Sustainable Maple Syrup Walk & Learn (Feb 2018 & March 2019)

Presented by by Coordinator of Education, Camps, and Community Outreach Jimmy Vincent

This tour of the Humber Arboretum's sustainable urban sugar bush included seeing a tree tapped, tasting maple sap, and seeing sap in the process of being boiled down into syrup in the Arboretum's outdoor evaporator. 

Balcony Gardening with the TRCA  (March 2019)

Led by Emily Rondel from Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA)

This workshop explored many elements of gardening in small spaces including plant and container choices and more uncommon considerations such as wind and weight. 

Creative Writing Mindfulness  (Feb 2019)

Led by Nature Interpreter Tanisha Rajput

This indoor session began with the mindfulness practice of a sit-spot, after which the group was given a variety of writing prompts to help spark their creativity. 

Winter Tracking  (Jan 2019)

Led by Sr. Nature Interpreter Reid Williamson

After making a list of the species likely to leave tracks in the Arboretum in winter, the group strapped on snowshoes and headed out to discover all the features to look for when trying to identify what type of wildlife had left their mark. See photos from the workshop on Facebook.

What is Nature RX? The Benefits of Spending Time in Nature  (Nov 2018)

Led by Coordinator of Camps, Education, and Community Outreach Jimmy Vincent

Attendees learned about the growing body of evidence showing physical and mental health benefits that come from spending time in nature, along with outcomes our staff have personally witnessed from nature camp, mindfulness, and other Arboretum activities.

Fall Nature Photography Walk (Oct 2018)

Led by Coordinator of Camps, Education, and Community Outreach Jimmy Vincent and Communications Assistant Marilyn Campbell

A walk through the meadow and forest explored the details of fall through the lens - whether that lens was attached to a DSLR or the back of a cellphone.  

Meet the Birds of the Tranquility Bird Garden (October 2018)

Led by Coordinator of Education, Camps, and Community Outreach Jimmy Vincent

Weather kept most of the birds away, but participants learned about the development of the garden and how its features support local and migratory birds. 

National Tree Day: Fall Changes and Tree ID Tour (Sept 2018)

Led by Coordinator of Education, Camps, and Community Outreach Jimmy Vincent

On a day dedicated to celebrating trees, we took a hands-on look at species from near and far. 

Nature Photography Walk (June 2018)

Led by Communications Assistant Marilyn Campbell

Participants took a tour of the Arboretum full of tips for taking interesting photos of plants and wildlife with minimal disturbance to the natural environment. Whether you're using a cellphone camera, point and shoot, or DSLR, the focus was on taking advantage of what your equipment is already good at. 

Simple Citizen Science: Take Ten for the Birds (June 2018)

Presented by Communications Assistant Marilyn Campbell

Got ten minutes and a view of the outdoors? You don't need to be a nature expert to become a citizen scientist. Participants learned how easy it is to get started learning common birds and for anyone to contribute much-needed Stationary Counts to the international eBird database. This was a beginner workshop - absolutely no bird-watching or citizen science experience was necessary!

Putting Toronto’s Ravine Strategy into Action: Humber’s Sustainable Pond Project (May 2018)

Presented by Humber Arboretum Director Alexandra Link and staff from the TRCA

The new Sustainable Pond Project at Humber College is an exciting restoration project which will help protect the health of the Humber River while providing improved wildlife habitat and gathering spaces for the community. During Toronto's Ravine Days celebration, attendees heard about the benefits of the project and how it will help support the city's new Ravine Strategy.

Connecting Kids with Nature (April 2018)

Presented by Coordinator of Education, Camps, and Community Outreach Jimmy Vincent

Participants joined Jimmy Vincent for a tour of the Arboretum that highlighted what his decade of experience running camps and nature programs at the Centre for Urban Ecology has taught him about how to get kids engaged with and excited about the natural world.

Sustainable Snapshots: Ethical Nature Photography (March 2018)

Presented by Communications Assistant Marilyn Campbell

It’s never been easier to get outside and take a great photo – but did your last selfie cause unintentional harm? Participants learned how to take plant, wildlife, and landscape photos that not only avoid a negative impact, but can actually help the natural world.

Exploring Art & Ecology (Feb & March 2018)

Presented by Senior Nature Interpreter Benjamin Verdicchio

The Art & Ecology program at the Centre for Urban Ecology is a hit with school groups and nature campers alike. Learn about the ideas behind creating place-based art using natural materials and discover how people of any age can use those ideas to engage with the outdoors.

Beech, Birch, or Buckeye? An Introduction to Tree ID (March 2018)

Presented by Senior Nature Interpreter Ken MacGillivray

Ever wonder which maples are good for making syrup? Want to know why the words coniferous and evergreen don’t mean the same thing? This introduction to a variety trees species included tips on how to go beyond leaves and use bark, branches, and buds to help you solve any tree mystery. 

(Gardening for) The Birds and the Bees (Feb 2018)

Presented by Coordinator of Education, Camps, and Community Outreach Jimmy Vincent

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by spreading the love to the natural world – learn how to design a garden that birds and pollinators will adore. Growing native plants is a great way to help combat the loss of habitat, all while bringing more life to your yard. 

Indoor Plants for Rez Rooms and Beyond (Jan 2018)

Presented by Greenhouse Technician Valeria Wuschnakowski

You don’t need a yard to add a little more life to your living space! Join Arboretum staff for a beginner’s guide to growing indoor plants. Learn about types of containers, different soils and other growing mediums, placement tips, and watering techniques. Pot a young spider plant and snake plant to take home.

Sparrow, Swallow, or Chickadee? An Introduction to Bird ID (Jan 2018)

Presented by Senior Nature Interpreter Ken MacGillivray

Would you like to know more about the local birds you see every day? Join Arboretum staff for a fun, free presentation on local birds. Get an overview of bird families & types; learn what field marks are and how to use them; and learn to recognize a few of our favourite feathered friends.