Workshops
NOTE: The Arboretum may cancel any event when the minimum number of registrants is not achieved by the registration deadline. Registrations are welcome after the registration deadline as long as the program is not full or cancelled.
Click the arrows to browse Workshops by date or scroll down for details!
Owls
Animal Tracking
Winter Photography
Garden Design
Owl Prowl
SLR Basics
Pruning Skills
Veggie Gardens
Herb Gardens
Ducks
Urban Wildlife
Gardening Fundamentals
Intro to Birds
STARboretum
Warbler I
Warbler II
Local Garden Plants
Beginner Photography
Spring Wildflowers
Youth Photography
Garden Photography
Sparrows
Lichens
Small Ponds
Green Thumb
Look, See, Paint
Night Photography
About Trees
Moths
Sketching Nature
Dragonflies
Butterfly Identification
Summer Wildflowers
Nature Photography
Shorebirds
Hawks
Medicinal Plants
Woody Plants
Shrub Identification
Tree Identification
Intro to Mushrooms
Advanced Mushrooms
Fall Photography
Winter Birds
SLR Basics
Gulls
B&W Photography
Reptiles
Owl workshop : A Who's Whoo in Ontario NEW DATE
Friday, February 10, 2012 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - Owl Prowl - 6:00 - 8:00 pm - Discover how to use your eyes and ears to identify Ontario's Owls. Through a wide variety of hands-on activities you'll learn about owl plumage, calls and behaviour, habitat requirements, migration patterns and owl folklore. An evening "Owl Prowl" in the evening in the Guelph area is planned. Participants will receive a recording of owl calls. Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley - author of Hawks & Owls Of The Great Lakes Region & Eastern North America. Fee: $95.00. Registration deadline: Friday, February 3. *Maximum 16 adults.
Animal Tracking - New
Friday, January 27, 2012 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - 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 tracking terminology, proper track measurement, pattern classification, clear print classification, compression shapes, general scat identification and track aging theory. There is an outdoor component that will have us looking for and following animal tracks. Each participant will receive a copy of The Mammals of The Arboretum booklet which includes many tracks. Guest Instructor: Adrian O'Driscoll. Fee: $75. Registration deadline: Friday, January 20. Maximum 16 adults.
Photographing Winter Landscapes
Saturday, January 28, 2012, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm - Don't Hide Inside! Ah, winter. A time of pristine snow, sparkling icicles and snow covered trees. So put down that hot drink, leave the cozy fire, and join us for a winter landscape photography course. Photographer Sylvia Galbraith will host a discussion and visual presentation on the unique challenges of winter photography. Topics include determining exposures & lighting in bright snow, protecting your equipment from the cold, equipment best suited for landscape photography & more. We'll explore choosing winter subjects and study creative compositions. Then we'll head outside to the woods and meadows of The Arboretum to practise. Dress warmly and bring a tripod if possible. All skill levels, film or digital. Highly recommended for those who love the outdoors and for artists who take reference photos. Guest instructor: Sylvia Galbraith. Fee: $55.00. Registration deadline: Friday, January 20, 2012. Maximum 18 adults.
Garden Design 101
Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2012 - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Through a series of five evening sessions and using your own garden space, participants will learn and apply garden basic design principles and landscape techniques, covering topics such as location of practical components of a garden (sheds, compost, paths, sitting areas), how to deal with water features or pools, decks vs. patios and the right plants for the right places. Participants will develop their own garden plan and the class will be suitable for people with New gardens or those who wish to redesign an existing space. A complete list of required materials will be available for participants at registration. Guest Instructor: Lenore Ross. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Wednesday, January 25. Maximum: 16 adults
Night Stalker's Owl Prowl
Friday, February 3 or Saturday, February 4, 2012 - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - 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. Guest Naturalist: Jenn Bock. Fee: $15.00/adult - $8.00/child - $40.00/family of 4. Registration deadline: Friday, January 27. *Maximum 25 people.
Basic SLR Photography
Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 10:00 am - 4:30 pm - Are you New to SLR photography? Are you unsure how to use the various settings and controls on an SLR camera? Then join us for this full day workshop, where we'll look at how to get the most out of your camera. You'll learn about shutters, apertures, exposures, using different lenses and zoom settings, composition, lighting, and more. Part of this class will be outside, where we'll practise in the woods and meadows of The Arboretum, so dress for the weather. Bring your camera, extra batteries, warm gloves, and be ready for a fun day of photography. There will be a one-hour lunch break. Guest Instructor: Sylvia Galbraith. Fee: $100.00. Registration deadline: Friday, February 10. Maximum 16 adults
The Art & Practice of Pruning
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 or Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm - This half-day indoor/outdoor practical workshop will teach you the principles of easy and correct pruning in the home garden. This is a very popular course, so register early! Arboretum Horticulturist: Sean Fox. Fee: $55.00. Registration deadline: Tuesday, March 13. *Maximum 16 adults per session.
An Ecological Vegetable Garden
Friday, March 23, 2012 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - There are many new insights that make a vegetable garden more productive and easier to manage. We will see how digging, composting, and mulching practices contribute to a healthy soil as the basis for healthy plants and food. Seed buying, planting schedules through to post harvest cleanup and the reduction of even the "organic" or "safe" pest control products will also be discussed. Guest Instructor: Denise Jupp. Fee $75.00. Registration deadline: Friday, March 16. *Maximum 16 adults.
Herb Gardens - New
Saturday, March 31, 2012 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Learn how to design, grow, maintain and store a variety of herbs in a functional garden. Whether it be herbs for culinary (basil or sage), potpourri (mint or lavender), or teas (chamomile or lemon balm), outdoors or indoors, a herbal garden designed with colour, characteristics and rhythm will turn into a four season sanctuary. Guest Instructor: Alberta Munro. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Friday, March 23. Maximum 24 adults.
Duck Workshop: Bluebills, Hickory Heads & Spiketails
Not offered in 2012 - The colours and shapes of waterfowl are always eye catching. Through a variety of hands-on activities you will learn about plumage, flight identification, breeding displays and migration of 24 duck species. Ideas on enhancing habitat for nesting ducks will also be discussed. Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley, author of Waterfowl of Eastern North America. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Maximum 16 adults.
Urban Wildlife Habitat Gardening
Friday, April 13, 2012 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - Discover how you can feed your soul and at the same time provide much needed sanctuary for a diversity of wildlife - right in your own backyard! In this session you will select native wild plants as well as common garden annuals, perennials, and shrubs to create gardens that are beautiful, and that provide food, shelter, and water for urban wildlife. You will learn how to cultivate evening magic with night-scented plants. Garden maintenance and bird nest boxes will also be covered. Each participant will seed a flat of habitat plants to take home. Guest Instructor: Leslie Work. Fee $75.00 Registration deadline: Friday, April 6. *Maximum 16 adults.
Gardening Fundamentals
Tuesdays, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.- 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 Guelph area.
Each course is approximately 2.5 hours in length and is designed to be independent of each other allowing you to take only the courses that are of interest to you. The full set of 6 courses will give you a very solid understanding of Gardening Fundamentals. At the end of the courses you will be able to plant and maintain the best garden on your block. You will also have an opportunity to have all of your gardening questions answered by local Master Gardeners. Guest Instructor: Robert Pavlis. Fee: $10/course. Registration deadline: Tuesday, April 10.
For more details on what is covered, please click here.
Introduction to Birds
Thursday, April 19, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Are you a want-to-be bird watcher, but don't know where to begin? This course is for you! We will be covering topics from identifying birds to choosing and using binoculars. We will also cover basic ornithology by studying anatomy, breeding biology, classification and habitat requirements. Over lunch we will watch Arboretum birds and study their behaviour. Bring a lunch and, if you have them, a bird book and binoculars. Guest Instructor: Richard Tofflemire. Fee $75.00. Registration and payment required by Thursday, April 12. Maximum 16 adults.
STARboretum
Monday, April 23, 2012 - 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - Join us for stargazing in the Arboretum. In the sky will be a young crescent moon, the planets Venus, Mars and Saturn, and the always splendid stars of spring. Members of the Kitchener-Waterloo Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be setting up their telescopes to provide views of these sights and more. We hope to see you there! Guest Instructor: Trevor Chandler. Fee: $10. Registration deadline: Monday, April 16. Maximum 40.
Warbler Workshop Level I: Butterflies of the Bird World
Thursday, April 26, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - 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. Fee:$75.00. Note: If you also take Warbler II - $125 for both. Registration deadline: Thursday, April 19. Maximum 16 adults.
Warbler Workshop Level II: The Less Common Ones
Friday, April 27, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - 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. Chris' book Warblers of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America will be available for purchase. Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley. Fee: $75.00. Registration and payment required by Friday, April 20. Maximum 16 adults.
Tried and True Garden Plants for Our Area
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Learn about some new perennials, trees and shrubs, and re-visit some old favourites that will perform well year after year in the Guelph area. We will look at plants for sun, shade, and dry areas as well as wet spots in the garden, and learn how to avoid buyer's regret at the garden centre. Guest Instructor: Denise Jupp. Fee: $30. Registration deadline: Friday, April 20. Maximum: 24 adults.
Beginner's Digital Photography
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Learn how to get the most from your digital point & shoot camera in this fun class. Spend the afternoon with us and learn all about the various exposure modes, composition, lighting, using a flash, best settings for action or still photos and more. We’ll spend part of the class outside where we will practice taking photos in the woods and meadows at the Arboretum. Dress for the weather, and bring extra batteries if possible. Guest Instructor: Sylvia Galbraith. Fee: $55. Registration deadline: Friday, April 20. Maximum: 16 adults.
The Wonderful World of Spring Wildflowers
Friday, May 4 or Saturday, May 5, 2012 - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm - This is really two workshops in one. In addition to learning how to identify our springtime flora we will go "beyond the field guide" to delve into interesting aspects of these plants' natural history, ecology, lore, and uses. Following a brief classroom session, the remainder of our time will be spent exploring the Arboretum's trails engaged in hands-on exercises and stimulating discussions. By the end of the day you will have learned more about our spring wildflowers than you ever imagined. Bring lunch, your favourite wildflower field guide, and a hand lens if you have one. Guest Instructor: Richard Aaron. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Friday, April 27. Maximum: 16 adults
Youth Photography Workshop: Focus on Nature - New
Sunday, May 6, 2012 - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.- Focus on Nature is a non-profit, educational program that inspires young people to explore and connect with nature through photography. Local photographers and trained volunteers will deliver this day-long workshop, guiding participants through the creative elements of design, and mentoring them in photography and natural science as they explore the beautiful Arboretum grounds. This workshop includes an interactive photography lesson, experiential photography and nature activities, and opportunities for students to edit and share their images with their classmates. For ages 11‑16. Guest Instructor: Simon Bell. Fee: $65. Registration deadline: Friday, April 27. Maximum 20.
Garden & Wildflower Photography
Saturday, May 12, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Soon the peonies and irises will be blooming, and don't you wish you knew how to photograph them? Photographer Sylvia Galbraith will teach you how to take inspired flower photos. We'll discuss lighting, composing your photo, working with colours, taking close-up images, and which equipment works best for garden and wildflower photography. We'll explore black and white for flower photography, abstract shapes and textures, and how different camera settings can be used for creative effects. The second half of the workshop will be outside, where we'll photograph the woods and gardens of the Arboretum. With this course you will be able to enjoy your garden all year! Bring your camera and dress for the weather. Basic to intermediate level. film or digital, SLR or point & shoot cameras. A tripod is recommended. Guest Instructor: Sylvia Galbraith. Fee: $55.00. Registration deadline: Friday, May 4. Maximum 16 adults
Sparrow Workshop: Those Little Brown Jobs
Friday, May 25, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - This workshop will help you identify and study 19 species of sparrows found in Ontario. We will use hands-on activities to learn plumages, songs and habitat use of this difficult-to-identify group. Over lunch we'll be hiking through The Arboretum looking for our resident sparrows (so please pack a lunch). An information booklet will be provided. Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley, author of Sparrows and Finches of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America. Fee: $75.00. Registration and payment required by Friday, May 18. Maximum 16 adults.
The Secret Life of Lichens
Saturday, May 26, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Discover the fascinating role lichens play in science, medicine and more while we hunt for them on trees, rocks and soil. These often overlooked and under-appreciated organisms will come to life once you are tuned into them. Identification basics will be covered, bring a hand lens if you have one, field guides will be available to purchase, but they are not necessary. Come be enlichened as we appreciate the small things in life! Guest Instructor: Troy McMullin from the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario Herbarium at the University of Guelph. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Friday, May 18. Maximum 16 adults.
Small Pond Design, Construction & Maintenance
Sunday, May 27, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - A small pond would make a perfect home in your garden for aquatic plants that like to live in water. Moisture-loving herbaceous plants that need wet soil and lots of sun would do well along its edges. Create a sanctuary in any size space with water, plants, rocks and ornaments. You will learn how to place and position your pond, all construction materials needed along with electrical, maintaining your pond through all the four seasons, be Eco friendly, safe, and soothing. Ponds may attract all the small birds and doves. Guest Instructor: Alberta Munro. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Friday, May 18. Maximum 24 adults
Beginner's Green Thumb
Not offered in 2012 - Do you look with envy at your neighbour's garden and think 'I couldn't do that'? Well you can! Come learn the basics of home gardening and gain the confidence you need to get your hands (and knees!) dirty. We will talk about soil health, plant selection and placement, selecting your first tools, and how to plant and divide common garden plants properly. This is a hands-on course, so dress for the weather and for working in the soil. Guest Instructor: Denise Jupp. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: . Maximum: 16 adults.
Look, See, Paint
Not offered in 2012- A watercolour course that's different! This program helps you discover the natural world and the fun of painting. A course for beginners, but those with experience will enjoy it, too. Supplies will be provided for the session. Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley. Fee: $40.00. Registration deadline: Maximum 10.
Night & Low Light Photography- Field Trip
Saturday, June 2, 2012 - 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Join photographer Sylvia Galbraith for an evening of fun in this hands-on field trip. This course is timed to take advantage of the (almost) full moon - the first hour will be spent inside, for a lesson on shooting in low light - we'll cover using timed exposures and night settings, composition, equipment, shooting city lights & more. Then it's out to the meadows of the Arboretum to photograph the setting sun, and night photography by the light of the moon. We'll also try some fun flash effects. This course requires a tripod for best results, and is suitable for all skill levels. Bring a flashlight, and dress for the weather. Guest Instructor: Sylvia Galbraith. Fee: $55.00. Registration deadline: Friday, May 25. Maximum 16 adults.
About Trees
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Do you want to learn more about trees, including the ones in your own backyard? Join Horticulturist Sean Fox on a walk through the World of Trees collection as he discusses pollination, fall colour, aging, and disease resistance, as well as some interesting facts about some very unique trees and shrubs! Take home an informative booklet on how to care for trees. Arboretum Horticulturist: Sean Fox. Fee: $35.00. Registration deadline: Tuesday, June 5. Maximum 20 adults.
The Mysterious World of Moths
Monday, June 18, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - If you have ever wondered about those close cousins of the butterflies, then this introductory class will open your eyes to the amazing and mysterious world of moths. We'll start off with an introduction to the "moth world" and what makes a moth so unique. Then we'll go through the families or groups of moths that you'll commonly encounter in our area. We'll also do some exploring outside to look for roosting moths, day-flying moths and moth caterpillars. Learn how to identify, find and appreciate the beautiful moths that are all around us. Guest Instructor: Andalyne Tofflemire. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Monday, June 11. Maximum 16 adults.
Sketching Nature
Not offered in 2012 - Focusing on sketching techniques and note taking, this workshop is for those who want a permanent record of their observations of nature. It is designed for beginners, so don't be shy! Sketch books and pencils provided. Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley. Fee: $35.00. Registration deadline: Maximum 20 adults.
Dragonflies and Damselflies
Wednesday, July 11, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - 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. Learn about these beautiful creatures, their fascinating lives and see why they are an important part of our local ecosystems. Be prepared for the weather of the day as we spend time outside catching and identifying the dragonflies of The Arboretum. Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: by Wednesday, July 4. Maximum 16 adults.
Identification and Biology of Butterflies
Thursday, July 12, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - This workshop has been designed to educate you on butterflies and help you develop your identification skills. We will focus on butterfly natural history, capture techniques, field identification, tagging, migration and creating and maintaining butterfly habitat. Be prepared for the weather of the day as we spend time outside catching and identifying the butterflies of The Arboretum. Guest Instructor: Jessica Linton. Fee $75.00. Registration deadline: Thursday, July 5. Maximum 16 adults.
The Wonderful World of Summer Wildflowers
Friday, July 13, 2012 - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm - Discover the hidden lives of the Arboretum’s summertime flora with naturalist Richard Aaron. Similar in structure to 'The Wonderful World of Spring Wildflowers' workshop, the day will be spent outdoors engaged in a blend of hands-on exercises and stimulating discussions as we explore the natural history, ecology, lore and uses of dozens of wildflower species. From plants studied by Charles Darwin to little-known uses of milkweed, be prepared to go “beyond the field guide.” Bring lunch, your favourite wildflower field guide, and a hand lens if you have one. Guest Instructor: Richard Aaron. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Friday, July 6. Maximum: 16 adults
Nature and Wildlife Photography
Saturday, July 14, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Come out and learn how to enjoy the world of nature through photography. Join photographer Sylvia Galbraith for a discussion on equipment best suited for nature and wildlife photography, including lenses, filters, macro or close-up options and more. We'll look at tips and tricks for photographing birds and small animals, using interesting compositions and angles. Then we'll head outside to photograph the flora and fauna at the Arboretum. Bring your camera, tripod and dress for the weather. Basic to intermediate level, film or digital. Point and shoot or SLR cameras. Guest Instructor: Sylvia Galbraith. Fee: $55.00. Registration deadline: Friday, July 6. Maximum 16 adults.
Shorebirds
Not offered in 2012 - Yup, a workshop on one of the most difficult groups of birds to identify. Using plumage, shape, size, calls and behaviour, we will try to figure out all of those confusing sandpipers, plovers, phalaropes, turnstones, knots, godwits and whimbrels. If you are up for the challenge, this is the workshop for you! They really aren't that bad.... Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline. Maximum 16 adults.
Hawk Workshop: Those Magnificent Raptors
Friday, September 7, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - This workshop has been designed to help you develop your skills in identifying 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. Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley, author of Hawks and Owls of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Friday, August 31. Maximum 16 adults.
Medicinal Plants - New
Monday, September 10, 2012 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Medicinal plants abound in the Arboretum! Join naturopathic doctor, Elizabeth Cherevaty ND, for a guided tour featuring some of the native medicinal plants used in historical and modern medicine, including: mayapple, blue cohosh, bloodroot, red raspberry, celandine, hawthorn, black walnut, Solomon's seal, hepatica, plantain, wild ginger and dandelion. You'll learn which herbs are toxic in material doses and healing in homeopathic doses, and may even come away with an appreciation for dandelions as good medicine!Dr. Cherevaty is a Guelph naturopathic doctor utilizing botanical and homeopathic plant medicines regularly in her clinical family practice. Meet at the Taylor Centre for a brief introduction followed by a guided medicinal plants tour in the Aboretum grounds (rain or shine). Guest Instructor: Elizabeth Cherevaty. Fee: $35.00. Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 4. Maximum 20 adults.
Growing Native Woody Plants from Seed
Thursday, September 13, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - 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 The Arboretum's native plant nursery will help you set up your own project. Arboretum Horticulturist: Sean Fox. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Thursday, September 6. Maximum 16 adults.
Shrub Identification
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. - Neither great trees nor a carpet of bloom, the often overlooked but ecologically important shrubs and vines in our landscape will be our focus. Fresh specimens and an easy to use key for shrubs will be used. We will be outdoors for half of the day discovering southern Ontario's native and naturalized shrubs at The Arboretum. Bring a magnifying glass. Arboretum Horticulturist: Sean Fox. Fee: $75.00 Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 12. Maximum 16 adults.
Tree Identification
Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - This program will help you refine your skills at identifying trees in Ontario. The focus will be on learning important identification characteristics. Difficult groups such as the cherry, oak and walnut families as well as the easier groups such as ash and maple will be explored. The afternoon will be spent outside, identifying trees in the forest as well as young cultivated trees with their Eurasian counterparts in the World of Trees collection. Bring your field guide and binoculars. Arboretum Horticulturist: Sean Fox. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Thursday, September 13. *Maximum 16 adults.
Mushroom Workshop for Beginners
Friday, September 21 or Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - This all-day workshop will focus on developing your fungal identification skills. Following a guided walk in the wooded areas of the Arboretum in the morning, we will devote much of the afternoon to further identifying our finds in the classroom. In addition, there will be discussions on topics ranging from the crucial roles mushrooms play in the environment to cool natural history facts and intriguing scientific names. Each person will be provided with a checklist to record the day's finds and a list of suggested resources (field guides, periodicals, web sites). Guest Instructor: Richard Aaron. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Friday, September 14. Maximum 16 adults.
Mushroom Workshop: Beyond Beginner
Friday, September 28, 2012 - 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - This workshop is intended for those with some prior experience with fungi who wish to hone their identification skills. It is suitable for those who have already taken a basic mushroom workshop as well as those who have dabbled with field guides on their own. After reviewing basic terminology, we will spend the day collecting and collaborating on our finds. This is the peak season for fungal fruiting so we should find lots of things. Guest Instructor: Richard Aaron. Fee: $75.00. Registration deadline: Friday, September 21. Maximum 16 adults.
Fall Landscape Photography
Saturday, September 29, 2012 - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - This workshop will take you through the basics of creating stunning landscapes that reflect the season. The first half of the workshop will be spent inside, where we will discuss lenses, filters, tripods and other accessories that are best suited for fall landscape photography. We'll cover dealing with inclement weather, composition, lighting, creative effects, and explore working in both colour and black & white. Then we're off to the woods and meadows of the Arboretum for a field trip. Dress for the weather, rain or shine. Suitable for either film or digital photographers of all skill levels. Guest Instructor: Sylvia Galbraith. Fee: $55.00. Registration deadline: Friday, September 21. Maximum 18 adults.
Basic SLR Photography
Saturday, October 20, 2012 - 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Photography is an art form that encompasses both technical and creative skills and presents unique challenges. This course will cover a range of topics designed for the beginning SLR photographer. We will discuss the principles of photography and cover topics such as types of cameras, camera settings, lenses, ISO, determining exposures and apertures, using filters and accessories, working with composition and lighting, and more. This course will help you solve the challenges of working with a technical medium, while stimulating your creative side. Bring your camera. Suitable for both film and digital photographers. Guest Instructor: Sylvia Galbraith. Fee: $100.00. Registration deadline: Friday, October 12. Maximum 16 adults.
Reptile Workshop
Not offered in 2011 - Get up close and personal with some of Ontario's amazing reptilian fauna! Improve your identification skills and learn about the natural history of Ontario's snakes, turtles and lizards. Conservation issues will also be discussed. Participants will have the opportunity to handle a variety of live specimens. Guest Naturalist: Jeff Hathaway. Fee: $75. Registration deadline: Maximum 20 adults.
Gull workshop : Graceful, Gregarious & Simply Gorgeous
Friday, November 16, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - This workshop has been designed to help you develop your skills in the identification of wintering gulls. Through a variety of hands-on activities, you will learn about gull plumage, size differences, bill shapes and behaviours of 13 different gull species. We will also discuss the best places to watch gulls and how some gull species have adapted to the urban environment. Arboretum Naturalist: Chris Earley. Fee $75.00. Registration deadline: Friday, November 9. Maximum 16 adults.
Black and White Photography
Saturday, November 17, 2012 - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Long considered a true art form, black and white photography presents both challenges and rewards. Instructor Sylvia Galbraith will help you explore a world without colour in this course. Learn about seeing shapes and textures, patterns of light and shades of grey. We'll discuss photo editing for black and white, and converting your colour files. Then it's off to practice on the grounds of The Arboretum where the woods and gardens provide unlimited subjects for black and white photography. Dress for the weather, rain or shine. Suitable for both SLR and point and shoot photographers, film or digital. Guest Instructor: Sylvia Galbraith. Fee: $55.00. Registration deadline: Friday, November 9. Maximum 18 adults