Workshops

The Arboretum offers workshops all year round covering a wide variety of topics from birds to mushrooms to gardening to art. Virtual programs are offered live on Zoom, and recordings are made available for registrants to access for a limited time. Details on registration policies can be found on our Registration Information page. View a complete list of The Arboretum's programs on our Workshop Descriptions page.

Upcoming & Current Workshops

 


Virtual Bird Sounds Series

collage of 8 birds representing bird groups in workshop series

Mondays and Wednesdays, March 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, April 3 and 8, 2024
12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM

Format: Online on Zoom
Instructor: Chris Earley, Arboretum Interpretive Biologist

Learn more about our Virtual Bird Song Programs

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!

click here to register for a workshop

saw-whet owl Owls and Wetland Birds - Day 1 - Monday, March 11, 12 noon – 1:00 PM 
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."

GrackleBlackbirds and Hawks - Day 2 - Wednesday, March 13, 12 noon – 1:00 PM
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.

Black-throated Blue WarblerWarblers I - Phrasers and Buzzers - Day 3 - Monday, March 18, 12 noon – 1:00 PM 
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.

Pine WarblerWarblers II - Trillers and Thrillers - Day 4 - Wednesday, March 20, 12 noon – 1:00 PM
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!
 

Savannah SparrowSparrows - Day 5 - Monday, March 25, 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?"

Rose-breasted GrosbeakFinches and Thrushes - Day 6 - Wednesday, March 27, 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.

Pileated WoodpeckerWoodpeckers and Flycatchers - Day 7 - Wednesday, April 3, 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.

House Wren Wrens and Friends - Day 8 - Monday, April 8, 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?

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Virtual Garden Design Course

ariel photo of the English Garden

Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2024 
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Format: Online via Zoom
Instructor: Robert Pavlis

This course will guide you through the process of creating an exciting garden design for yourself. You will watch me go through the process with a sample garden, step by step, and then repeat the process with your garden.

I am a big believer in learning the "WHY" and not just the "HOW". I'll not only show you what I do, but also explain why I am doing it. Once you understand the why, the how becomes so much easier to learn and understand.

THIS COURSE WILL COVER THE FOLLOWING:
• Evaluating your current garden and creating a site survey for it.
• The Landscape Design Workbook will help you develop the all important wants and needs list
• You will learn how to use the internet to get great design ideas.
• How to use shapes to create innovative designs
• I'll show you how to create a final landscape design

At the end of the course you will have a garden design that is ready to implement.

Fee: $40 (plus HST) per person. (This fee includes all 4 sessions.)

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 


Terrific Turtles of Ontario

a head on shot of a blandings turtle. photo by Kayley Kirk

Friday, April 19, 2024
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Instructor: Jenny Pearce, Owner / Operator of Sciensational Sssnakes!!

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. Each registrant that attends the workshop will receive a copy of our Reptile Identification Sheet.

*Maximum 18 adults.

Fee: $64 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of April 11, 2024. After April 11 the fee is $74 plus HST.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Pond Workshop

Caddisfly Larva

Saturday, April 20, 2024 
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Format:
In-Person
Instructor: Don Scallen


Ponds teem with a diversity of organisms that conduct their lives largely unseen below the surface. This workshop will kick off with a slide show that will dive beneath the surface to reveal some of these fascinating creatures including frogs, fairy shrimp and salamanders. 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.

A variety of live pond animals will be on hand as well. The outdoor investigation will follow. We’ll visit both permanent and vernal ponds found at the Arboretum, equipped with dip nets. We’ll catch and identify organisms, discuss their unique ecologies, and then release them back into their watery worlds. Each participant that attends the workshop will receive a copy of our Pond Life Biodiversity Identification Sheet.

Fee: $64 (plus HST) per person, per session if booked prior to the early bird deadline of April 12, 2024. After the early bird date the fee is $74 plus HST per person.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Wonderous Wildflowers: Spring Blooms Workshop

Trilliums in Victoria Woods

Friday, May 2, 2024
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Instructor: Christa Wise

Spring has arrived and the flowers are beginning to bloom! Join us to explore the wonderous world of spring wildflowers. In-classroom learning will focus on foundational botany and an introduction to the plant families we might encounter during the springtime. Visiting Arboretum sites like Victoria Woods, Wild Goose Woods, and the close to the public Nature Reserve, participants will be able to test their new knowledge with hands-on identification practice. Going “beyond the field guide” we will also explore the ecology and history of these spring-time blooms. This workshop is perfect for those looking to dive into the world of spring wildflowers and develop their field identification skills. A hand lens and wildflower field guide is recommended but not required. Registrants in attendance will receive a copy of our Spring Woodland Wildflower booklet.

*Maximum 18 adults.

Fee: $98 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of April 24, 2024. After April 24 the fee is $108 plus HST.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Sensational Snakes of Ontario

Blue Racer Snake

Friday, May 3, 2024
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Instructor: Jenny Pearce, Owner / Operator of Sciensational Sssnakes!!

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. Each registrant that attends the workshop will receive a copy of our Reptile Identification Sheet.

*Maximum 18 adults.

Fee: $64 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of April 25, 2024. After April 25 the fee is $74 plus HST.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Drawn to Nature Hike

a person sketching a bird in a  sketching book

Saturday, May 11, 2024
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Instructor: Christa Wise

Curious about nature journaling but don’t know where to start? Join us for an afternoon hike where we slow down and strengthen our skills of observation through nature journaling. Nothing fancy is needed to get started with nature journaling, bring a notebook or sketchbook and something to write with (or which ever materials you prefer) and come explore The Arboretum while learning the basics of nature journaling.

Please bring the following supplies:

  • A sketchbook or notebook
  • Pencil & eraser or other writing utensils
  • Optionally, you may chose to bring any other supplies you'd like to use in your nature journal, but they are not required (e.g. pens, pencil crayons, markers, travel watercolor kit, etc.) - keep in mind we will be hiking around and your materials will need to be portable - less is more when starting out with nature journaling!

*Maximum 20 adults.

Fee: $12 (plus HST) per person.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Drawn to Nature: Nature Journaling Workshop

collage of sketching materials and sketches

Friday, June 7, 2024
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Instructor: Christa Wise

Slow down and learn to see the beauty of nature like you’ve never noticed before! Nature Journaling is a great way to connect more deeply with nature and learn to strengthen your skills of observation. Designed for beginners of all ages, this workshop will teach you the fundamentals of nature journaling and give you the skills to start your own nature journal. Much of the day will be spent outside, getting hands on practice with nature journaling, as well as some in-classroom time focusing on theory. A list of suggested materials will be made available to participants, although no specialized materials are needed.

Please bring the following supplies:

  • A sketchbook or notebook
  • Pencil & eraser or other writing utensils
  • Optionally, you may chose to bring any other supplies you'd like to use in your nature journal, but they are not required (e.g. pens, pencil crayons, markers, travel watercolor kit, etc.)

*Maximum 18 adults.

Fee: $90 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of May 30, 2024. After May 30 the fee is $100 plus HST.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 

 

 


Dragonflies and Damselflies

face of dragonfly

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Instructor: Chris Earley

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.

Fee: $97 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of July 2, 2024. After July 2 the fee is $107 plus HST.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Ontario Insects

Weevil

Monday, July 22, 2024
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Instructor: Andalyne Tofflemire

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. Registrants in attendance will receive one of our insect biodiversity sheets. Note that the majority of this workshop will be spent out of doors regardless of weather, so dress appropriately!

*Maximum 18 adults.

Fee: $94 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of July 15, 2024. After July 15 the fee is $104 plus HST.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Identification and Biology of Butterflies

moth photo

Tuesday, July 23, 2024
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Instructor: Andalyne Tofflemire

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. Regsitrants in attendance will receive a copy of our Butterfly biodiversity sheet.

*Maximum 18 adults.

Fee: $94 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of July 15, 2024. After July 15 the fee is $94 plus HST.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Hunters, Fishers and Trappers: The Amazing Life of Spiders

photo of spider

Friday, September 6, 2024
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Instructors: John Reaume, Dan Schneider and Chris Earley

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. Registrants in attendance will receive a copy of our Spider Booklet.
*Maximum 18 adults.

Fee: $100 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of August 29, 2024. After August 29 the fee is $110 plus HST. Note: If we don't have enough registrations by the early bird deadline the course may be cancelled.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Nature Throughout the Seasons for International Students and New Canadians Series

aerial of Arboretum

Facilitated quarterly (12 NOON - 1:00 PM)
Format:
Online via Zoom 
Instructors:  Arboretum Interpretive Interns

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 special group instead of as a public program. If you are part of a group that is interersted please contact us for further information.