trillers and Thrillers
So, this time things might be a bit more, um, difficult. Trilling birds are tricky but we will go through them and study the differences in these similar songs. We will also cover some other warblers that are a bit more musical and easier to figure out! $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Day 5 - Sparrows
They may be a lot duller to look at than warblers but most sparrows are much better singers! Sometimes it is easier to tell them apart by song than by sight. We will study who says "Home Sweet, Canada, Canada, Canada", "I gotta go wee wee now!" and "Won't you come sit down besiiiiiide meeeee?" $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Day 6 - Finches and Thrushes
Finches, including grosbeaks, redpolls and crossbills, can be sparrow-like but are even better songsters. But some of them sound the same so we will figure out ways to tell them apart. Their call notes can be important during bird surveys so we will cover some of them, too. Thrushes have lovely voices and one was once voted as the best singing bird in North America! Find out which one at this workshop. $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Day 7 - Woodpeckers and Flycatchers
Sometimes you have to know mechanical sounds to figure out a nearby territorial bird - woodpecker drumming is a prime example. They also make some distinctive calls. And speaking of distinctive, some flycatchers can only really be identified by their songs, not by sight! We will listen to these and get a handle on this confusing group. $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Day 8 - Wrens and Friends
We will finish off with a hodge podge of species such as wrens, vireos, jays, nuthatches, kinglets and more! Many of these live in forest habitats and could all be singing or calling at the same time so learning to differentiate them is an important skill. Are you ready for the challenge? $8.00 (plus tax) per session or register for all 8 for $56.00 (plus tax)

Fee: $8 (plus HST) per person, per session or book all 8 and get one free ($56 instead of $64).
 

This workshop has been designed to help you develop your skills in the identification of wintering gulls. Through a variety of hands-on activities participants will learn about gull plumage, size differences, bill shapes, and behaviours of 13 different gull species. Where to the best places to watch gulls are and how some gull species have adapted to the urban environment are also covered.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

This workshop has been designed to help you develop your skills in identifying migrating hawks, falcons, vultures, eagles, and osprey.  Through a wide variety of hands-on activities participants will learn about plumage, body shape, foraging techniques, flight patterns, and the migration times of 15 species. An information booklet is provided.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person..

Discover how to use your eyes and ears to identify Ontario's Owls. Through a wide variety of hands-on activities participants will learn about owl plumage, calls and behaviour, habitat requirements, migration patterns, and owl folklore.

Check out this video of a past Owl Workshop.

Learn about the behaviour and adaptations of owls in the Guelph area. The introduction to this program will take place indoors, but participants are encouraged to dress warmly in preparation for a walk outdoors at night. This program is for adults and teens aged 14+. 
*Maximum 25 people when held in person.

Watch this video about the Owl Prowl to learn more.

Learn about the behaviour and adaptations of owls in the Guelph area.  The introduction to this program will take place indoors, but participants are encouraged to dress warmly in preparation for a walk outdoors at night. This program is for adults and children under 14.
*Maximum 25 participants when held in person.

Watch this video about the Owl Prowl to learn more.

A workshop on one of the most difficult groups of birds to identify. Using plumage, shape, size, calls, and behaviour, participants learn  to identify and distinguish sandpipers, plovers, phalaropes, turnstones, knots, godwits, and whimbrels.  If you are up for the challenge, this is the workshop for you!
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

This workshop explores how to identify and study the 19 species of sparrows found in Ontario. Through hands-on activities, participants learn about the plumages, songs, and habitats of this difficult-to-identify group. This workshop takes place over lunch and includes a hike through The Arboretum looking for our resident sparrows. An information booklet will be provided.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

Through a wide variety of hands-on activities participants learn about the plumage, song and behaviour of warblers, and investigate warbler habitat requirements and the timing of their migration. An information booklet is provided.

This workshop covers 15 less commonly seen southern Ontario warblers that are not covered in the Level I Warbler Workshop.  Participants will receive an information booklet.

This single-session program will provide a basis on understanding the anatomy of birds through illustration. The program will not only provide attendees with the background to illustrate anatomically correct birds of any family, but will also provide a basic understanding of bird anatomy for introductory birders. It is my goal to increase the appreciation of the public towards these beautiful creatures, and encourage us to work collaboratively to preserve the natural world. 

This program will be broken into 5 sections: anatomy of the head, body, wings, and tail, and then a final section covering the bird as a whole. In each of the first 4 sections, I will go over the basic features that all birds share including the different groups of feathers and structures, and then outline how those structures differ between a few well known orders of birds. After the first 4 sections of this workshop are complete, we will then put it all together to illustrate an entire bird, highlighting each of the different feather groups and structures covered from earlier.

The workshop will be 2.5 hours in length. Each section will be approximately 20 minutes in length, giving enough time for a brief demonstration, practice, and questions. The remaining time after the 5 sections are completed will provide an opportunity for further practice, Q&A, and to finish off any material that was not covered in its entirety in its respective 20 minute segment.

Materials: Please bring a sketch book, pencil (mechanical recommended), eraser, and a black or blue pen. A portable chair may also be beneficial, as it is more comfortable to sit on.

*Maximum 15 adults when held in person.

Winter birdwatching is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and experience the beauty of nature in a quieter season. While some birds have migrated south, many stay behind, bringing life and color to our winter landscape. Some northern species even travel here, treating us to special sightings as they escape harsher climates. Whether you’re new to birdwatching or a seasoned birder, we invite you to join us on this winter birding adventure!

*Maximum 20 adults when held in person.

Spring is in the air—and so are the birds! This is the perfect time to get outside and spot migrating birds as they pass through in their vibrant plumage, filling the air with song. Join us for a guided birdwatching hike through The Arboretum, where we’ll explore a variety of habitats in search of both resident and migrating species. Whether you're an experienced birder or just getting started, this hike is a great opportunity to sharpen your skills and experience the magic of spring. Binoculars will be provided.

*Maximum 20 adults when held in person.

A breathtaking ascent to the skies, a graceful fall to the ground, and a mesmerizing, yet quirky, call… PEENT. The sky dance of the American Woodcock is a truly incredible spectacle, and we at The Arboretum invite you to join us in a search for this captivating display! Our Woodcock Walk begins at the Nature Centre, where we’ll unveil some of the mystery behind these aerial acrobats before heading into the field with hopes of witnessing their enchanting performance in person.

*Maximum 20 adults when held in person.

If you’ve ever been interested in getting into the ever-increasingly popular hobby of birding, this workshop is for you! We’ll explore how to approach bird identification, the essential tools of the trade, and the incredible resources available to help you build confidence in the field. You’ll also learn practical tips for improving your observation skills and becoming a more effective birder overall.

This workshop is designed for participants with little to moderate prior experience with birding, and is suitable for anyone curious about getting started or looking to strengthening their foundational skills. The workshop will include an indoor presentation followed by a guided walk to practice and apply techniques in the field. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Participants will receive a Backyard Bird Biodiversity Sheet.

*Maximum 18 people (ages 14+).

 

Astronomy Foundations is an online course designed to introduce and orient astronomy enthusiasts to the night sky. Over the 12 sessions, a wide range of topics are covered, from understanding our place in space, finding our way in the sky, and understanding a little more of the wide variety of astronomical objects that await your discovery. Each session focuses on a specific astronomical topic in detail. These topics will include why the sky looks and moves as it does, the nature of planets and other solar system bodies, where stars come from, how they evolve and where they’re going, and how astronomers have learned what they are and how they have estimated their staggering distances. Clusters of stars small and large as well as the great “Star Cities” - the galaxies, such as our own Milky Way will be covered. Throughout the sessions there will be reviews on how to use the star maps to find some of the best and brightest of the night sky’s offerings for yourself.

Planets are always on the move, as are we! This planetarium program series explores the planets, stars, and constellations that are visible in the night sky each month. Participants learn how to orient themselves in the sky to find the Big Dipper and how it can be used to find North. Every workshop explores at least one constellation or planet and its mythology, the brighter stars in the sky and their names, lore and meaning, as well as a few of the astronomical objects located within the boundaries of the featured constellation. If weather conditions permit, participants may be invited outside under the stars to see the real deal through a telescope.

• January features the planets Mercury and Orion.
• February features the planets Venus and Taurus.
• March features the planets Uranus and Gemini.
• April features the planet Gemini and Earth's Moon.
• May features the planets Leo and Neptune.
• June features the planets Virgo and Mercury.
• July features the constellation Hercules.
• August features the planet Mars.
• October features the planet Saturn, minor planet Pluto, and the Constellation Cygnus.
• November features the planets Uranus and Neptune, and the Constellation Cassiopeia.

Come, brave the cold, and see the stars! Members of the Kitchener-Waterloo Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be setting up astronomical telescopes for private viewings. Come see winter constellations like Taurus, Gemini, and Orion, as well as star clusters, nebulae, and many other curious objects in the beautiful winter Milky Way. Later, as winter melts into spring, we may even view a few distant galaxies.

Our goal is to run 2 programs from November to May.

When the workshop is offered, the weather makes stargazing very unpredictable and therefore hard to schedule. Instead of opening up registration for all of the dates and having to cancel some of them, we are instead going to have everyone who is interested sign up on a list (there is no fee to do this). To sign up on the list click on the link to register for workshops and you will find the link for the list in the list of workshops.

The morning of each of the dates we will send an email out by 10:30 AM to let you know whether the instructors are going to run the program or not. Their decision will be based both on the sky and the weather (ie. if it is forecasted to be excessively cold the program will not run). The registration will open when we send the email out. Anyone can register for the program regardless of whether they are on the sign up list or not.

*Maximum 30 adults when held in person.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in an 8-week program that explores the principles of Ecopsychology and Eco Art Therapy. Throughout this program, participants explore developing a deeper sense of self-value, their relationship with nature, and a desire to engage with nature as a trusted and valued aspect of life. This course will also explore Eco-Art activities that go beyond the barriers of artistic techniques and create pieces that they are truly proud of because of the deep experiences and meaning those pieces of art hold.
*Maximum 16 adults when held in person.

Virtual Ecopsychology

8 weeks

Ecopsychology is the area of study that explores the connective, holistic relationship of humans and the Earth. Amidst social distancing and physical isolation, the COVID-19 pandemic has invaded our lives in an unprecedented way.  Experts have highlighted the complex toll this can take on our mental health.  This programme is aimed at providing an experience where you will interact with an online community and share nature-based experiences to help bring hope, resilience, and positivity in your life right now.  Participants will have the opportunity to engage in this 8-week course that explores hands-on components of Ecopsychology as well as some elements of Eco-Art Therapy.  Participants will be introduced to some key concepts of Ecopsychology and then participate in some reflective and nature-connective activities.  This course is completely conducive to all levels of social distancing and isolation. 

Memona Hossain is a mother and wife.  She is currently pursuing her PhD with Project Nature Connect. Memona has also completed her Master’s in Education at the University of Toronto. Memona is working to complete her certification in Art Therapy. Memona has been working in the field of Mental Health, Addictions, and Developmental Disabilities for over 15 years. Memona has taught Ecopsychology at the University of Guelph Arboretum and Riverwood Conservancy.  Memona is involved in Eco-diverse conversations, engaging with individuals and groups of diverse background as it pertains to climate action. Memona is currently involved in a global research project exploring women from around the world and their connection to the Earth and environmental activism. 

Step into the healing power of nature with a guided Shinrin Yoku session at the Arboretum in Guelph. Also known as “forest bathing,” Shinrin Yoku is a gentle, meditative practice that originated in Japan, inviting you to slow down, awaken your senses, and deepen your connection to the natural world. Over the course of approximately three hours, you’ll be guided through a series of mindful invitations to engage with the forest atmosphere in a way that promotes relaxation, clarity, and well-being. Whether you're new to the practice or returning for a deeper experience, this immersive journey offers a meaningful way to unwind and reconnect, with nature and with yourself.

D'Arcy Meloche is a Registered Horticultural Therapist and certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with over 25 years of experience helping individuals connect with nature for health and healing. Based in Guelph, Ontario, D'Arcy works as a Horticultural Therapist at Homewood Health Centre, where he supports therapeutic recovery through plant-based and outdoor programs. Eight years ago, he expanded his practice by earning qualifications in Nature and Forest Therapy, blending his deep horticultural knowledge with evidence-based techniques that invite restorative experiences in natural settings. His approach is grounded, compassionate, and rooted in decades of hands-on work with both plants and people.
*Maximum 12 adults when held in person.

Join Giulia, a mother, artist, and certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in a series of low-key, restorative Forest Therapy events, as we witness the land waking up from winter!

It can feel hard to leave the house when sleep isn't good or your baby is fussy. These sessions are tailored to the needs of new parents or caregivers and babies, and all are welcome.

Forest Therapy originated in Japan in the 80s. Today it is practiced all around the world and studies show the incredible benefits of regular, intentional sessions with nature, which include lower blood pressure and stress levels, relief of depressive states, and increased sense of wellbeing.

What to expect:

• Gentle, flexible invitations to inspire you and your baby to engage with the natural world and each other
• Moments of optional sharing as a group
• Breastfeeding and chestfeeding welcome
• Washroom with changing table available

Bring a blanket, baby carrier for naps and comfort, and all your baby gear and food, plus weather appropriate clothes for you and baby.

Disclaimer: This is not group therapy and Giulia is not a trained psychotherapist. The Forest is the Therapist, the Guide opens the door.

Maximum 20 adults with a child up to 1 year of age when held in person.

Cara Loft is a Haudenosaunee Woman and staff member in the Office of Teaching and Learning at the University of Guelph. We are so grateful for her coming back to enrich our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits throughout story this winter.

We will start in a good way with song and smudge.

*Maximum 20 adults when held in person.

Explore the complex relationship between nature and literature in this guided walk. We will look at the interaction between trees and books through a scientific and cultural lens. Learn about the role trees have played in storytelling, through their role in printmaking and how humans understand themselves and tell their stories. Gain a better understanding of biological concepts in arboriculture to help you "read" a tree and see how the characters of wind, sunlight and rain act as characters in each tree's story.

*Maximum 25 adults when held in person.

Focusing on sketching techniques and note-taking, this workshop is designed for beginners who want a permanent record of their observations of nature.
*Maximum 20 adults when held in person.

This program is designed for beginners to discover the natural world and the fun of watercolour painting. Those with experience are welcome to join, too. .
*Maximum 10 participants when held in person.

This workshop seeks to open the door to the world of photography that can be achieved simply through a mobile phone. Timed to take place during the golden hour on a spring evening, participants will learn some basic concepts and skills using their own mobile devices. iPhone or Android, beginner or expert, all are invited to come take some photos.
*Maximum 18 adults when held in person.

This fun 4-week class focuses on the Canadian landscape. Participants learn a variety of techniques to help them build confidence painting in watercolour, learn about colour theory, and develop their own personal style. No experience necessary. After registration participants receive a list of supplies to bring with them to the workshop.
*Maximum 20 adults when held in person.

Learn how to capture the Canadian landscape outdoors or en plein air like the Group of Seven using watercolour paint. Workshops cover supplies needed, set up, techniques, and how to finish a painting quickly and accurately with changing light. After registration, participants receive a list of supplies to bring with them to the workshop.
*Maximum 20 adults when held in person.

Capture the quiet magic of snow-covered scenes in this cozy watercolour class. Learn how to paint frosty forests, glowing winter skies, and shimmering snow using simple techniques that bring seasonal serenity to life. Whether you're new to watercolour or looking to refine your landscape skills, this class will guide you through layering washes, creating atmospheric depth, and adding delicate winter details. Please note that the workshop is indoors.

Registrants must be age 14+.

*Maximum 16 adults when held in person.

Are you interested in learning how to use sketching as a way to improve your plant identification skills? In this afternoon workshop Mary Anne Young will teach the basics of field botany and how to use sketching as a way to observe and record information to assist with identification. After learning techniques (both fast and slow) for capturing plant form, structure, and beauty we will practice our skills while exploring various collections and natural spaces of the Arboretum. All experience levels welcome.

*Maximum 10 adults when held in person.