Upcoming Events

Instructor: Joseph Langlois, Christa Wise Fee: $12 (plus HST) per person, per day. Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM The Arboretum is home to thousands of insect species, each playing a vital role in the rich biodiversity of this space. Getting to know these fascinating creatures might seem daunting, but don’t worry—we’re here to help! Join our naturalists for a guided hike through The Arboretum as we search for butterflies, dragonflies, and other incredible insects. Along the way, we’ll explore identification tips...

Instructor: Christa Wise Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM OR Saturday, August 9, 2025, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Fee: $12 (plus HST) per person Have a kid that is curious about nature and loves to draw? Join Arboretum Naturalist Christa Wise for a family nature journaling hike! We will teach the fundamentals of how to create and keep a nature journal with activities tailored to kids. Each hike will cover a different theme, so repeat hikers are always welcome. All you need for these hikes is a sketchbook and...

Instructor: Christa Wise Dates: Saturday, July 5, 2025, 12:00 NOON - 2:00 PM OR Saturday, August 9, 2025, 12:00 NOON - 2:00 PM Fee: $12 (plus HST) per person  Get curious about nature and practice your observational skills with our nature journaling hikes! Great for those looking to get started, we will focus on the fundamentals so you can create your own nature journal. No artistic skill needed, nature journaling is about intentional curiosity and exploring the world you see around you! Each hike will...

Instructor: Andalyne Tofflemire Time: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM and 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM (dinner break in between) Fee: $94 (plus HST) per person if you register before the early bird deadline of June 30, 2025. After June 30 the fee is $104 (plus HST) per person. This introductory workshop will open your eyes to the amazing and mysterious world of moths. Participants are introduced to 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...

Instructor: Joseph Langlois, Christa Wise Fee: $12 (plus HST) per person What lies beneath the surface of The Arboretum’s ponds? Join us for a hands-on pond study and discover the fascinating creatures that call these waters home! Using nets and sample trays, we’ll dip into the pond to find aquatic insects, amphibians, and other hidden life. Along the way, we’ll discuss their unique adaptations, life cycles, and roles in the ecosystem. This is a great opportunity to get up close with nature and learn more about the incredible biodiversity of freshwater...

Instructor: Joseph Langlois, Christa Wise Fee: $12 (plus HST) per person What lies beneath the surface of The Arboretum’s ponds? Join us for a hands-on pond study and discover the fascinating creatures that call these waters home! Using nets and sample trays, we’ll dip into the pond to find aquatic insects, amphibians, and other hidden life. Along the way, we’ll discuss their unique adaptations, life cycles, and roles in the ecosystem. This is a great opportunity to get up close with nature and learn more about the incredible biodiversity of freshwater...

Instructor: Joseph Langlois Fee: $94 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of August 19, 2025. After August 19 the fee is $104 plus HST. What is a gall? If you’ve ever noticed a strange bump, ball, or swelling on a leaf or stem, you’ve likely spotted one—but what caused it? Galls are abnormal plant growths triggered by a diverse range of organisms, including insects, mites, and fungi. Far from being mere deformities, these structures serve as protective homes and food sources for the creatures that create them. They come in an...

A community celebration of trees and the many exciting things happening in the Arboretum lands! Join us for tours of the grounds, trails, gardens, research projects, tree climbing demonstrations, and an in-person plant sale. Take home an interesting woody plant, grown in the Arboretum greenhouse and tended to by our dedicated staff and volunteers. Times: Friday, Sept 5 (evening) and Saturday, Sept 6 (10 AM to 3 PM). The Arboretum Expo will be held on the West Lawn and in The Arboretum Centre, with announcements and performances at the Gazebo...

Instructor: Sean Fox Fee:  $90.00 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of September 3. If you register after September 3 the fee is $100 (plus HST). Note: If we don't have enough registrations by the early bird deadline, the course may be cancelled. Neither great trees nor a carpet of bloom, the often overlooked but ecologically important shrubs and vines in our landscape will be our focus. Fresh specimens and an easy to use key for shrubs will be used. We will be outdoors for half of the day discovering...