ANCIENT TECHNOLOGIES I

This four-part course will take you back in time to the ancient woodland setting of the Kortright Centre.

Join expert outdoorsman Jonathan Thompson to learn about the four essential elements of survival: fire, shelter, water and food. Learn the art of fire by friction and make your own fire-bow kit to take home.

This course will cover a variety of important skills essential to survival including cordage, tracking, shelter building, finding potable water and foraging.

2018 COURSE DATES
Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am to 1 pm
May 5, 6, 12 and 13, 2018

PRICING
$169 + HST

ANCIENT TECHNOLOGIES II

This two-day follow-up to Ancient Technologies I includes an overnight in your self-built shelter.

In this class, we take the topics introduced in Ancient Technologies I and apply them to a real survival situation. You’ll need to build your shelter for the night, start your own fire (or eat a cold dinner!), harvest wild-edible plants, and live a full-immersion survival experience for short period of time.

2019 DATES COMING SOON.

INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING

This seven-part course provides information and hands-on opportunities for the beginner beekeeper.

Led by experienced apiarists, this course will walk you through the active bee season, April to November. Participants will learn how to:

• Build hive equipment
• Perform status checks of active hives
• Assess the health of the Queen
• Control for pests and diseases
• Harvest honey
• Prepare hives for winter

Each session includes both in-class learning and hands-on experience in the bee yard with experts. Veils and jackets available on request.

2018 COURSE DATES

Mondays, 1 pm to 4 pm
April 9, May 7, June 4, July 9, Aug 13, Sept 10 and Nov 5

NEW! Sundays, 10 am to 1 pm
April 22, May 13, June 10, July 15, Aug 19, Sept 23 and October 28

PRICING
$299 + HST

ONTARIO NATURALIST CERTIFICATION COURSE LEVEL I

Learn a vast array of naturalist skills from experts in the field.

This blended learning course, targeted at budding or amateur naturalists, combines 40 hours of in-class, hands-on instruction and self-paced online learning.

In this course you will learn species identification, ecological significance, biology, memory aids, and threats to local flora and fauna. This newfound knowledge will help you experience the natural world in a whole new way.

This course has a maximum cohort of 20 students to ensure high quality, individualized learning.

The following 12 modules are included in this certification course and are also available as individually priced workshops. LEARN MORE.

2018 COURSE DATES

Module 1: Introduction to Birds, Saturday April 14 & Sunday April 15
Module 2: Wildflower and Tree Identification, Saturday June 23
Module 3: Dragonflies and Damselflies, Saturday July 14
Module 4: Bat ID & Survey Methods, Thursday July 19
Module 5: Butterflies, Saturday August 11
Module 6: Bees, Saturday August 25
Module 7: Reptiles of Ontario, Saturday September 29
Module 8: Methods in Environmental Education, Saturday October 20
Module 9: Birds of Prey, Thursday November 15
Module 10: Natural History of Southern Ontario, Online
Module 11: Amphibians of Ontario, Online
Module 12: Mammal Tracking and ID, Online

Course dates and times have been determined based on the best season and time of day for viewing wildlife in the field and speaker availability.

An Ontario Naturalist Level I certificate will be issued when all course modules are completed.

PRICING
$429 + HST

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.

This blended learning course, targeted at experienced naturalists or professionals working in the field, combines 50 hours of in-class, hands-on instruction and self-paced online learning.

In addition to online and in-class learning, a minimum of 30 volunteers hours are required to complete the certificate course. This course has a maximum cohort of 20 students to ensure high quality, individualized learning.

This course is open to students who have completed the Ontario Naturalist Course Level I or who can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience.

2018 COURSE DATES
Times: 9 am to 4 pm (except where noted)

Module 1: Birds: Warblers, Saturday, April 28
Module 2: Ferns and Grasses, Saturday, October 13
Module 3: Wildflowers: Beyond the Field Guide, Sunday June 24
Module 4: Sparrows, Saturday, September 29
Module 5: Invertebrate Identification, Sunday, September 30
Module 6: Mosses and Liverworts, Saturday, October 6
Module 7: Animal Tracking, Sunday October 7, 9 am to 12 pm
Module 8: Fungi, Sunday, October 7,  1 pm to 4 pm
Module 9: Human Impacts on the Landscape, Online
Module 10: Winter Tree ID, Online

Course dates and times have been determined based on the best season and time of day for viewing wildlife in the field and speaker availability.

An Ontario Naturalist Level II certificate will be issued when all course modules are completed.

NOTE: These courses can also be taken as individual workshops. Full day workshops are $79 + HST, half day workshops are $39 + HST and online classes are $10 + HST. There is a 10% discount offered to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff.

For more detailed information, please email Natalie Swaak at nswaak@trca.on.ca.

PRICING
$459 + HST

Need help with your booking?
Please contact Caroline MacGillivray at 416-667-6295 x 602

ORGANIC GARDENING

This eight-week course will cover all the skills required to grow a successful organic garden.

Led by experienced educator and knowledgeable organic farmer Buchi Onakufe, the course will include both indoor and hands-on outdoor learning.

The course will meet once per month throughout the growing season at Akachi Farms, our on-site organic farm.

Topics will include: seeding, site preparation, transplanting, planting for maximum yield, weed control, succession planting, backyard chickens, pest control, seed saving and harvesting.

Please bring gardening gloves, knee pads (if desired), sunscreen, hat, bug repellent, a snack and a water bottle.

2018 COURSE DATES
Sundays, 1 pm to 4 pm
March 25, April 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug 26, Sept 23 and Oct 14

PRICING
$349 + HST (8 Sessions)

NOTE
Late registrations will be accepted over the phone by calling Caroline MacGillivray at 416-667-6295.
Pricing will be prorated to $305 for those starting the course on Sunday April 22.

ANIMAL TRACKING**

Building upon the animal tracking unit in Level I of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course, we will look at sign and tracks in the field to increase proficiency in animal tracking.

Additionally, we will work with tracking tools to learn techniques hands-on.

Instructor: Lee Earle

** Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level II.

WORKSHOP DATE
Sunday, October 7, 2018 – 9 am to 12 pm

PRICING
$39 + HST

BAT ID AND SURVEY METHODS*

Learn about the only mammals that can fly, and discover how their incredible echo-location system works!

The evening will begin with a presentation covering a wide variety of bat-related topics, including the species native to Ontario and threats such as White-nose Syndrome.

The participants will then go out onto the Kortright Centre property to view live bats as they forage for insects overhead and identify them using sophisticated audio detection tools!

Guest Instructor: Chris Ketola

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

WORKSHOP DATE
Tuesday, July 17, 2018 – 7 pm to 10 pm

PRICING
$29 + HST

BIRDING TOUR OF KORTRIGHT*

Join expert birder Justin Peter for a day exploring the Kortright Centre property.

The Kortright Centre is a local hotspot for bird activity. In addition to our resident bird species, we’ll watch for fall migrants, including warblers and other songbirds and raptors.

Binoculars will be provided, but please bring your own if you have them.

About the Instructor: Justin Peter is Vice President of the Toronto Ornithological Club and a former head naturalist for Algonquin Park. He currently runs tours for Quest Nature Tours.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

WORKSHOP DATE
Sunday, September 9, 2018 – 9 am to 2 pm

PRICING
$69 + HST

BIRDS OF PREY*

Join Wild Ontario’s naturalists for an evening all about birds of prey!

In the first part of this program we’ll cover the basics of biology, natural history and identification. Then meet some of Wild Ontario’s special (feathered) guests, up close and personal.

Finally, head out for a walk on the trails as we try to hear, or maybe even see, some of Kortright’s elusive nocturnal inhabitants.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

WORKSHOP DATE
Thursday, November 15, 2018 – 7 pm to 9:30 pm

PRICING
$45 + HST

BIRDS: SPARROWS**

In this module we will study the 19 species of sparrows found in Ontario.

Using field markings, habitat, song and behaviour as a guide, this module will help you become more confident in your sparrow ID abilities. At the end of this workshop you will no longer need to call them “those little brown jobs”.

Instructor: Emily Rondel

** Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level II.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday September 29, 2018 – 9 am to 4 pm

PRICING
$79 + HST

BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO*

This workshop will give you a close-up look at these beauties of nature.

Learn all about butterfly biology and identification, their amazing knack for mimicry and their role in our environment. Then go out and look for these incredible insects in the field.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday, August 11, 2018 – 9 am to 4 pm

PRICING
$79 + HST

BUZZ ON BEES*

This workshop will give you an up-close and personal look into the lives of these incredible insects.

Learn all about bee biology and identification, their role in our environment, and the threats to their health.

We will also tour the active hives and bee education centre at the Kortright Centre. Build a native bee habitat to take home!

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday, August 25, 2018 – 9 am to 12 pm

PRICING
$29 + HST

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES*

Learn about the fascinating biology and migration of some of the world’s most ancient flying animals: the dragonflies and damselflies!

Join Odonata expert David d’Entremont for a whirlwind tour of these strikingly beautiful insects and venture outdoors to learn some in-the-field identification while observing dragonflies and damselflies in their natural habitats.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday, July 14, 2018 – 12 pm to 4 pm

PRICING
$39 + HST

FERNS AND GRASSES**

This full-day session will be split between the study of ferns and grasses.

Ferns are an ancient species of vascular plant. Their history long precedes seed plants and they rely on minute spores to reproduce. Learn the biology, habitat requirements and characteristics of ferns necessary to identify them in the field.

Grasses are an abundant species in ecosystems throughout Ontario. This module will look at grass taxonomy, biology and cover the differences between grasses, sedges and rushes, which all belong to different plant families.

** Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level II.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday, October 13, 9 am to 4 pm

PRICING
$79 + HST

FUNGI**

Fungi (mushrooms) have long been prized in the culinary world. Lesser known is their important ecological role as decomposers that recycle dead plants into nutrients used by other plant life.

This module will look into the ecosystem role, biology and identification of these great decomposers.

Instructor: Katherine Vatcher

** Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level II.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday, October 7, 2018 – 1 pm to 4 pm

PRICING
$39 + HST

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!

Join Kristen Martyn as she explores how you can create a garden for the birds and other wildlife to enjoy.

This presentation focuses on the four key elements of attracting wildlife, as well as the use of specific types of plants (with emphasis on native plants).

WORKSHOP DATE
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 – 7 pm to 8:30 pm

PRICING
$19 + HST

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDING*

Join instructor Emily Rondel to learn the basics of birding.

Bird watching is one of the most popular hobbies in North America — and with a wide variety of birds living in our backyards, nearby parks and outdoor spaces, it’s easy to understand why.

This workshop is a fun and educational introduction to birding, covering topics such as bird identification, bird anatomy, how to choose and use binoculars and where/when to look for birds in Ontario.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday, September 8, 2018 – 9 am to 3:30 pm

PRICING
$79 + HST

INTRODUCTION TO MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

Learn macro photography skills from professional photographer Max Skwarna.

Capture close-up images of flowers, insects and other small subjects on the 555 acres of nature found at Kortright.

This interactive workshop is geared towards photographers with basic photographic knowledge. Techniques to create stunning close-ups and macro photography will be explored through in-class theory, outdoor practical applications and a hands-on indoor session using miniature studios to practice the techniques participants have learned throughout the day.

Please note that participants will require a camera that has macro capabilities and a tripod.

If you require a tripod please contact Max at: max@maxskwarna.com.

WORKSHOP DATE
Sunday, August 26, 2018, 9 am to 12 pm
(Maximum 16 participants)

PRICING
$59 + HST

INTRODUCTION TO NATURE JOURNALING

Keeping a nature journal is a wonderful way to develop a personal connection with nature.

Paired with a field guide and binoculars, a nature journal can be an excellent tool for improving your naturalist skills.

This is an introductory class for participants of all backgrounds and abilities. Artistic ability, while helpful, is not a requirement for getting started with nature journaling.

Instructor: Natalie Swaak

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday, May 12, 2018 – 9 am to 12 pm

PRICING
$29 + HST

INTRODUCTION TO NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Learn the basics of Nature photography with professional photographer Max Skwarna.

This in-depth photography workshop will consist of two hours of instruction and practice on macro photography and two hours of in-the-field landscape photography.

For a look at Max Skwarna’s outstanding nature photography find him on the web at maxskwarna.com or on Instagram at #flashbulb555.

Cameras and tripods are not provided; please bring your own.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday, May 26, 2018 – 9 am to 12 pm

PRICING
$59 + HST

INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION**

Invertebrates make up about 97% of the world’s species — and yet they seem to attract the least attention from naturalists. This session will move beyond “charismatic” invertebrate species and delve deeper into their world.

There are approximately 30 phyla of invertebrates, but for the sake of this course we will focus on the Mollusca (snails, slugs, etc.), Annelida (earthworms, etc.) and Arthropoda (insects, spiders, etc.).

Instructor: Dan Sneider

** Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level II.

WORKSHOP DATE
Sunday September 30, 2018 – 9 am to 4 pm

PRICING
$79 + HST

NEW! MAPLE SYRUP: FROM TAP TO TABLE

In this workshop you’ll learn about the process of producing maple syrup from tap to table.

You’ll experience a personalized tour through the maple bush, sample our syrup, learn about tree identification, and see how our demonstration sugar shack runs.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday, March 3, 2018 – 10 am to 12 pm

PRICING
$25 + HST

METHODS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION*

An important part of being a naturalist is sharing your knowledge with others. This full-day session will cover the current methods and practices in environmental education.

You will gain hands-on experience in delivering environmental education programming and work with an experienced outdoor educator to learn the principles of environmental education.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday, October 20, 2018 – 9 am to 3 pm

PRICING
$69 + HST

MIDNIGHT ASTRONOMY

First, receive a detailed introduction to the basics of astronomy through an indoor presentation. Learn your way around the night sky in an amazing portable planetarium.

Next, we’ll venture out into the darkness for naked-eye viewing of constellations, more detailed observations with binoculars (provided) and viewing planets and deep-sky objects through telescopes of amateur astronomers.

WORKSHOP DATE
Wednesday, July 18, 2018 – 8:30 pm to 12 am

PRICING
$45 + HST

MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS**

Bryophytes are a group of small herbaceous non-vascular land plants that includes mosses, liverworts and hornworts. Mosses and liverworts share the same habitat and can be often found growing together.

In this module we will take a closer look at these species and begin to learn how to identify them in the field.

Instructor: David Bradley

** Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level II.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday October 6, 2018 – 9 am to 4 pm

PRICING
$79 + HST

REPTILES OF ONTARIO*

A hands-on workshop featuring live reptiles from around the province!

Learn how to identify and conserve Ontario’s snakes, turtles, and lizard from Jeff Hathaway of Scales Nature Park. Learn threats and conservation issues key identification features, distribution, handling techniques, and much more!

Participants will have the opportunity to handle various live species.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certificate Course.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday, September 29, 2018 – 9 am to 12 pm

PRICING
$45 + HST

SPRING WILDFLOWERS*

Hands on learning with an expert will teach you to identify many Ontario spring wildflowers, including trout lily, trilliums, bloodroot, mayapple, hepatica and dutchman’s breeches.

Guest Instructor: Brian Ford

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday June 23, 2018 – 9 am to 4 pm

PRICING
$79 + HST

TREE IDENTIFICATION*

Join Natalie Swaak, an experienced urban forester, for an interactive, hands-on training session to increase your Tree ID skills.

This course will cover common tree species found in Ontario, natural history knowledge, keys and tips and tricks for identifying tree species.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday June 16, 2018 – 9 am to 12 pm

PRICING
$29 + HST

WILDFLOWERS: BEYOND THE FIELD GUIDE**

Further develop your wildflower identification skills as we focus on the vast array of wildflowers in bloom at this time of year, including time devoted to more-difficult-to-ID species.

In addition, we will discuss topics that are “beyond the field guide,” such as the meanings behind some of the Latin names, plus various strategies wildflowers use to get pollinated, disperse their seeds, and defend themselves.

** Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level II.

WORKSHOP DATE
Sunday June 24, 2018 – 9 am to 4 pm

PRICING
$79 + HST

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.

This module consists of a lesson, field study and quiz, all of which are required to complete the section.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

PRICING
$10 + HST

BUTTERFLIES OF ONTARIO*

This online workshop will cover life cycles, habitat and identification of common butterflies of Ontario.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

PRICING
$10 + HST

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.

The effects of human activities on the biological world will also be examined in both an historical and contemporary context. Finally, ecologically appropriate restoration will be introduced.

** Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level II.

PRICING
$10 + HST

MAMMAL TRACKING AND ID*

This unit covers identification including sign and tracking of common mammal species in Ontario.

There are 86 wild species of mammal found in Ontario. Of these, 38 are found in the Greater Toronto Area and 10 species are locally extirpated.

This module consists of a lesson, field study and quiz, all of which are required to complete the section.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

PRICING
$10 + HST

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO*

This session provides an introduction to the natural history of southern Ontario through the lens of ecosystems and wildlife.

Learn about the ecosystems unique to southern Ontario including the Niagara Escarpment, Point Pelee, and Bruce Peninsula.

* Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level I.

PRICING
$10 + HST

WINTER TREE ID**

This online workshop will introduce tree features that are useful for winter identification of deciduous trees.

From bark to buds to leaf scars, you will learn to read these winter clues to tree ID. We will focus on common native Ontario trees and shrubs.

** Also offered as part of the Ontario Naturalist Certification Course Level II.

PRICING
$10 + HST

ECOPSYCHOLOGY

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in an eight-week program that explores the principles of Ecopsychology and Eco Art Therapy.

Walking through this program, participants gradually gain a deeper sense of self-value, one’s relationship with nature, and a desire to engage with nature as a trusted and valued aspect of one’s own life.

Each week, participants will be introduced to new concepts, which they will then apply to practical activities and then reflect both collectively and individually.

Explore ways to gain a deeper understanding of how nature communicates, and what we can learn from this in our own lives. Challenge yourself to think beyond the five senses and stimulate your inner green. Get creative as we explore Eco-Art activities that go beyond the barriers of artistic techniques. Integrate yourself with Nature and the numerous life systems that intricately flow all around us.

Guest Instructor: Memona Hossain.

2018 COURSE DATES
Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 pm to 8 pm
June 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27

PRICING
$299 + HST for eight-week course

FOREST THERAPY WALK

Forest therapy is a concept based upon the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku (“forest bathing”): the practice of immersing yourself in nature — or more specifically the forest — and connecting with the forest in a deep, mindful way that allows for inner and outer healing.

A forest therapy walk isn’t just a walk in the forest: it’s a slow, intentional journey with various mindful and nature connection practices integrated to engage every one of our senses, and to allow for deep healing and connection.  In forest therapy, the guide opens the door and nature is the therapist.

Individuals of all ages and abilities are able to participate. No particular fitness level or previous experience is needed – simply an openness.  We don’t go very far in a mindful forest therapy walk: we learn that a little actually goes a long way for us, and discover the importance of “slowing down.”

Each 2.5 hour walk will be completely outdoors, so it is important to dress in layers, and wear clothing appropriate for the weather.

DATES & TIMES
Sunday September 30,  2018 – 10 am to 12:30 pm
Sunday October 28, 2018 – 10 am to 12:30 pm
Sunday November 25 – 10 am to 12:30 pm

PRICING
$45 + HST

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.

Cultivating mindfulness enhances our ability to connect with nature and trains our minds and hearts to live in the present moment. Practicing mindfulness in nature can help us get to know ourselves better and learn to more easily switch from the busy “doing” (reactive) move to “being” (responsive) mode.

Each two-hour session, led by Ameeta Dudani, will include teachings, guided practice in nature, periods of silence, mindful journaling, and group discussion. No experience with mindfulness is required for this course.

In the tradition of most mindfulness courses, this course will include a silent retreat.

2019 COURSE DATES COMING SOON.