Workshops

Into birding but the songs have you stumped?  Whether you are new to learning bird sounds or you want a good refresher, this course is for you. Join Chris Earley, Arboretum Interpretive Biologist and author of 5 bird field guides, for a series of eight virtual noon-hour lectures that 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!  Each class will finish with a 10-15 minute discussion period so you can ask all your bird-related questions.  

See the descriptions below to find out which bird groups are covered in each class. Each workshop is recorded and made available for a limited time after the series has ended for registered participants.

Fee: $8.00 (plus HST) per session, or register for all 8 workshops at once and get one free (pay $56 instead of $64!) Register early to ensure your spot!

 Owls and Wetland Birds - Day 1 - Monday, March 20, 12 noon – 1:00 PM (formerly March 8)
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."

Sparrows - formerly Day 5 - Wednesday, March 22, 12 noon – 1:00 PM 
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?"

Finches and Thrushes - formerly Day 6 - Friday, March 24, 12 noon – 1:00 PM 
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.

Blackbirds and Hawks - formerly Day 2 - Monday, March 27, 12 noon – 1:00 PM (formerly March 10)
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.

Woodpeckers and Flycatchers - formerly Day 7 - Wednesday, March 29, 12 noon – 1:00 PM
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.

 Wrens and Friends - formerly Day 8 - Friday, March 31, 12 noon – 1:00 PM 
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?

Warblers I - Phrasers and Buzzers - formerly Day 3 - Monday, April 3, 12 noon – 1:00 PM (formerly March 15) 
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.

Warblers II - Trillers and Thrillers - formerly Day 4 - Wednesday, April 5, 12 noon – 1:00 PM (formerly March 17)
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!

Learning the night sky is like getting to know a new neighborhood. At first, it may seem big and confusing, but as you strike out and become more and more familiar with prominent landmarks, the day comes when you realize that the neighborhood is no longer new. It’s home.

Join us for monthly sessions as we get to know the night sky a little better. Participants will be introduced to prominent stars and constellations, where to look for them and how the motions of planet Earth cause them to appear to shift from hour to hour and month to month. You will receive a downloadable star map to help you make your way through the stars. We’ll learn a half dozen or so constellations every month and you will be invited to discuss your observations with the group as we each get to know the neighborhood a little better. 

*Please see in-person session below (April 11) before registering for any of these Constellation Walk Programs. If you want to attend the in-person evening you can register for it along with these 3 virtual sessions below. If you sign up for the in-person you do not need to sign up for the virtual, as they are included in the in-person registration.

Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session (evening).

 

We have 8 different amazing species of turtles in Ontario, but a frightening fact is that all 8 of these species are listed as ‘at risk’ in our province. Come and take advantage of the opportunity to meet live specimens of many of these species and learn about their individual habits and skills for surviving in nature.

At this workshop we will also cover how to identify turtle species, their habitats and ranges in Ontario. Most importantly we will teach you how to help turtles and hopefully preserve these adorable creatures for future generations to enjoy.

*Maximum 18 adults.

Fee: $60 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of March 24, 2023. After March 24 the fee is $70 plus HST.

 

We’ll look at a few of the objects that were discussed over the virtual winter sessions making use of a large telescope and Night Vision hardware that can be used to make very faint objects appear much brighter. The observing event is very much weather dependent so there will be a rain date (or two…). 

*Please note that this program includes both the in-person observation sessions and the January, February and March virtual sessions. In order to book the in-person session you must book the package price that includes the virtual sessions. If however you only wish to attend one or more of the virtual session please scroll up and you can book all or all the virtual sessions on their own.

Fee: $50 (plus HST) per person, when you register prior to early bird deadline of April 3. After April 3 the fee is $60 plus HST.

 

Snakes are often misunderstood and maligned. We would love to change the negative perception of these animals by teaching the truth about them. Please join us at this workshop and learn to identify and understand our native Ontario species of snakes. We will cover their habits, ranges and habitats.

Live specimens will be available to provide opportunities to interact with some of our native snake species. This hands-on experience is a safe and fun way to get up close and personal with types of snakes that could be encountered in the wild in our province. Our captive bred specimens are lovely ambassadors for their kind.

*Maximum 18 adults.

Fee: $60 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of April 7, 2023. After April 7 the fee is $70 plus HST.

 

Been outside and encountered a baby wild animal? Don’t know what to do or if it needs help?? Join us over the lunch hour for a session on how to handle finding a baby wild rabbit. Learn how to detect if they need your help. We will go through their natural history, what a healthy versus unhealthy baby looks like (how to check), and case studies! No prior wildlife knowledge required. 

Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session.

Ponds teem with a diversity of prey and predators that conduct their lives largely unseen below the surface. The online portion of this workshop will introduce you to some of these fascinating animals. The importance of vernal pools will be highlighted. These temporary ponds are crucial to the reproductive success of various creatures including wood frogs, fairy shrimp and spotted salamanders. The ecological value of permanent ponds will also be addressed.

Don Scallen has written about vernal pools for ON Nature and Escarpment Views magazines and since 2001 he has been the primary nature writer for In The Hills magazine https://www.inthehills.ca/author/don-scallen/ In 2020 he published Nature Where We Live, Activities to Engage Your Inner Scientist from Pond Dipping to Animal Tracking.  

Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session (evening).

Please note that this virtual program is included in the In-Person Pond Workshop. If you sign up for the In-Person Pond Workshop on Saturday, April 22 you do not need to sign up for this program as you will automatically receive the link in the In-Person confirmation.

Ponds teem with a diversity of prey and predators that conduct their lives largely unseen below the surface. The online portion of this workshop will introduce you to some of these fascinating animals. The importance of vernal pools will be highlighted. These temporary ponds are crucial to the reproductive success of various creatures including wood frogs, fairy shrimp and spotted salamanders. The ecological value of permanent ponds will also be addressed.

The outdoor workshop will begin with an examination of several species of pond organisms that Don Scallen will have on hand. We’ll then visit one of the Arboretum ponds to see what else we can discover. Dip nets, and containers to briefly house the creatures, will be supplied.

Don Scallen has written about vernal pools for ON Nature and Escarpment Views magazines and since 2001 he has been the primary nature writer for In The Hills magazine https://www.inthehills.ca/author/don-scallen/ In 2020 he published Nature Where We Live, Activities to Engage Your Inner Scientist from Pond Dipping to Animal Tracking.  

Fee: $55 (plus HST) per person, per session if booked prior to the early bird deadline of April 14, 2023. After the early bird date the fee is $65 plus HST per person.

Please note that the virtual program on April 20 is included in this In-Person Pond Workshop. If you sign up for the In-Person Pond Workshop you do not need to sign up for the virtual program as you will automatically receive the link for the virtual portion in the In-Person confirmation.

Plein Air painting, simply means to paint outside. Learn how to bring your paints outside and create your ideal plein air set up. Candice will talk about art supplies and share tips and tricks from her adventures plein air painting around Ontario.

She will also demonstrate her approach to simplifying the landscape quickly and expressively using a photo from The Arboretum as an example. Feel free to paint along!

Hopefully this will inspire you to bring your paints outside and start painting!

Fee: $20 (plus HST) per person.

Join us over the lunch hour for the second session in this wildlife education series! How to handle finding a baby songbird. Learn how to detect if they need your help (is it just a fledgling learning to fly or is it a hatchling or nestling in need?) We will go through their natural history, what a healthy versus unhealthy baby looks like, and how you can help! No prior wildlife knowledge required. 

Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session.

This session will introduce you to the beautiful world of wildflowers. We’ll cover identification features of spring ephemerals, along with taking a closer look at species that are common to the Guelph area. We’ll also touch on spring ephemeral natural history, lore, and helpful resources.

Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person.

Please note that this virtual program is included in the In-Person Wonderful Spring Wildflower Workshop. If you sign up for the In-Person Wonderful Spring Wildflower Workshop on Friday, May 5 you do not need to sign up for this program as you will automatically receive the link in the In-Person confirmation.

Join us over the lunch hour for the third session in this wildlife education series! How to handle finding a baby duck or goose. Learn how to detect if they need your help, and the proper precautions to take for preventing the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). We will go through their natural history, what a healthy versus unhealthy baby looks like, some common signs of illnesses, and how you can help! No prior wildlife knowledge required. 

Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session.

We’ll be exploring The Arboretum grounds, including the nature reserve, in search of beautiful spring ephemerals. The different habitats found in The Arboretum should allow us to find a variety of spring ephemerals. This in-person session should provide participants with the opportunity to practice identification skills learned in the virtual session.

Fee: $60 (plus HST) per person, per session if booked prior to the early bird deadline of April 27, 2023. After the early bird date the fee is $70 plus HST per person.

Please note that the virtual program on April 28 is included in this In-Person Wonderful Spring Wildflower Workshop. If you sign up for the In-Person Wonderful Spring Wildflower Workshop you do not need to sign up for the virtual program as you will automatically receive the link for the virtual portion in the In-Person confirmation.

Join us over the lunch hour for the fourth session in this wildlife education series! How to handle finding a baby skunk or raccoon. Learn how to detect if they need your help, and the proper precautions to take when handling these rabies vector species. We will go through their natural history, what a healthy versus unhealthy baby looks like, some common illnesses, and how you can help! No prior wildlife knowledge required. 

Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session.

Learn how to use a variety of art supplies to create your own nature journal. Artist Candice Leyland will show inspiration, techniques and get you started capturing inspiration in your own nature journal.

Great for all levels. Registrants must be age 12+.

Bring: your own Sketchbook and Drawing Materials (whatever you are comfortable using, Pencil crayons, watercolour, markers, pens, pencils). I will have some materials to explore as well.

Fee: $45 (plus HST) per person if you register before the early bird deadline of May 5, 2023. After that date the fee is $55 (plus HST) per person.

Attention Watercolour Artists! Learn to take your watercolours outside and capture simple landscapes by what you see.

Candice will show techniques to create beautiful compositions, how to draw quickly and simplify what you see to create beautiful plein air paintings. Supply List will be emailed. Registrants must be age 14+.

Supplies:
Your favourite Watercolour Supplies - Brushes, Paints, Palette, Rags, Watercolour Paper, Water container.

Pencil, Sharpener and Eraser

Sun Protection/Hydration/BugProtection

A way to carry your equipment (Bag or Back Pack)

Don’t forget to bring water to paint with! A Large water bottle or jug with lid is perfect *You don’t need to have special portable or hand held supplies for painting, but try and think about how you will set up outside and manage your supplies. We will talk about set up ideas, but keep in mind you will need to be able to hold your palette while painting, or have a small foldable table, chair or tray to set things on. A lot of portable easels have space for these built in.

Optional: Foldable Camping Chair or picnic blanket to sit on during demo

Portable Easel *Be sure to have a method to attach the paper to the easel (tape or clips) and have either a solid board or be using a watercolour block or pad. *If you don’t have an easel, a picnic blanket, chair or board will be fine. Any way you will be comfortable to paint for an extended period of time will work. There won’t be tables and chairs available.

Fee: $45 (plus HST) per person if you register before the early bird deadline of May 5, 2023. After that date the fee is $55 (plus HST) per person.

Join us over the lunch hour for the fifth session in this wildlife education series! How to handle finding a baby opossum. Learn how to detect if they need your help (unlike other species, the babies stay with their mum for a while!) We will go through their natural history, what a healthy versus unhealthy baby looks like, and how you can help! No prior wildlife knowledge required. 

Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session.

Join us over the lunch hour for the sixth session in this wildlife education series! How to handle finding a baby squirrel or chipmunk. Learn how to detect if they need your help. We will go through their natural history (did you know chipmunks don’t nest in trees??), what a healthy versus unhealthy baby looks like, how to tell the difference between baby squirrels and chipmunks, and how you can help! No prior wildlife knowledge required. 

Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session.

Join us over the lunch hour for the seventh session in this wildlife education series! How to handle finding a baby fox or coyote. Learn how to detect if they need your help, and the proper precautions to take when you come across these species. We will go through their natural history, what a healthy versus unhealthy baby looks like some common illnesses (like mange – a common problem for these animals), and how you can help! This is a new addition to the series this year! No prior wildlife knowledge required. 

Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session.

Join us over the lunch hour for the eighth and final session in this wildlife education series! How to handle finding a baby white tailed deer. Learn how to detect if they need your help, and the proper precautions when you come across this special species. We will go through their natural history (note – this animal is especially vulnerable when it comes to imprinting), what a healthy versus unhealthy baby looks like, some common illnesses, and how you can help! This is a new addition to the series this year! No prior wildlife knowledge required. 

Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person, per session.

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.

Fee: $95 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of July 4, 2023. After July 4 the fee is $105 plus HST.

 

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.

Fee: $95 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of August 31, 2023. After August 31 the fee is $105 plus HST.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

 

The course will consist of a brief introduction, a short foray through the Arboretum; then sorting, tabulation and identification of the mushrooms found. Bring a field guide and basket. The course will be taught by local mushroom enthusiast, Tim Myles. Maximum 18 adults.

Fee: $60 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of September 22, 2023. After September 22 the fee is $70 plus HST.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

 

Fee: FREE!
This online series is catered to University of Guelph international students and other community members new to Canada. New to the area? Come with us to explore The Arboretum and learn about what you can find in nature throughout the winter, spring, summer, and fall!
Visit the Nature Throughout the Seasons for International Students and New Canadians Series program page to learn more and register for upcoming dates.