Enjoy learning on the land. The Kortright Centre for Conservation is pleased to offer a series of courses and workshops that cater to both amateur and professional naturalists looking to learn new skills in a fun and hands-on environment.

adult nature education at Kortright Centre

COURSES

Kortright Centre visitors at outdoor workshop

WORKSHOPS

woman does yoga outdoors at Kortright Centre

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BIRDING WORKSHOPS AT TOMMY THOMPSON PARK

solar energy workshop at the Kortright Centre

SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION & TRAINING

ARCHETYPE SUSTAINABLE HOUSE TOURS

COURSES

At Kortright Centre for Conservation we understand that education is a lifelong process. To provide learning opportunities for our adult visitors, we have developed a series of adult courses, all taught by experts in the field, and designed to provide hands-on training that will allow you to apply your knowledge.

adult nature education at Kortright Centre

SELECT COURSES

ANCIENT TECHNOLOGIES I
This four-part course will take you back in time to the ancient woodland setting of the Kortright Centre.
ANCIENT TECHNOLOGIES II
Think you have the skills to survive in nature? Want to put those skills to the test?
CANCELLED: ORGANIC GARDENING
This eight-week course will cover all the skills required to grow a successful organic garden.
INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING
This seven-part course provides information and hands-on opportunities for the beginner beekeeper.
ONTARIO NATURALIST CERTIFICATION COURSE LEVEL I
Learn a vast array of naturalist skills from experts in the field.
ONTARIO NATURALIST CERTIFICATION COURSE LEVEL II
This advanced naturalist course introduces new topics and builds upon the skills learned in the Ontario Naturalist Course Level I.

WORKSHOPS

The Kortright Centre for Conservation is pleased to offer workshops that cater to both amateur and professional naturalists looking to learn new skills in a fun and hands-on environment.

Individually marked workshops are also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certificate Course Level I (*) or Level II (**).

Kortright Centre visitors at outdoor workshop

SELECT WORKSHOPS

(You can view all, or filter according to your area of interest.)

ANIMAL TRACKING (BEGINNER)
Ever wondered what made that mark in the snow? Join us for a half-day introductory workshop to learn to identify the tracks and sign of Ontario’s wildlife.
ANIMAL TRACKING (INTERMEDIATE)**
Think you know what made that mark in the snow? Join us for a half-day workshop to learn to identify the tracks and sign of Ontario’s wildlife.
BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS*
Learn about the only mammals that can fly, and discover how their incredible echo-location system works!
BIRDING TOUR OF KORTRIGHT
Join us for a day exploring the Kortright Centre property, as we watch for our resident bird species and fall migrants such as warblers and other songbirds.
BIRDS OF PREY*
Join Wild Ontario’s naturalists for an evening all about birds of prey!
BIRDS: SPARROWS**
This workshop will cover the 19 species of sparrow found in Ontario.
BIRDS: WARBLERS**
This workshop will focus on warbler natural history and identification tips and tricks.
BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO*
Learn all about butterfly biology and identification, their amazing knack for mimicry and their role in our environment.
BUZZ ON BEES*
Learn all about bee biology and identification, their role in our environment, and the threats to their health.
DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES*
Learn about the fascinating biology and migration of some of the world’s most ancient flying animals: the dragonflies and damselflies!
FERNS AND GRASSES**
This full-day session will be split between the study of ferns and grasses.
FUNGI**
This module will look into the ecosystem role, biology and identification of fungi.
GARDENING FOR THE BIRDS
Creating a refuge in your own backyard will improve the lives of birds and other wildlife — and it’s a fun and rewarding activity for your family, too!
INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS*
This workshop is a fun and educational introduction to birding, covering topics such as bird identification, bird anatomy, and where/when to look for birds in Ontario.
INTRODUCTION TO MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn the basics of nature photography under the tutelage of a professional photographer.
INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION**
This session delves into the world of Mollusca (snails, slugs, etc.), Annelida (earthworms, etc.) and Arthropoda (insects, spiders, etc.).
MAPLE SYRUP: FROM TAP TO TABLE
In this workshop you’ll learn about the process of producing maple syrup from tap to table.
METHODS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION*
This full-day session will cover the current methods and practices in environmental education.
MIDNIGHT ASTRONOMY
Receive a detailed introduction to the basics of astronomy, then venture outside to observe the night sky.
MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS**
In this module we will take a closer look at Bryophytes, including mosses, liverworts and hornworts.
REPTILES OF ONTARIO*
A hands-on workshop featuring live reptiles from around the province!
SPRING WILDFLOWERS*
Hands-on learning with an expert will teach you to identify many Ontario spring wildflowers.
TREE IDENTIFICATION*
Join an experienced urban forester for an interactive, hands-on training session to increase your Tree ID skills.
WILDFLOWERS: BEYOND THE FIELD GUIDE**
Develop your wildflower identification skills as we focus on the vast array of wildflowers in bloom at this time of year — including some more-difficult-to-ID species.

ANIMAL TRACKING (BEGINNER)
Ever wondered what made that mark in the snow? Join us for a half-day introductory workshop to learn to identify the tracks and sign of Ontario’s wildlife.
ANIMAL TRACKING (INTERMEDIATE)**
Think you know what made that mark in the snow? Join us for a half-day workshop to learn to identify the tracks and sign of Ontario’s wildlife.
BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS*
Learn about the only mammals that can fly, and discover how their incredible echo-location system works!
REPTILES OF ONTARIO*
A hands-on workshop featuring live reptiles from around the province!

BIRDING TOUR OF KORTRIGHT
Join us for a day exploring the Kortright Centre property, as we watch for our resident bird species and fall migrants such as warblers and other songbirds.
BIRDS OF PREY*
Join Wild Ontario’s naturalists for an evening all about birds of prey!
BIRDS: SPARROWS**
This workshop will cover the 19 species of sparrow found in Ontario.
BIRDS: WARBLERS**
This workshop will focus on warbler natural history and identification tips and tricks.
GARDENING FOR THE BIRDS
Creating a refuge in your own backyard will improve the lives of birds and other wildlife — and it’s a fun and rewarding activity for your family, too!
INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS*
This workshop is a fun and educational introduction to birding, covering topics such as bird identification, bird anatomy, and where/when to look for birds in Ontario.

FERNS AND GRASSES**
This full-day session will be split between the study of ferns and grasses.
FUNGI**
This module will look into the ecosystem role, biology and identification of fungi.
GARDENING FOR THE BIRDS
Creating a refuge in your own backyard will improve the lives of birds and other wildlife — and it’s a…
MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS**
In this module we will take a closer look at Bryophytes, including mosses, liverworts and hornworts.
SPRING WILDFLOWERS*
Hands-on learning with an expert will teach you to identify many Ontario spring wildflowers.
TREE IDENTIFICATION*
Join an experienced urban forester for an interactive, hands-on training session to increase your Tree ID skills.
WILDFLOWERS: BEYOND THE FIELD GUIDE**
Develop your wildflower identification skills as we focus on the vast array of wildflowers in bloom at this time of…

BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO*
Learn all about butterfly biology and identification, their amazing knack for mimicry and their role in our environment.
BUZZ ON BEES*
Learn all about bee biology and identification, their role in our environment, and the threats to their health.
DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES*
Learn about the fascinating biology and migration of some of the world’s most ancient flying animals: the dragonflies and damselflies!
INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION**
This session delves into the world of Mollusca (snails, slugs, etc.), Annelida (earthworms, etc.) and Arthropoda (insects, spiders, etc.).

INTRODUCTION TO MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn the basics of nature photography under the tutelage of a professional photographer.
MAPLE SYRUP: FROM TAP TO TABLE
In this workshop you’ll learn about the process of producing maple syrup from tap to table.
METHODS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION*
This full-day session will cover the current methods and practices in environmental education.
MIDNIGHT ASTRONOMY
Receive a detailed introduction to the basics of astronomy, then venture outside to observe the night sky.

ONLINE WORKSHOPS

Individually marked online workshops are also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certificate Course Level I (*) or Level II (**).

AMPHIBIANS OF ONTARIO*
There are 26 native amphibian species — 13 frogs, 13 salamanders and newts — found in Ontario. This self-study workshop covers identification, habitat and conservation concerns for native amphibians.
BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO*
This online workshop will cover life cycles, habitat and identification of common butterflies of Ontario.
HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE LANDSCAPE**
This online workshop will look at current and historical land use patterns in Southern Ontario and how they have influenced the current landscape.
MAMMAL TRACKING AND ID*
This online unit covers identification, including sign and tracking, of common mammal species in Ontario.
NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO*
This online session provides an introduction to the natural history of southern Ontario through the lens of ecosystems and wildlife.
WINTER TREE ID**
This online workshop will introduce tree features that are useful for winter identification of deciduous trees.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

At Kortright Centre we recognize that spending time in nature is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. In 2018, we are offering a new suite of programs to nourish your body and soul.

women do yoga outdoors at Kortright Centre

SELECT PROGRAMS

FOREST THERAPY WALK
Each 2.5 hour forest therapy walk, led by Ameeta Dudani, is a gentle experience in nature.
NATURALLY MINDFUL
This 6-week course will help you to cultivate the practice and attitudes of mindfulness meditation in daily life by learning from your own experiences and from the wisdom of nature.
SILENT RETREAT
This five-hour silent retreat, held seasonally, will give you the opportunity to experience mindfulness-in-nature practices that allow you to rest your mind, connect with yourself and your body, and deepen your relationship to nature.
YOGA + FOREST THERAPY MINI RETREAT
Enjoy the combined benefits of forest therapy and yoga. Each three-hour session, led by Ameeta Dudani, starts with an indoor yoga session and ends with a gentle experience in nature.

BIRDING WORKSHOPS AT TOMMY THOMPSON PARK

Whether you are new to the world of birdwatching or just looking to brush up on your skills, birding workshops at Tommy Thompson Park — another of TRCA’s leading-edge education centres — will allow you to build your knowledge in Toronto’s most exciting birding hotspot.

birding workshop at Tommy Thompson Park

SELECT WORKSHOPS

BIRDING BY EAR: LEARNING TO HEAR THE AVIAN LANDSCAPE
Birdwatching might as well be called “bird-listening”, so important are audio cues. In this workshop at Tommy Thompson Park, you’ll learn all about this crucial aspect of observing bird life.
BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS: A NEW WORLD ON YOUR DOORSTEP
This workshop at Tommy Thompson Park will cover basic bird identification, biology and migration, as well as choosing and using binoculars and field guides.
WATERFOWL: TORONTO’S WINTER SPECTACLE
Toronto’s lakeshore is the winter home to an amazing abundance and diversity of ducks. This workshop at Tommy Thompson Park will show how to identify these hardy species.

SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION & TRAINING

The Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program offers a wide variety of workshops and certification programs at the Kortright Centre, for both professionals and homeowners.

These programs cover disciplines such as renewable energy technologies, green building technologies, and many more.

BROWSE PROGRAMS

Kortright’s Commitment to Excellence

We offer Canada’s largest educational demonstrations of renewable energy and green buildings.
Our staff members have more than 75 years of combined experience in teaching about and installing photovoltaic (PV) systems.
We maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio (maximum of 16 students).
We offer the latest demonstrations of real systems ranging from:
- 100 watts to 90 kw
- Grid and off-grid systems
- Sloped roof top flat, roof roof, integrated and tracking systems

solar energy workshop at the Kortright Centre

SUSTAINABLE HOUSE TOURS

Take a guided tour or our two LEED Platinum-certified houses: one illustrating sustainable practices readily available today, the other demonstrating cutting-edge sustainable and renewable technologies on the horizon.

Archetype Sustainable House at Kortright Centre

Public Tours are available on the following days and times:

Saturdays and Sundays, March 4 to April 2 and every day during March Break 2018 (March 13-17) at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3 pm.
Every Saturday and Sunday in October and Thanksgiving Monday at 2:30 pm.

Tour space is limited and advance registration is required.

Please call 905-832-2289 to reserve your spot.

interior of Archetype Sustainable House

Programs for Adults

WHAT’S ON

COURSES

WORKSHOPS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BIRDING WORKSHOPS AT TOMMY THOMPSON PARK

SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION & TRAINING

ARCHETYPE SUSTAINABLE HOUSE TOURS

COURSES

SELECT COURSES

ANCIENT TECHNOLOGIES I

ANCIENT TECHNOLOGIES II

CANCELLED: ORGANIC GARDENING

INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING

ONTARIO NATURALIST CERTIFICATION COURSE LEVEL I

ONTARIO NATURALIST CERTIFICATION COURSE LEVEL II

WORKSHOPS

SELECT WORKSHOPS

ANIMAL TRACKING (BEGINNER)

ANIMAL TRACKING (INTERMEDIATE)**

BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS*

BIRDING TOUR OF KORTRIGHT

BIRDS OF PREY*

BIRDS: SPARROWS**

BIRDS: WARBLERS**

BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO*

BUZZ ON BEES*

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES*

FERNS AND GRASSES**

FUNGI**

GARDENING FOR THE BIRDS

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS*

INTRODUCTION TO MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION**

MAPLE SYRUP: FROM TAP TO TABLE

METHODS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION*

MIDNIGHT ASTRONOMY

MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS**

REPTILES OF ONTARIO*

SPRING WILDFLOWERS*

TREE IDENTIFICATION*

WILDFLOWERS: BEYOND THE FIELD GUIDE**

ANIMAL TRACKING (BEGINNER)

ANIMAL TRACKING (INTERMEDIATE)**

BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS*

REPTILES OF ONTARIO*

BIRDING TOUR OF KORTRIGHT

BIRDS OF PREY*

BIRDS: SPARROWS**

BIRDS: WARBLERS**

GARDENING FOR THE BIRDS

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS*

FERNS AND GRASSES**

FUNGI**

GARDENING FOR THE BIRDS

MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS**

SPRING WILDFLOWERS*

TREE IDENTIFICATION*

WILDFLOWERS: BEYOND THE FIELD GUIDE**

BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO*

BUZZ ON BEES*

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES*

INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION**

INTRODUCTION TO MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

MAPLE SYRUP: FROM TAP TO TABLE

METHODS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION*

MIDNIGHT ASTRONOMY

ONLINE WORKSHOPS

AMPHIBIANS OF ONTARIO*

BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO*

HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE LANDSCAPE**

MAMMAL TRACKING AND ID*

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO*

WINTER TREE ID**

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SELECT PROGRAMS

FOREST THERAPY WALK

NATURALLY MINDFUL

SILENT RETREAT

YOGA + FOREST THERAPY MINI RETREAT