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


Howls and Growls in The Arboretum Family Program

big brown bats

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (Rain Date: October 30, 2025)
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Format: In-Person
Instructor: Joseph Langlois

Squeaks and screeches, howls and growls - during a moonlit walk in the woods, you never know what might be on the prowl! Join us for a guided hike through The Arboretum as we uncover the mysterious sounds of forest creatures that come alive after dark. With Halloween fast approaching, we’ll be tuning in to the spookier side of nature, so come prepared for some frightful fun! We’ll wrap up the evening with hot apple cider and cookies. Don’t forget to dress warmly for the cool autumn night and to bring a flashlight if possible!

*Maximum 20 people.

Fee: $15 (plus HST) per person.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Fall Storytelling Series

photo of instructor Cara Loft in her Regalia

Fridays, October 31, November 28 and December 12, 2025, 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Format: In-Person
Instructor: Cara Loft

Mohawk Creation Story - Friday, September 26, 2025
The Story of the Flying Head (Scary) - Friday, October 31, 2025 
Story of the Three Sisters - Friday, November 28, 2025
Story of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy - Friday, December 12, 2025


Cara Loft is a Haudenosaunee Woman and staff member in the Office of Teaching and Learning at the University of Guelph. We are so grateful for her coming back to enrich our heart, minds, bodies and spirits through story this fall. This 4-Part series will take place the last Friday of September, October and November and the Second Friday of December.

We will start in a good way with song and smudge, moving into story and some land based learning. We will end in a good way with a closing song. Tea will be provided. .

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.

click here to register for a workshop

 

 


In-Person Introduction to Animal Tracking

fox track in snow photo by Tamara Anderson

Saturday, February 7, 2026 
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Format: In-Person
Instructor: Tamara Anderson

Have you ever wondered what made those marks in the snow? In this full day program we will be learning how to track animals. We will be studying the tracks and signs of Ontario mammals and other types of wildlife. By the end of the day you will learn to identify and interpret animal tracks by looking at track patterns and gait analysis. The workshop will also include an introduction to scat identification. There is an outdoor component that will have us looking for and following animal tracks and trails. Please dress in layers to be outdoors and wear comfortable, warm boots. Recommended: Bring a notebook and a measuring tape to help with track identification.

The Arboretum Mammal booklet is included in the registration fee.

Fee: $97 (plus HST) per person if you register by the early bird deadline of January 30, 2026. After January 30 the fee is $107 plus HST.


click here to register for a workshop

 

 

 

 


Nature Throughout the Seasons for International Students and New Canadians Series

aerial of Arboretum

Facilitated upon request
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 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.