Nature Guelph, in partnership with The Arboretum, University of Guelph is offering this program in and around the J.C. Taylor Nature Interpretive Centre, surrounded by the diverse flora and fauna of The Arboretum.
Participants: Elementary school students between ages 6 and 10
Pricing: $100 per person
Schedule: One Saturday a month, September through June
10:00 am–12:00 pm (with the exception of December Bird Banding, January Owl Prowl and April Dance of the Timberdoodle). See details below.
Location: J.C. Taylor Nature Interpretive Centre, University of Guelph Arboretum, 270 Arboretum Road, Guelph
Registration: Register below. Space is limited to 20 participants.
Intake Form Required: A completed form for each participant will also be required to complete registration.
Although the programs are designed to be attended by your children only, you are invited to join them for the evening events: Owl Prowl on January 17 and Dance of the Timberdoodle on April 18.
Drop-off and pick-up is at the J.C. Taylor Nature Centre unless otherwise communicated by program facilitators. Parents/Guardians must sign their child in and out for each program. Each program starts promptly at 10:00 am. Please arrive on time as we will often be off-site by 10:15 am. Staff will be setting up prior to 10:00 am. If you arrive early, please stay with your child until the program begins.
Please email youthprograms@natureguelph.ca if you have any questions.
September 13
In late summer and early fall, goldenrod is buzzing with activity! From monarchs and bees, to ambush bugs and tiny beetles, goldenrod has it all. This session we will be exploring the diversity of life that use these bright yellow flowers.
October 18
Fungi are neither plants nor animals – they’re in a kingdom of their own! The fall is one of the best times to find mushrooms, so join us for a foray as we explore the fascinating world of fungi.
November 8
Ever noticed some weird bumps on a leaf or strange swelling on a stem of a plant? Inside, there is a whole other world of insects, mites, bacteria, and fungi! This session we will be exploring the hidden world of galls that can be found in The Arboretum.
December 6, 9:00–11:00 am
Chris Earley will be leading this session as we explore the lives of our feathered friends. Young Naturalists will use The Arboretum binoculars to get a closer look at our winter residents and learn more about their songs and behaviours. The early bird gets the worm, so we will be starting this session at 9:00 am to make the most of our time with the birds!
January 10, 6:00–8:00 pm
Whooo is living in The Arboretum forests at night? Join us in the evening for a special Young Naturalists program where we will be heading out to find the owls that call The Arb home. Make sure to dress warmly and bring flashlights or headlamps since we will be walking around in the dark trying to find our nocturnal friends.
February 14
Have you ever come across tracks in the snow but were not sure who made them? Bundle up because we’re exploring animal tracks and learning who is living in The Arboretum during winter!
March 7
Trees are the giants of our forests, providing food, shelter and habitat for wildlife. Join us as we take a stroll through our forests and meet some of our endangered trees that call The Arboretum home.
April 18, 6:30–8:30 pm
Mud Bat, Labrador Twister, Bog Sucker and Timberdoodle; what do all of these have in common? The American Woodcock! Known by many different (and strange) names, these elusive birds put on a magnificent dance in the evening sky. Join us for this evening session to watch the show.
May 16
It’s better down where it’s wetter, and ponds are the perfect place to explore the often-overlooked underwater world. Rain boots are strongly recommended and a change of clothes for any intrepid explorers might be handy.
June 13
There isn’t a corner of the world that insects don’t inhabit, and The Arboretum is no exception. Join us and find out why insects are the little things that run the world!