Workshops

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.

The Arboretum is a fantastic spot for birdwatching throughout the year, but spring is truly unique. As vibrant spring migrants pass through and resident birds prepare to nest, The Arboretum comes alive with the songs of numerous birds. Join us on a hike through The Arboretum, as we listen, observe, and learn more about the wonderful host of birds The Arboretum supports. Whether you’re new to birdwatching or consider yourself an avid birder, we welcome you to be a part of this birding adventure!

*Maximum 18 adults.

Fee: $12 (plus HST) per person, per day.

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.

Fee: $50 (plus HST) per person.

Do you love trees but can’t tell an Ash from a Walnut, a Birch from a Beech, or a Spruce from a Fir? Are you looking to connect more with the natural world around you? Join Shelley Hunt, U of Guelph course instructor and former Arboretum Director, for a virtual, interactive tree identification workshop. Over the course of 4 Zoom sessions, with hands-on challenges to complete in between, you will learn the basics of tree ID, with a focus on native Ontario species (and their look-alike non-native counterparts). You will learn about the important features to look for (e.g. leaf shape and arrangement, bark characteristics, fruits and cones), as well as the details that help us to distinguish between species in the same group (e.g. Ashes, Pines, Maples). You will practice your skills on trees that you can find in your local area, and get feedback on your ‘homework’. The fourth session will include a virtual tour of trees in The Arboretum's collections. 

Please Note: This course is only on-line. A separate in-person course is also available on July 5th.
We also send recordings out after each session, so if you miss a session you can watch the recording. The recordings are avaialble for one month after the end of the workshop.

Fee: $50 (plus HST) per person.

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.

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 June 27. If you register after June 27 the fee is $104 (plus HST).

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.  Each registrant that attends the workshop will receive a copy of our Dragonfly Booklet.

*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.

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 14, 2024. After July 14 the fee is $104 plus HST.

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 $104 plus HST.

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.