Workshops

Insects are the small but mighty organisms that keep our ecosystems running. In this hands-on program, participants will learn how to safely catch, observe, and identify a variety of insects found in The Arboretum. Nets will be provided for use during the program.

This free, outdoor program is part of The Arboretum’s Summer Nature Series, generously supported by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. Programs are designed for all experience levels. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for uneven trails.

Fee: FREE (Registration required)

NOTE: REGISTRATION WILL OPEN 3 - 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP DATE.

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+).

Fee: $54 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of August 14, 2026. After August 14 the fee is $64 plus HST.

 

 

Do you wish you could spend more time in nature but are struggling to find the commitment? Come join Sit Spot Club, facilitated by certified Forest Therapy Guide Giulia Pozzi!

What is a Sit Spot?
A Sit Spot is a special place in nature that you visit regularly.

This quiet, meditative practice will help you soften and relax, be more present, connect to the land, and build community with likeminded people. It also helps with routine building and focus, and best of all? We will witness this beautiful land together as we transition into fall weather!

How does it work?
We will start with an opening circle, after which we will go separate ways to our sit spots. After 40 minutes you will be called back to closing circle, during which we will have the opportunity to share.

What to bring:

• a journal and drawing supplies, if desired
• something to sit on
• water bottle and snacks
• appropriate clothes for the weather

This program is FREE. We are asking you to register so that we have your e-mail address to communicate with you in the case of changes or cancellations due to weather etc.. When registering we understand that you may not be able to attend every week, but we would love to see you as often as possible.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

Join Giulia, a mother, artist, and certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in a series of low-key, slow-paced, and restorative Forest Therapy sessions.

Life with a new baby is complex: poor sleep, fussiness, and isolation can all be part of the journey. While there is so much to celebrate, sometimes we also need space to process all the changes that come with parenthood and even grieve aspects of our pre-baby lives. During our time together we will slow down, reconnect to our senses, and allow whatever feelings arise to be gently held by the land, all while witnessing the changing colors of the fall. 

What is Forest Therapy?

It originated in Japan in the 80s, today it is practiced all over the world.

Research shows us the benefits of regular, intentional sessions with nature, which include lower blood pressure and stress levels, relief of low mood states, and increased sense of wellbeing and meaning.

No previous experience is needed.

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
• A space that honours the realities of caring for a new baby; changing diapers, nursing, crying babies, strollers and carriers, all is welcome!
• Closing tea ceremony (please provide your own snacks).

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.

Fee: $55 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of August 27, 2026. After August 27 the fee is $65 plus HST. Registration is for all 6 sessions. 

 

Established in 1970, The Arboretum has grown into a diverse landscape of gardens, natural areas, and research collections. Join us on this hike to learn a little more about the space!

This free, outdoor program is part of The Arboretum’s Summer Nature Series, generously supported by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. Programs are designed for all experience levels. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for uneven trails.

Fee: FREE (Registration required)

NOTE: REGISTRATION WILL OPEN 3 - 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP DATE.

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. Each registrant that attends the workshop will receive a copy of our Tree Leaves Biodiversity Sheet.

Fee: $94.00 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of September 11. If you register after September 11 the fee is $104 (plus HST).

Mohawk Creation Story - Thursday, September 24, 2026
The Story of the Flying Head (Scary) - Friday, October 30, 2026 
Guest Storyteller + The story of the Little People - Friday, November 27, 2026
Story of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy - Friday, December 11, 2026

She:kon! Hello! You are invited to join Cara Loft, Haudenosaunee woman, and staff member at the University of Guelph to engage in Indigenous culture and learn about Indigenous storytelling. At the end of each month, we gather together on the Land in the Guelph Arboretum to share in a traditional Indigenous Hand drum song, smudge, Mohawk story and walk on the land (pending weather). Traditionally, the Land has been a guide and teacher to Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island and globally. She has much to teach us and we have much to learn. Come experience what is like to participate in land-based learning in a gentle and engaging way! Nia:wen kowa! Thank you!

This program is FREE. We do ask that if you register and can't make it that you notify us so that someone else can have your spot as space is limited. You can register for one or more of the sessions.

Registration will open approximately one month in advance or just after the previous session.

How large is the Earth? How far away are the Sun and planets? Other stars? Other galaxies? What is it all made of? Where did it come from and what will happen to it?

Over the past thousand or more years, our curious species has steadily chipped away at these questions. Throughout this series of 12 presentations, we'll delve into some of them, as well as our place in space, the many of the facets of the night sky, the fascinating objects found in it, and what they all tell us about this strange universe in which we live.

Please note: We are offering this program as a HYBRID OR VIRTUAL program. If you sign up for the VIRTUAL program you will receive a zoom link so you can join the session virtually each week. If you sign up for the HYBRID session you will receive information on where to attend the session in-person as well as the virtual information. This will allow you to watch it virtually if you are unable to attend one or two of the sessions. The space is limited for the number of people that can attend in-person. We would ask that if you only intend to attend VIRTUALLY that you sign up for the VIRTUAL sessions and leave the HYBRID for those who are able to and plan to attend in-person. The VIRTUAL and HYBRID options are listed one after the other on the registration page.

Fee: $110.00 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of September 16. If you register after September 16 the fee is $120 (plus HST).

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.

Fee: $65 (plus HST) per person, per session if you register by the early bird deadline 8 days prior to the workshop (ie. July 2 / September 18). After the early bird deadline the fee is $75 plus HST. Please note that each of the three dates are an individual workshop; they are not a series.

 

This single-session program will provide a basis for understanding the anatomy of birds through illustration. The program will not only provide attendees with the background to illustrate anatomically correct birds, but will also provide a basic understanding of anatomy and ID tips for introductory birders. The goal is to increase the appreciation of the public towards these beautiful creatures and encourage us to work collaboratively to preserve the natural world. This workshop will focus solely on song bird anatomy, and will be divided into 4 sections, each with a 20 minute break in between for questions and practice. We will investigate feather structure and feather groupings on the head, wings, body, and tail, and end off with some ID and illustration tips! 

Excited to see you there!

Materials: Please bring a sketch book, pencil (mechanical recommended), eraser, and a black or blue pen.

*Maximum 15 adults. 

Fee: $40 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of September 25, 2026. After September 25 the fee is $50 plus HST.

 

This full-day, immersive Eco-Art Wellness session is aimed at providing an experience where you will interact with and share nature-based experiences to help bring hope, resilience, growth, and nature-inspired reflectivity in your life right now. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on components of Ecopsychology as well as Eco-Art Therapy. Participants will be introduced to some key concepts of Ecopsychology and then participate in hands-on Eco-art therapy activities!  

Memona holds a Phd in Applied Ecopsychology and certification in Eco-art Therapy. Ecopsychology is the area of study that explores the connective, holistic relationship between humans and the Earth. She holds a Master's in Education from the University of Toronto. She has been a lecturer through the School of Environment at the University of Toronto. She often teaches through community platforms.

Fee: $115 (plus HST) per person, per session if you register by the early bird deadline of October 9, 2026. After the October 9 the fee is $125 plus HST. The fee includes a $15 material fee.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

 

This program is offered to specifc groups. If you would like more information please contact us.
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. Please note that at this time this program is being offered to a special group instead of as a public program. If you are part of a group that is interested, please contact us for further information.