Workshops

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 4th session will include a virtual tour of shrubs in the Arboretum's collections.

Please note that if you are a member of ISA Ontario this workshop has been pre-approved for it. You do not have to be a member of ISA Ontario to participate in this workshop.

Fee: $50 (plus HST) per 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.

Fee: $85 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of July 17, 2026. After July 17 the fee is $95 plus HST.

 

 

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.

 

 

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).

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).

*REGISTRATION COMING SOON

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 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.