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.

OUR PROGRAMS

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

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) regrettably will be postponing all in-person conferences, events and programs until further notice, to proactively protect participants, and all who would be in attendance, from the potential risk of contracting COVID-19.

Please visit the TRCA events calendar for online learning programs and workshops.

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

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES* – July 11
Learn about the fascinating biology and migration of some of the world’s most ancient flying animals: the dragonflies and damselflies!
BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO – July 19
Learn all about butterfly biology and identification, their amazing knack for mimicry and their role in our environment.
BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS* – July 21
Learn about the only mammals that can fly, and discover how their incredible echo-location system works!
MIDNIGHT ASTRONOMY – July 22
Receive a detailed introduction to the basics of astronomy, then venture outside to observe the night sky.
BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS – July 23
Learn about the only mammals that can fly, and discover how their incredible echo-location system works!
BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO* – August 8
Learn all about butterfly biology and identification, their amazing knack for mimicry and their role in our environment.
BEES* – August 22
Learn all about bee biology and identification, their role in our environment, and the threats to their health.
FERNS AND GRASSES** – September 12
This full-day session will be split between the study of ferns and grasses.
INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS – September 19
This workshop offers a fun and educational introduction to one of the most popular hobbies in North America.
BIRDING TOUR OF KORTRIGHT – September 20
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.
REPTILES OF ONTARIO* – September 26
A hands-on workshop featuring live reptiles from around the province!
INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION** – September 27
This session delves into the world of Mollusca (snails, slugs, etc.), Annelida (earthworms, etc.) and Arthropoda (insects, spiders, etc.).
MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS** – October 3
In this module we will take a closer look at Bryophytes, including mosses, liverworts and hornworts.
FUNGI** – October 17
This module will look into the ecosystem role, biology and identification of fungi.
ANIMAL TRACKING** – October 17
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.
BIRDS OF PREY* – November 10
Join Wild Ontario’s naturalists for an evening all about birds of prey!
NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO* – Online
This online session provides an introduction to the natural history of southern Ontario through the lens of ecosystems and wildlife.
AMPHIBIANS OF ONTARIO* – Online
This online workshop covers identification, habitat and conservation concerns for the 26 species of native amphibians found in Ontario.
MAMMAL TRACKING AND ID* – Online
This online unit covers identification — including sign and tracking — of common mammal species in Ontario.
HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE LANDSCAPE** – Online
This online workshop will look at current and historical land use patterns in Southern Ontario and how they have influenced the current landscape.
WINTER TREE ID** – Online
This online workshop will introduce tree features that are useful for winter identification of deciduous trees.

BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS* – July 21
Learn about the only mammals that can fly, and discover how their incredible echo-location system works!
BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS – July 23
Learn about the only mammals that can fly, and discover how their incredible echo-location system works!
REPTILES OF ONTARIO* – September 26
A hands-on workshop featuring live reptiles from around the province!
ANIMAL TRACKING** – October 17
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.

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS – September 19
This workshop offers a fun and educational introduction to one of the most popular hobbies in North America.
BIRDING TOUR OF KORTRIGHT – September 20
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* – November 10
Join Wild Ontario’s naturalists for an evening all about birds of prey!

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES* – July 11
Learn about the fascinating biology and migration of some of the world’s most ancient flying animals: the dragonflies and damselflies!
BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO – July 19
Learn all about butterfly biology and identification, their amazing knack for mimicry and their role in our environment.
BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO* – August 8
Learn all about butterfly biology and identification, their amazing knack for mimicry and their role in our environment.
BEES* – August 22
Learn all about bee biology and identification, their role in our environment, and the threats to their health.
INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION** – September 27
This session delves into the world of Mollusca (snails, slugs, etc.), Annelida (earthworms, etc.) and Arthropoda (insects, spiders, etc.).

FERNS AND GRASSES** – September 12
This full-day session will be split between the study of ferns and grasses.
MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS** – October 3
In this module we will take a closer look at Bryophytes, including mosses, liverworts and hornworts.
FUNGI** – October 17
This module will look into the ecosystem role, biology and identification of fungi.

MIDNIGHT ASTRONOMY – July 22
Receive a detailed introduction to the basics of astronomy, then venture outside to observe the night sky.

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO* – Online
This online session provides an introduction to the natural history of southern Ontario through the lens of ecosystems and wildlife.
AMPHIBIANS OF ONTARIO* – Online
This online workshop covers identification, habitat and conservation concerns for the 26 species of native amphibians found in Ontario.
MAMMAL TRACKING AND ID* – Online
This online unit covers identification — including sign and tracking — of common mammal species in Ontario.
HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE LANDSCAPE** – Online
This online workshop will look at current and historical land use patterns in Southern Ontario and how they have influenced the current landscape.
WINTER TREE ID** – Online
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. That’s why we offer a suite of programs to nourish your body and soul.

women do yoga outdoors at Kortright Centre

SELECT PROGRAMS

Nothing available at this time. Check back again soon!

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

Nothing available at this time. Check back again soon!

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 in March, and every day during March Break 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

WORKSHOPS

SELECT WORKSHOPS

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES* – July 11

BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO – July 19

BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS* – July 21

MIDNIGHT ASTRONOMY – July 22

BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS – July 23

BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO* – August 8

BEES* – August 22

FERNS AND GRASSES** – September 12

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS – September 19

BIRDING TOUR OF KORTRIGHT – September 20

REPTILES OF ONTARIO* – September 26

INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION** – September 27

MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS** – October 3

FUNGI** – October 17

ANIMAL TRACKING** – October 17

BIRDS OF PREY* – November 10

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO* – Online

AMPHIBIANS OF ONTARIO* – Online

MAMMAL TRACKING AND ID* – Online

HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE LANDSCAPE** – Online

WINTER TREE ID** – Online

BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS* – July 21

BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS – July 23

REPTILES OF ONTARIO* – September 26

ANIMAL TRACKING** – October 17

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDS – September 19

BIRDING TOUR OF KORTRIGHT – September 20

BIRDS OF PREY* – November 10

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES* – July 11

BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO – July 19

BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO* – August 8

BEES* – August 22

INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION** – September 27

FERNS AND GRASSES** – September 12

MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS** – October 3

FUNGI** – October 17

MIDNIGHT ASTRONOMY – July 22

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO* – Online

AMPHIBIANS OF ONTARIO* – Online

MAMMAL TRACKING AND ID* – Online

HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE LANDSCAPE** – Online

WINTER TREE ID** – Online

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SELECT PROGRAMS

BIRDING WORKSHOPS AT TOMMY THOMPSON PARK

SELECT WORKSHOPS

SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION & TRAINING

Kortright’s Commitment to Excellence

SUSTAINABLE HOUSE TOURS

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