Virtual Cottage Birds Series
2025-01-29 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-27 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Arboretum Centre, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Canada
While sitting on the dock, have you ever asked “Did that loon just attack that duck?” or “How can that Pileated Woodpecker peck such big holes without hurting its brain?” or “Which hawk is that flying overhead?” The answers to these and many other bird-related questions will be covered in this series of eight one-hour sessions on the birds you notice while visiting a cottage, hiking in a northern park or tenting at your favourite campsite. We will cover identification clues, behavior, nesting info, habitat, foraging techniques and more. Cottage projects and activities that help birds will also be a part of each session as well as a 10-15 minute discussion period for bird-related questions. All eight programs cost of $70 (plus tax) – that’s less than $10 per program!
Mondays and Wednesdays, January 20, 22, 27, 29, February 3, 5, 10, and 12, 2025, noon to 1 p.m.
Fee: $70.00 + H.S.T. This event will take place on Zoom. The list of topics with the presentation date is listed below. If you miss any of the programs, each one is recorded and the recording will be sent to you the next day. The recordings will be available for one month after the last program.

Owl Prowl (In-Person)
2025-01-25 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-01-24 18:00 - 20:00
Discover how to use your eyes and ears to identify Ontario’s Owls. Through a wide variety of hands-on activities participants will learn about owl plumage, calls and behaviour, habitat requirements, migration patterns, and owl folklore. We’ll end the evening with an outdoor owl prowl on The Arboretum grounds. The Adults only program is for adults and teens aged 14+. The Families program is open to everyone, however children must be accompanied by an adult. *Maximum 25 people.
Fee: $14 (plus HST) per person, per session (evening).
Friday, January 24, 2025 (families)
OR Saturday, January 25, 2025 (adults only)
OR Friday, February 7, 2025 (adults only)
OR Saturday, February 8, 2025 (families)
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Format: In-person

Winter Birdwatching Hike (In-person)
2025-01-25 08:00 - 2025-03-17 10:00, 2025-01-17 08:00 - 10:00
Winter birdwatching is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and experience the beauty of nature in a quieter season. While some birds have migrated south, many stay behind, bringing life and color to our winter landscape. Some northern species even travel here, treating us to special sightings as they escape harsher climates. Whether you’re new to birdwatching or a seasoned birder, we invite you to join us on this winter birding adventure!
Friday, January 17 or Saturday, January 25, 2025.
Register to attend.
*Maximum 20 adults.
Fee: $12 (plus HST) per person, per day.

In Person: Virtual Bird ID
2024-11-27 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-25 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-18 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-04 12:00 - 13:00
Why not take your birding to the next level? Join Chris Earley, Arboretum Interpretive Biologist and author of 5 bird field guides, for a series of eight virtual noon-hour lectures on eight different bird groups. ID techniques, field marks, shapes, behaviour clues and more will all be covered.
Each course will finish with a 10 – 15 minute discussion period so you can ask all your bird-related questions. All eight programs cost $70 (plus tax) – that’s less than $10 per program! Bird groups covered include: Hawks, Ducks, Sparrows, Sandpipers, Gulls, Spring Warblers, Fall Warblers and Spring Migrants (presentation dates listed below). Recordings of each will be sent to all participants the next day. The recordings will be available for one month after the last program.
Mondays and Wednesdays, November 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, and 27, 2024
Noon to 1 p.m.

Bigger Picture Series: Indigenous Entrepreneurship
2024-11-13 16:00 - 20:30
The Bigger Picture Series is the Wood Centre’s Flagship event where we bring guest speakers to campus to tackle challenges or innovative topics within industry to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. This semester, we are diving into the topic of Indigenous Entrepreneurship. For the workshop component, we will be creating custom dot-art based on Métis floral beadwork patterns fused with drawing inspiration from plant relations. This workshop will be led by Marissa Magneson. All materials will be provided for the workshop.
Students are also welcome to stay after the workshop into the evening, which will feature a keynote presentation by Jenn Harper, founder of Cheekbone Beauty. Jenn will share her journey in building a cosmetic company focused on representation and inclusion. This event offers a meaningful blend of cultural craftsmanship and entrepreneurial insight, all within the serene setting of the Arboretum.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024
Time: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: University of Guelph Arboretum Centre – Auditorium (200 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1)
Event Overview:

3:50 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Arrival and Networking (Shuttle service from Macdonald Hall available).
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Hands-On Dot-Art Workshop (Materials and tools are provided, with instructors available to assist throughout the session).
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.: BREAK (Pizza and Soft Drinks)
7 p.m. – 7:05 p.m.: Guest Speaker Introduction
7:05 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Guest Speaker Presentation: Jenn Harper, Cheekbone Beauty
8 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.: Q&A Session
8:15 p.m. – 8:35 p.m.: Departure and Event Commencement (Shuttle service to Macdonald Hall available)

Additional Information:

Snacks will be provided during the event.
Shuttle services will be available at 3:50 p.m., 6 p.m. from Macdonald Hall to the Arboretum and from 6:15 p.m. and 8:35 p.m. from the Arboretum to Macdonald Hall, respectively.
All students, staff, and faculty across campus are welcome to attend and no prior experience is needed. All materials will be provided.

Accessibility and Accommodations:
If you have any questions about the event, or require any accessibility accommodations, please feel free to reach out to Alex Mitro (amitro@uoguelph.ca) directly. Please note that a photographer will be on site capturing the event.

One Health Research & Poster Day
2024-11-08 08:30 - 12:30
One Health Research and Poster Day is a chance to learn about One Health at the University of Guelph!
Attendees will hear about One Health research from both students and faculty. Current students from the Bachelor of One Health program, and alumni of the Collaborative Specialization in One Health graduate program, will speak about their experiences and career opportunities. The highlight of the day is the poster session featuring student research, and two-minute ‘so what?’ research presentations where students place their work in the wider One Health context. Plenty of opportunities for networking and learning about ways to get involved with One Health at Guelph.
This half-day event is open to all. Undergraduate and graduate students interested in One Health are encouraged to attend. You do not need to be enrolled in a One Health program to attend. Please note that this is an in-person event. Find more details, register, or submit and abstract.

Howls and Growls in The Arboretum Family Program (In-Person)
2024-10-28 18:30 - 20:00
The Halloween season is here, and we at The Arboretum are excited to introduce a spooky new program! Ever wondered what might be behind those strange bumps in the night? Join us for an evening hike as we explore the mysterious sounds of the forest—from squeaks and screeches to howls and growls—that you might hear on a moonlit stroll. You never know what creatures we might encounter as dusk falls!
We’ll conclude our adventure with hot apple cider and cookies. Remember to dress warmly for the cool autumn weather!
*Maximum 25 people.
Fee: $12 (plus HST) per person.

2024 Smart Villages Symposium
2024-10-02 08:00 - 17:30
Join us for the 2024 Smart Villages Symposium!
We are thrilled to announce the 2024 Smart Villages Symposium (SVS) on October 2 at the University of Guelph, Arboretum Centre. This event will bring together experts, researchers and practitioners to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable rural development and smart village initiatives. Speakers will include representatives from universities, governments, NGOs, and businesses. Networking and mentoring opportunities will be available for University of Guelph students.
This event will focus on how rural people experience and use smart technologies, emphasizing the impact of new digital tools and technology, new modes of connectivity and new large language models (LLMs) and artificial intelligence. Special attention will be given to the challenges faced by youth and other marginalized populations. It will pay specific attention to how these technologies benefit rural communities and create new opportunities as well as new risks, such as social inequality, polarization, and misinformation. The event is intended for researchers, practitioners, students, and anyone else who may be interested in these issues.
Why attend?

Engage with thought leaders in the field of smart villages
Participate in insightful discussions and workshops
Network with professionals and like-minded individuals
Explore cutting-edge research and practical applications

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the transformation towards smarter, more resilient rural communities.
Registration is free and remains open. Please register online to join this event.

In-Person: Eco-Art Therapy
2024-09-28 09:30 - 16:30
This full-day, immersive Eco-art therapy session is aimed at providing an experience where you will interact with and share nature-based experiences to help bring hope, resilience, and positivity in your life right now. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on components of Ecopsychology as well as Eco-Art Therapy. Participants will be introduced to some key concepts of Ecopsychology and then participate in hands-on Eco-art therapy activities.
Such concepts include:

Wisdom in nature
Engaging with nature and our surroundings beyond the 5 senses
Personal validation through personal “in-the-moment” experiences
Interconnections in nature and concepts of time, forgiveness, patience, love, and care as observed in nature
Communication beyond language, as observed in nature
Finding wisdom in nature and breaking free from societal rigidity and structure

The ecopsychological focus will be to open yourself to direct experiences within nature and rely on a reciprocation of experiences, where you allow nature to gently guide your awareness through your senses. You will be challenged to learn from nature’s wisdom in the absence of words and languages, and simply rely on your senses. You will be amazed by how and what nature reveals to you through such an approach.
The session will explore eco art activities that go beyond the barriers of traditional artistic techniques, and express without boundaries. Participants will create pieces that they are truly proud of because of the deep experiences and meaning held in the work.
What to bring:

small kit that includes scissors, pen, pencil, ruler, markers, pencil crayons
sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, bug spray, and anything else you would like to be comfortable. (ie. small mat to sit on while working outside)
water bottle, a lunch and some snacks
an open-mind and uncompromised creativity!

The fee includes a $15 material fee that covers the additional supplies that the instructor will supply.
Memona is a mother, community-based collaborator, and a PhD candidate in Applied Ecopsychology and certification in Eco-art Therapy. Ecopsychology is the area of study that explores the connective, holistic relationship between humans and the Earth. She holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Toronto. She has been a lecturer through the School of Environment at the University of Toronto. She occasionally teaches through community platforms
Fee: $115 (plus HST) (includes $15 material fee) per person if you register before the early bird deadline of September 20, 2024. After September 20 the fee is $125 (plus HST) per person. Note: If we don’t have enough registrations by the early bird deadline the course may be cancelled.

Shinrin - Yoku Walk (In-person)
2024-09-11 13:00 - 16:00
Inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, a Japanese term that translates into “Forest Bathing” in English, discover a gentle way of moving mindfully through nature. Led by Canada’s Forest Therapy Guide and Trainer, participants experience a walk intended to open the senses, deepen a connection with the natural world, and enhance wellbeing.
Ben Porchuk is the co-founder of the Global Institute of Forest Therapy. He has led over 250 forest therapy walks in several countries around the world.
Fee: $60 (plus HST) per person if you register before the early bird deadline of September 3, 2024. After September 3 the fee is $70 (plus HST) per person. Note: If we don’t have enough registrations by the early bird deadline the course may be cancelled.

Arboretum Expo: Tree Day! + Plant Sale
2024-09-07 10:00 - 15:00
A community celebration of trees and the many exciting things happening in the Arboretum lands!
Join us for tours of the grounds, trails, gardens, research projects, tree climbing demonstrations, and an in-person Plant Sale. Take home an interesting woody plant, grown in the Arboretum greenhouse and tended to by our dedicated staff and volunteers.

Trees. Listen
2024-09-06 19:00 - 20:00
Kicking off Arboretum Expo Weekend 2024, The Arboretum presents the world premiere of a new composition for harp! Trees. Listen by Sharlene Wallace and Frank Horvat is inspired by Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger’s knowledge of trees and the Celtic tree-based Ogham alphabet.
The 9-part composition will premiere the evening of Friday, September 6, and outdoor installations of the music will be on-site starting Saturday, September 7. Tickets are $35 per person.

Family Pond Study (In-person)
2024-09-06 14:00
Discover the hidden wonders of pond life with our Family-oriented Pond Study!
This aquatic adventure is perfect for parents and kids alike, offering a hands-on exploration of the fascinating creatures that call our ponds home. From frogs to backswimmers, you’ll get an up-close look at a variety of pond dwellers and learn about how their interesting adaptations allow them to thrive in such a unique environment. Bring appropriate footwear, as it can get a little muddy!
*Maximum 20 people.
Fee: $10 (plus HST) per person.

Hunters, Fishers and Trappers: The Amazing Life of Spiders (In-person)
2024-09-06 09:00 - 16:00
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.

A Nation's Table Documentary Premiere
2024-07-25 17:00 - 19:00
Ask a farmer, a fisher, a chef and a home cook to define ‘Canadian food’ and you’ll get four different answers. After all, the food found in Canada is as diverse as the people who live here.
A brand new documentary short film, A Nation’s Table, explores the life’s work of Anita Stewart, the “patron saint of Canadian food”. Thanks to her boundless tenacity and enthusiasm, she contributed more than ever imaginable to uncovering untold stories that celebrate Canadian cuisine, ultimately leading to the nationally recognized “Food Day In Canada.” Through her life of activism on food and the people who bring it to us, she turned crisis into opportunity, setting the table for Canada to build its culinary traditions into an evolving food system that’s the envy of the world.
Join us for a premiere screening of A Nation’s Table documentary celebrating the legacy of Anita Stewart. Your ticket will include a film screening, a panel discussion, and a post-screening reception catered by University of Guelph’s Hospitality Services. This premiere is taking place at the University of Guelph Arboretum on July 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. and will feature a panel discussion with local food systems experts following the screening. Admission is free, and registration is required via Eventbrite to reserve a seat.
Event Speakers

Rebecca Gordon, Destination Development Specialist, Culinary Tourism Alliance
Vijay Nair, Executive Chef, University of Guelph
Ohemaa Boateng, Executive Director, Black Creek Community Farm
Joyce Parslow, Consumer Marketing Director, Canada Beef Inc.
Sandy Clipsham, Producer, Ward 1 Studios
Garrett Smith, Director, Ward 1 Studios

About Anita Stewart
Anita Stewart was a trailblazing Canadian food champion who left an enormous impact on Canadian food and culture. As a culinary journalist, food historian, activist and University of Guelph Food Laureate, Anita brought together farmers, producers, researchers, writers, chefs and food lovers to highlight and push the boundaries of Canadian cuisine. Find more information about Anita Stewart, Food Day Canada, and how U of G is celebrating. If you have any questions about this year’s Food Day Canada event, feel free to reach out to afievents@uoguelph.ca.

Identification and Biology of Butterflies (In-person)
2024-07-23 09:00 - 16:00
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 15, 2024. After July 15 the fee is $94 plus HST.

Ontario Insects (In-person)
2024-07-22 09:00 - 16:00
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 15, 2024. After July 15 the fee is $104 plus HST.

Dragonflies and Damselflies (In-person)
2024-07-10 09:00 - 16:00
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.
*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.
