This is really two workshops in one. In addition to learning to identify our springtime flora we will go "beyond the field guide" to delve into these plants' natural history,

Spring has sprung, and we invite you to come join us at the Arboretum to capture the beauties of spring with creating your own greeting card! We'll start with a quick nature walk to get inspired, and then we'll head back to the J.C. Taylor Nature Centre to begin creating! Whether you've never painted before

Gardening Fundamentals is a series of courses designed for both the beginner and experienced gardener. Course material covers basic information to provide a good grounding and then goes on to introduce advanced topics that are normally not found in gardening books.  The presenter has over 35 years of gardening experience, most of it in the

This workshop covers 15 less commonly seen southern Ontario warblers which are not covered in the Level I Warbler Workshop.  Participants will receive an information booklet.  Keeners can take both warbler courses to cover all of Ontario's breeding species ($135 for both sessions). Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley Early Bird Registration Fee: $80 by April 3

Through a wide variety of hands-on activities you'll learn about the plumage, song and behaviour of warblers.  We'll also investigate habitat requirements and timing of migration. Participants will receive an information booklet. Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley - author of Warblers of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America Early Bird Registration Fee: $80 by

This half-day indoor/outdoor practical workshop will teach you the principles of easy and correct pruning in the home landscape. We will cover how to choose the correct equipment and how to keep it sharp and clean.  Pruning techniques will be shown and practised on a variety of shrubs and small trees. This is a very

Reptiles are the most at risk group of flora or fauna in Ontario. We have a variety of amazing species, many of which are largely unknown or overlooked by many outdoor enthusiasts due to their secretive nature. Every one of our turtle species is in need of help and learning about these adorable creatures is

In winter’s frigid grasp, insects, spiders and other invertebrates seem to vanish from the surface of the earth. Knowing what to look for and where to find these hidden creatures make cold-weather expeditions far more enjoyable. During this half-day program, we will search for goldenrod gallfly larvae and caterpillars that hide in burrs, learn how

No leaves? No problem! In this workshop you will learn about the variety of tree features that are useful for winter identification of deciduous trees. From bark to buds to leaf scars…you will get hands-on experience in reading these winter clues to tree ID. We will focus on native Ontario trees, and we’ll be spending

The Landscape Architecture program in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development presents a guest lecture by Nina-Marie Lister, Associate Professor in the School of Urban and Regional Planning

Have you ever wondered what made those marks in the snow? In this full-day program we will learn how to track animals. We will study 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

Learn about the behaviour and adaptations of owls in the Guelph area. The introduction to this program will take place indoors, but dress warmly in preparation for a walk outdoors. This program is for adults and children under 14. Guest Naturalist: Wild Ontario staff. Fee: $10 per person PLUS a $10 fee per transaction (you

Learn about the behaviour and adaptations of owls in the Guelph area. The introduction to this program will take place indoors, but dress warmly in preparation for a walk outdoors. This program is for adults and teens age 14+. Guest Naturalist: Wild Ontario staff. Fee:  $10 per person PLUS a $10 fee per transaction (you

The Arboretum's Plants, Stars, Galaxies and the University workshop series includes 12 lectures (two per evening for six weeks) that explore many of the wonders of the night sky. On clear

  Explore the mysterious, weird and wonderful world of fungi!  From giant puffballs emerging from the ground to strange little bird's nests growing on wood. Learn to distinguish editble Agaricus from deadly Amanita. The morning will begin with a short classroom discussion of general categories of fungi: slime moulds, moulds, sac, club, jellies, corals, toothed, puffballs, stinkhorns, polypores,

The Landscape Architecture program in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development presents a guest lecture by Ken Smith, Founder and Principal of Ken Smith Workshop, NYC. His talk is titled "Vertical Landscapes, Social Urbanism & Camouflage." All are welcome to attend.

  The newly launched Canadian Chapter of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides is proud to hold one of its first high-profile walks in Canada at The Arboretum. Forest Therapy originated from Japan's Shinrin-Yoku, which literally translates into“forest bathing” (taking in the air of a forest). It is a gentle way of moving

  Diversity is the emphasis of this full-day course. Grow your own native trees and shrubs. Characteristic seeds for the workshop will be collected while touring part of The Arboretum. We will carry out the techniques for cleaning, treating and sowing seeds and how to protect them as seeds and young plants. A tour of

This workshop will help you identify migrating hawks, falcons, vultures, eagles and osprey.  Through a wide variety of hands-on activities, you'll learn about plumage, body shape, foraging techniques, flight patterns and migration times of 15 species.  An information booklet will be provided. Presented by: Arboretum naturalist Chris Earley, author of Hawks and Owls of Eastern

  Learn fascinating life stories and identification tips about our most important invertebrate predators: spiders. We’ll venture outside for part of the day, learning how to discover and identify some of our amazing local arachno-fauna (be prepared for current weather). We’ll find outdoor “web-sites,” but also many free-ranging spiders that hunt like cats, wolves or