U of G News

Bird Anatomy Illustration - Songbirds
2026-10-03 13:00 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Road, Guelph, N1G 2W1
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 songbird 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 26, 2026. After September 26 the fee is $50 plus HST.
*REGISTRATION COMING SOON!

Shinrin-Yoku
2026-09-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-10 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-29 13:00 - 16:00 | Arboretum Centre, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
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. May 21 / 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.

Tree Identification
2026-09-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Road, Guelph, N1G 2W1
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).

Tree Identification
2026-09-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Arboretum Centre, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
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).

Birds for Beginners
2026-08-24 13:00 - 16:00 | J.C. Taylor Nature Interpretive Centre
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 or 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. Preregistration is required for this event.
*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.

Racialized Staff Alliance Welcome Event
2026-08-18 11:00 - 13:00
Join the Racialized Staff Alliance for a community welcome event on August 18! This gathering is an opportunity for racialized staff members to connect, build relationships, share experiences, and enjoy good food in a welcoming and supportive space.
Come together for a lunch from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. for conversation, community building, and connection. We look forward to celebrating our collective experiences, strengthening our network, and creating space for belonging and solidarity.
We hope to see you there! If you identify as a racialized staff and would like to RSVP to our event please email mehrotra@uoguelph.ca.

Virtual Shrub Identification
2026-07-28 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-21 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-14 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-07 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
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.

Galls of Southern Ontario
2026-07-25 10:00 - 16:00 | J.C. Taylor Nature Interpretive Centre
Ever heard of a plant gall? 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 trees. But what purpose do they serve? How are they formed? How can we identify them? This workshop will answer all these questions and more. The workshop also includes an indoor presentation covering gall biology, diversity and ecology, followed by a guided walk to search and identify galls in the field. Preregistration is required for this event.

Identification and Biology of Butterflies
2026-07-14 09:00 - 16:00 | Arboretum Centre, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
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. Registrants 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 6, 2026. After July 6 the fee is $104 plus HST.

Ontario Insects
2026-07-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Arboretum Centre, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
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 5, 2026. After July 5 the fee is $104 plus HST.

Odonate Count
2026-07-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Arboretum Centre, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
Join us for our second annual Odonate Count at The Arboretum! We will spend the day out on the Arboretum grounds searching for, catching, and identifying the Dragonflies and Damselfishes (Odonates) found here. As an inventory project, we will be using iNaturalist to document our findings, so please come with an iNaturalist account and have it downloaded on your phone.
This is a free event for those interested in helping us inventory the diversity of these incredible insects that call The Arb home. While experience with Odonate identification and capture is appreciated, this event is open to everyone willing to help. To learn how to identify dragonflies and damselflies, see our Dragonfly Workshop (information will be coming soon for this).
Nets will be provided for the duration of the count.
Check out our results from our first Odonate Count in 2025.
*Maximum 25 adults.
Fee: FREE

Dragonflies and Damselflies
2026-07-08 09:00 - 16:00 | J.C. Taylor Nature Interpretive Centre
Ontario is home to 150 species of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), many of which are common in the Guelph area. Participants learn about these beautiful creatures, their fascinating lives and discover why they are an important part of our ecosystem. 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 June 30, 2026. After June 30 the fee is $107 plus HST.

Luckevich Pinchin Honey Bee Research Centre: Grand Opening – Open House
2026-06-27 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-26 14:00 - 19:00 | Honey Bee Research Centre, 460 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
The Honey Bee Research Centre is excited to announce our Grand Opening Open House, on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore our building and the apiary grounds, at 460 Stone Rd E, Guelph. The HBRC is located on the North side of Stone Rd E and we are the first driveway West of Victoria Rd S (right next door to our old building!). We are open to the public both Friday and Saturday, feel free to come by anytime during our Open House hours!
Our Open House will take place:
Friday, June 26 from 2 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 27 from 2 to 5 p.m.
We look forward to welcoming guests to our beautiful new facility at the Luckevich Pinchin Honey Bee Research Centre.

Sweetgrass Harvest and Braiding Event at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute
2026-06-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Guelph Turfgrass Institute, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON, Canada
The event will include teachings about the cultural significance of sweetgrass, guidance on respectful harvesting practices, and hands-on instruction in sweetgrass braiding. Participants will also take part in traditional drumming songs and smudging led by Cara Loft, Educational Developer for Indigenous Knowledges and Pedagogies at the University of Guelph. Attendees will have the opportunity to take home their own sweetgrass braid or create braids to be donated to the Indigenous Student Centre. Tea and light refreshments will be provided.
Registration is open to all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis-identifying students, staff, and faculty. If space remains available, registration will later be expanded to the broader community.
Tea and light refreshments will be provided. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions when registering.
We look forward to sharing this experience with you.
Register to attend.

Virtual Tree Identification
2026-06-23 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Arboretum Centre, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
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 September 19.
We also send recordings out after each session, so if you miss a session you can watch the recording. The recordings are available for one month after the end of the workshop.
Fee: $50 (plus HST) per person.

Solstice Yoga Fund-raiser for the Nature Centre
2026-06-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Road, Guelph, N1G 2W1
Elaine Kelly is an alumna who spends her ‘winters’ in Guelph and the rest of the year in New Zealand. She has been teaching yoga for 16 years and hosts international retreats. These two 60-minute classes offer an opportunity to practise outdoors as the sun rises and sets on the longest day of the year. The morning practise will be more invigorating and the evening practise will be more calming. Bring a mat and water and insect repellent. Donations of $20 are welcome but any amount is appreciated. 100% of funds raised will be donated to the renovation of the Nature Centre at The Arboretum..
Fee: By Donation which can be made via our website. Please present proof of donation to Elaine upon arrival.
Registration is required. Maximum 25 people.

Trees and Books Walk
2026-06-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Arboretum Centre, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
Explore the complex relationship between nature and literature in this guided walk. We will look at the interaction between trees and books through a scientific and cultural lens. Learn about the role trees have played in storytelling, through their role in printmaking and how humans understand themselves and tell their stories. Gain a better understanding of biological concepts in arboriculture to help you “read” a tree and see how the characters of wind, sunlight and rain act as characters in each tree’s story.
Fee: $15 (plus HST) per person.

Heart Smart Stress Management
2026-06-02 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
A truly heart healthy lifestyle is more than exercise and diet.
The third and most important key (according to cardiologists Eliot, Bhat, Ornish and others) is stress management. Yet this component is the most neglected!
Learn practical stress management strategies that decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease (especially helpful for those with risk factors of high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, depression, tendency to hold onto anger, or a family history of heart attack or stroke).
The session includes:

the top 3 techniques for relaxing blood vessels and easing high blood pressure and strain on the heart
the ‘Mother Teresa effect’ for heart health & resilience
strategies that impact heart rhythm and how to promote the desirable high heart rate variability (HRV)

This noon hour Lunch & Learn with Kathy Somers of the Stress Management & High Performance Clinic
meets online from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2.
Workshop Fee:

$5 for University of Guelph students (due to a subsidy from U of G Student Health Services)
$10 for members of United Steelworkers Local 4120 (due to a subsidy from Local 4120)
$17 for all others

The Stress Management & High Performance Clinic began in 1978 in the Department of Human Kinetics with Dr. Evelyn Bird’s research on the impact of biofeedback and self-regulation/Non-Sleep Deep Rest techniques on health and performance. When Dr. Bird retired from teaching at the University, Student Affairs asked the Clinic to continue providing this research-based skills training for interested students, staff, faculty, and community members.

Spring Birdwatching Hike
2026-05-29 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-05-28 08:00 - 10:00 | Arboretum Centre, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
Spring is in the air—and so are the birds! This is the perfect time to get outside and spot migrating birds as they pass through in their vibrant plumage, filling the air with song. Join us for a guided birdwatching hike through The Arboretum, where we’ll explore a variety of habitats in search of both resident and migrating species. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just getting started, this hike is a great opportunity to sharpen your skills and experience the magic of spring. Binoculars will be provided.
*Maximum 20 adults.
Fee: $12 (plus HST) per person, per day.
Thursday, May 28 OR Friday, May 29, 2026

Unwind Your Mind
2026-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
Our brain can become more busy (and more negative thoughts intrude) when we are stressed, tired, or feeling overwhelmed.
This experiential Lunch & Learn session shares a variety of research-based tips and approaches for calming worry, anxious thoughts, and a busy brain.
The session includes:

strategies that reboot your brain into a neutral gear
the 2 Minute Rule to curb ruminating
‘soft fascination’ and other mind calming techniques
how to decrease brain bombardment from body inputs that activate and perpetuate a racing mind

This noon hour session with Kathy Somers of the Stress Management & High Performance Clinic
meets online from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 28.
Workshop Fee:

$5 for University of Guelph students (due to a subsidy from U of G Student Health Services)
$10 for members of United Steelworkers Local 4120 (due to a subsidy from Local 4120)
$17 for all others

The Stress Management & High Performance Clinic began in 1978 in the Department of Human Kinetics with Dr. Evelyn Bird’s research on the impact of biofeedback and self-regulation/Non-Sleep Deep Rest techniques on health and performance. When Dr. Bird retired from teaching at the University, Student Affairs asked the Clinic to continue providing this research-based skills training for interested students, staff, faculty, and community members.
