Guelph Urban Forest Friends

Arboretum Expo & Plant Sale
2023-09-09 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | University of Guelph – Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
A community celebration of trees and the many exciting things happening in the Arboretum lands! Join us for tours of the grounds, trails, gardens, research projects, tree climbing demonstrations, and an in-person Plant Sale. Take home an interesting woody plant, grown in the Arboretum greenhouse and tended to by our dedicated staff and volunteers.

Gazebo Events and Performances

10:00 – 10:10
Greeting, Land Acknowledgement and Welcome

10:10 – 11:00
Musical Performance by Reza Yazdanpanah

11:00 – 12:00
Moccasin Identifier Project, Carolyn King

12:00 – 12:30
GUFF Henry Kock Tree Stewardship Award

12:30 – 12:45
Hear, Here Arboretum Presentation, Kim Martin

1:00 – 1:30
Climate Change Theatre Action Reading, Kim McLeod

1:30 – 1:45
How to Draw a Tree Presentation, Dawn Matheson & Richelle Forsey

2:00 – 3:00
Musical Performance by The Elderly Brothers

3:00 – 3:10
Closing Remarks

Tours and Demonstrations
(departure time from the West Lawn)

10:15
Kids Tree Hike
Arboretum Naturalist Team

10:30
Wildlife Habitat Demonstration
Kellen Wood & Mike Yost

11:00
Honey Bee Research Centre Tour
Honey Bee Research Centre

11:00
Arboretum Side Trail Hike
Guelph Hiking Club

11:30
Gosling Wildlife Garden Tour
Nature Guelph

12:15
Arboretum Tree Tour
Arboretum Naturalist Team

12:30
Formal Gardens Tour
Cael Wishart

1:00
Tree Climbing Demonstration
Kellen Wood & Mike Yost

1:30
Elm Recovery Project Tour
Aron Fazekas

1:50
How to Draw a Tree Tour
Dawn Matheson & Richelle Forsey

2:00
Arboretum Side Trail Hike
Guelph Hiking Club

2:30
Gosling Wildlife Garden Tour
Nature Guelph

3:30
Tree Planting Circle at Johnston Green
Dawn Matheson & Richelle Forsey

All Day Booths and Activities (10am to 3pm) in the Arboretum Centre / West Lawn

Woody Plant Sale
The Arboretum

Ask a Gardener! Information Table
Guelph Wellington Master Gardeners

Outdoors Club Gear Camp-Themed Relay Race
The Outdoors Club

Plant ID and Sketching
The SciArt & Botany Clubs

Insect Table and Insect Hunt
The Wildlife Club

Honey Bee Education & Honey Sales
Honeybee Research Center

Biodiversity & Sustainabilty Info Table
UofG Biodiversity Inventory & Sustainability Office

Moccasin Identifier Project Presentation and Information Table
Carolyn King (The Moccasin Identifier Project)

Cycling Tips, Plans, & E-Bikes!
Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation Cycling

Information Table
Yorklands Green Hub

Guelph Urban Forests Friends Information Table
GUFF / Tree Trust / Pollination Guelph

Wild Ontario Bird Demonstration
Wild Ontario

Guelph Public Library Book Mobile
Guelph Public Library

Nature Guelph Information Table
Nature Guelph

Community Tree Plans
Trees for Guelph

Soundwalk of Oral Histories & Button Making Table
Hear, Here Arboretum

Organic Veggies & Information Table
Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming

Sustainable Water & Healthy Landscapes
City of Guelph

Compass and Mapping Activity & Information Table
Wild Outside

Information Table
Focus on Nature

Concession stands:
Laza Food Truck

Little Tree Cafe

Guelph Water Wagon

Offsite Tours and Demonstrations

Guelph Trial Garden (@ Turfgrass Institute)
10:30 – 11:15 AM
Flower Arranging Demonstration

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Trial Garden Open House 2023 – Varieties and Favorites Voting

Tours of Turfgrass Research

Master Gardener’s advice table

Houseplant and perennial sale

At the Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Open House with Samples of Flowers and Veggies

11:00 AM
Guided Tour

12:30 PM
Tool Demonstration

2:00 PM
Guided Tour

On Johnston Green
3:30 PM
How to Draw a Tree – Tree Planting Circle with Dawn Matheson

For more information: https://arboretum.uoguelph.ca/education-events/ArbExpo?fbclid=IwAR0Jo0dfXKvjrPXU3d0keNagLfxaLzFzvpIBGPbZJ-VrRcShYuNGsBfqpMk

Caring for Trees Throughout their Life Cycle
2023-09-12 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | ON
Planting trees is important, but so is looking after our existing urban forest. Just like people, trees at various stages of life have different needs. Depending on their age there are many different things we can do to help our trees thrive.
The City of Guelph’s urban forest is made up of trees from streets, parks and natural areas most of which grow on private land. Private land also offers the greatest opportunity to plant more trees to grow the city’s tree canopy.
The importance of a healthy urban forest has never been more evident than with the growing occurrences of wildfires and flooded basements due to climate change. Trees in our cities help to improve air quality, reduce flooding, keep our cities cool, provide essential habitat and food sources for many types of wildlife and contribute to making our neighbourhoods great places to live. As much as trees help us to adapt to climate change, they are equally dependent upon us to ensure that they can grow and thrive.
Learn about some practical ways to care for trees at different stages of their life cycle:
The role of trees in our modern cities

Critical infrastructure
Tree canopy

Best practices for tree care

Establishing new trees
Juvenile
Mature
Senescence

Local Action

Guelph Urban Forest Friends
Guelph Tree Trust – caring for our legacy trees

Caring for legacy trees: Guelph Urban Forest Friends & Guelph Tree Trust

Speaker
Adele Pierre, Landscape Architect and ISA Certified Arborist
Landscape architect and ISA arborist, Adele Pierre leads an award winning design firm specializing in the creation of beautiful, low maintenance landscapes. Mindful of the effects of climate change on our natural systems, Adele incorporates native plantings in all projects to provide habitat for pollinators, build healthy soils and manage rainwater. Along with her husband, a musician and woodworker, she enjoys country life on 2 acres in Haldimand County with a large vegetable garden, laying hens, honey bees and an extensive collection of native flowering shrubs and perennials to feed the bees. Their honey, mead and honey beer are spectacular.

to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/caring-for-trees-throughout-their-life-cycle-tickets-687500431297?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Tree Festival at Yorklands
2023-09-17 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Yorklands, 785 York Road, Guelph, ON, Canada
In recognition of National Forest Week (September 17-23), many events are being held by Guelph-based organizations.
Enjoy a walk through a naturalized area with ponds, meadows and forest. We will celebrate trees!
Come to Yorklands Green Hub for the 2nd Annual Tree Festival during Welcoming Week and National Forest Week to celebrate trees, nature, community and each other! Let’s share our cultural traditions of honouring nature while we walk the site of the former Ontario Reformatory,
Open to all ages and fitness levels.
Entrance at 785 York Rd East. Parking York Road West of gate. Transit: York Rd Bus #4

“Patterns in the Trees”: A permaculture approach to woody plants in Canada and the tropics
2023-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | University of Guelph – Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
In recognition of National Forest Week (September 17-23), many events are being held by Guelph-based organizations.
This is a free live-only event.
Trees are vital for supporting life on earth and converting solar energy into biomass for human and animal use. In their natural state, they self-organize into layers, attracting wildlife and encoding information into patterns for intergenerational knowledge transmission.
Join us as Renaud Thomas, an engineer agronomist and permaculture designer takes us through an exploration of the patterns of woody plants in Canada, and some unique examples from Haiti.
for more information: arbor@uoguelph.ca

Forest Biodiversity - speaker event
2023-09-19 19:30 - 21:00 UTC | University of Guelph – Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
Join Nature Guelph Wildflower Society, Pollination Guelph and The Arboretum for a National Forest Week event.
Trees and forests are the foundation of biodiversity on our planet. Join Interpretive Biologist Chris Earley as he explores forests and the staggering number of species to be found in them. There will be nature displays and doorprizes! Sponsored by The Arboretum, Nature Guelph and Pollination Guelph.
Speaker: Chris Earley is the Arboretum’s Interpretive Biologist and Education Coordinator. He teaches workshops and writes books on topics such as birds, dragonflies and art.
There will be Forest Week displays, doorprizes and more!
Remember to get your National Forest Week passport stamped.
Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/forest-biodiversity-tickets-703468732917?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tree Walk with Words
2023-09-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Yorklands, 785 York Road, Guelph, ON, Canada
In recognition of National Forest Week (September 17-23), many events are being held by Guelph-based organizations.
We will hang poems and quotes on our heritage trees along the Blue Dot Trail. Bring your own poems or others ready to hang.
entrance at 785 York Rd East. Parking York Road West of gate. Transit: York Rd Bus #4

Wednesday Walk - Tree Day Edition
2023-09-20 12:15 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | University of Guelph – Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
In recognition of National Forest Week (September 17-23), many events are being held by Guelph-based organizations.
Our weekly Wednesday Walk will focus on trees in honour of Forest Week!
Open to all ages and fitness levels.
Meet at: Arboretum Campus Entrance (gray kiosk)
For more information: arb.naturalist@uoguelph.ca

New Trails for Old Trees
2023-09-21 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Toronto) | 53 Cross Creek Boulevard, 53 Cross Creek Boulevard, Guelph, ON, Canada
In recognition of National Forest Week (September 17-23), many events are being held by Guelph-based organizations.
The Ignatius Old-Growth Forest Project has developed programming for every age group, but we think the adults have been missing out on some amazing, fun activities!
Come join us in a participatory nature walk designed to get you moving and engaged in ways that may feel a little childish – what’s wrong with that?
Space is limited to 20 participants so please register at email below.
For more information and to register: email: pkelly@ignatiusguelph.ca
This event is by donation, please give what you can.

Mini Forest Installation
2023-09-23 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | York Road Park, 85 York Road, Guelph
In recognition of National Forest Week (September 17-23), many events are being held by Guelph-based organizations.
Community planting to install second half of Mini-Forest (modeled after/inspired by the Miyawaki method)
All ages are welcome Presented by: City of Guelph, Green Communities Canada, Network of Nature, Network of Nature/Dougan and Associates
For more information: stewardship@guelph.ca
The actual site is right near the end of Hooper St. at York Road Park

Downtown Tree Tour
2023-09-23 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Guelph city hall, 1 Carden St, Guelph, ON, Canada
In recognition of National Forest Week (September 17-23), many events are being held by Guelph-based organizations.
Tree walk in Downtown Guelph “How to Read a Tree’s Life Story” with focus on how to plant city trees for optimal health, success and longevity.
Suitable for all all ages and fitness levels.
Meet in front of City Hall, 1 Carden Street by the fountain
Rain Date: Sun Sept 24, 2 PM
For more information: info@urbancottagelandscapes.com

Guelph Tree Trust - Tree Care Event
2023-10-14 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | 286 Water St, Guelph, ON, 286 Water St, Guelph, ON, Canada
On October 14th, the public is invited to come out and watch a team of arborists pruning high in the crown of this aging beautiful tree. A Silver Maple at 286 Water Street, Guelph, on the property of the Muslim Society of Guelph.

Members of Guelph Tree Trust will be on hand to provide information on the tree and pruning work of a team led by arborist Doug Steel of Full Circle Tree Care.

Fall Tree Talk: Mini Forests
2023-11-08 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Toronto) | Elora Centre for the Arts, 75 Melville St, Elora, ON, Canada
A mini forest is a biodiverse community of native trees and shrubs planted tightly together in an urban or suburban setting. Using the Miyawaki method.
Join us to learn how this innovative method can add living systems of native diversity to our urban landscapes.

Arboretum Expo: Tree Day! and Plant Sale
2024-09-07 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | University of Guelph – Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
A community celebration of trees and the many exciting things happening in the Arboretum lands! Join us for tours of the grounds, trails, gardens, research projects, tree climbing demonstrations, and an in-person plant sale. Take home an interesting woody plant, grown in the Arboretum greenhouse and tended to by our dedicated staff and volunteers. Check out the Plant list for the Arb Expo Plant Sale 2024.
The Arboretum Expo will be held on the West Lawn and in The Arboretum Centre, with announcements and performances at the Gazebo

Gazebo Events and Performances

10:00AM
Greeting, Land Acknowledgement and Welcome

11:00AM
Professor Pricklethorn
Learn to see trees through the Professor’s eyes and his green-coloured lenses and you will see the environment around you in a very different way. Trees are not just outdoor furniture for us to use. If we learn to respect and care for trees then they can help us and the global environment in countless ways.
Professor Pricklethorn wants to help teachers, parents, and children learn how to make the connection between science and everyday life by learning about the many good things that trees do for us every single day.

11:45AM
Pete Moss
Connect with local nature through songs, stories and movement with children’s performer Pete Moss. Children, families and caregivers will actively participate in songs and stories about local plants, birds, wildlife and weather. Celebrate nature in our communities through learning bird calls, how to identify common plants and animal tracks and moving like local creatures through song. Pete will actively engage audiences in songs from his album’s Birds Rock and Plants Rock and participatory stories inspired by nearby nature.

1:00PM
GUFF Henry Kock Tree Stewardship Award

1:30PM
Elderly Brothers

Tours and Demonstrations
(departure time from the West Lawn)

10:30AM
Kids Hikes
Chris Earley

11:00AM
Honeybee Research Centre Tour
Shannon Lam

11:30AM
Guelph Trial Gardens Tour
Joe Langlois

12:00PM
Guelph Urban Organic Farm Tour
Chris Earley

12:00PM
Tree Climbing Demonstration
Mike Yost and Kellen Wood

12:30PM
Tree Hike
Christa Wise

1:00PM
Tree Music Walk Wallace and Horvat
Sharlene Wallace and Frank Horvat

1:30PM
Gall Hike
Joe Langlois

All Day Booths and Activities (10am to 3pm) in the Arboretum Centre / West Lawn

Plant Sale
The Arboretum

Naturalists Table
The Arboretum

Honey Bee Education & Honey Sales
Honeybee Research Center

Information Table
GUFF

Information Table
Speed River Project

Information Table
Tree Trust

Information Table
OPIRG Guelph

Information Table
Pollination Guelph

Guelph Public Library Book Mobile
Guelph Public Library

Information Table
Reep Green Solutions

Information Table
Trees for Guelph

Organic Veggies & Information Table
Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming

Sustainable Water & Healthy Landscapes
City of Guelph

Information Table
Focus on Nature

Information Table
Wildlife Preservation Canada

Information Table
Nokom’s House

Information Table
Guelph National Urban Park Project

Information Table
Nature Guelph

Sound Installations Trees.Listen
Wallace and Horvat

Concession stands:
Laza Food Truck

Tree Planting at Schroder Cres.
2024-09-21 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | 59 Schroder Cres, 59 Schroder Cres, Guelph, ON, Canada
A community tree planting event open to all ages. Join the Schroder Cres. Park Stewards and other volunteers plant native trees and shrubs . A great chance to learn about some of the native trees and shrubs in our region, proper planting techniques, and to get some fresh air and exercise.
Park on the street and follow the trail to the planting area, just a 1 minute walk from the street.
no registration just show up
no washrooms , rain or shine, no limit to number of participants
Schroder Cr. natural area. 59 Schroder Cr.

Speed Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited and City - opposite 34 Teal St.
2024-09-22 09:30 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Kortright Hills Natural Area, 34 Teal Ave, Guelph, ON, Canada
Tree Planting Event
no registration required, just show up
Portable washroom provided on site.
Rain or shine.
No limit to number of participants
Meet at: Kortright Hills Natural Area (trail entrance on south side of Teal Dr. just west of Milson, opposite 34 Teal)

Meet a Tree: Nature Connection Games for Families in an Outdoor Classroom
2024-09-22 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Guelph Outdoor School Stone Road Site, 733 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON, Canada
Join Guelph Outdoor School in the Cedar Grove for a morning of our classic backpocket games and nature-based challenges for National Forest Week, including our favourites: Meet a Tree, Plant Concentration Games: Tree Leaf Edition, and Find the Porcupine.
We’ll have the option to explore the forest, and share naturalist knowledge on the local trees.
Active, co-operative games are suitable for ages 4 and up, and all ages are welcome. Games are optional, and families are free to explore the forest.
Registration Required: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/the-guelph-outdoor-school/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=y7mDdlp

Forest Learning from Elder Duke Redbird: Seven Canopy Teaching walk with Cara Loft
2024-09-23 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Toronto) | UofG Arboretum – Hales-McKay Shelter, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON, Canada
Walk through Mitigwakii trail / Victoria woods – discussion of seven canopy teachings and two-eyed seeing.
Forest Learning from Elder Duke Redbird: Seven Canopy Teachings walk with Haudenosaunee University of Guelph Staff Member Cara Loft.
Join us for a short guided walk to reconnect our spirits with the Land and learn from the Plants.
Meet at the Hales-McKay shelter by the parking lot:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hales-McKay+Shelter/@43.5434052,-80.2172025,14z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x882b9b3b9d57429f:0xbf3e55a4a874d3f3!8m2!3d43.5413521!4d-80.2145847!16s%2Fg%2F11s_zq7byj?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Take Root: free tree registration opens
2024-09-23 10:00 - 2024-10-14 10:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
Forests Ontario’s Take Root program returns!
Guelph residents can register for up to two free, native trees for their private yard, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through the online registration system. Registration opens at 10 a.m. on September 23 and closes at 10 a.m. on October 14 or earlier, if stock runs out. If you’re visiting the Take Root website before registration begins, you can sign up for the waitlist to be among the first to know when the system is up and running.
Tree pickup will be on October 19 at Riverside Park.
To be eligible for a tree, you must be a resident of Guelph and own the property, or have permission from the property owner to plant a tree. Those who register for a Take Root tree are responsible for planting and caring for the tree, including getting utility clearance before digging.
Call before you dig!
If you’re planting a tree in your yard, submit a free request with Ontario One Call at ontarioonecall.ca so you don’t plant your tree on top of or damage underground pipes and wires.

Repair a Forest Community
2024-09-23 12:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | St. Ignatius – Old Growth Forest, 53 Cross Creek Blvd., Guelph, ON, N1H 6J2, Canada
During this tree planting event, volunteers will get the chance to replant and restore an area of Old Growth Forest, which was recently cleared of invasive European Buckthorn. By planting trees you’ll obtain, engaging, hands on experience, alongside an educational component. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a discussion on the management of invasive species, and the importance of restoration practices within urban forest management. The objective is to increase awareness and to allow members of the community to connect with the land.
Location: St Ignatius Old Growth Forest, Cross Creek Blvd Entrance – 53 Cross Creek Blvd, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2
Registration required. https://ignatiusguelph.ca/event/repairing-a-forest-community/ or contact Ashley: aconrad@ignatiusguelph.ca
Please note: Rain date is scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2024

Arboretum Gene Bank Tour with John Ambrose and Sean Fox
2024-09-24 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | University of Guelph – Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
Join us for a daytime tour of The Arboretum’s Gene Bank with John Ambrose and Sean Fox. The Gene Bank is a living archive containing the genetic diversity of many rare Ontario species.
Meet at the Arboretum Centre.

Trees, Butterflies and Pelee Island - An event honouring John Ambrose, Henry Kock Award Recipient 2024
2024-09-24 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Toronto) | University of Guelph – Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
Join us as we celebrate and honor this years recipient of the Henry Kock Stewardship Award. Enjoy an evening with Cherie Dillen from Pelee Island Butterfly Sanctuary speaking about “Trees, Butterflies and Pelee Island…The story of the butterfly’s recovery one tree at a time.
Introductory remarks by Sean Fox.
Prizes and Reception following event.
Event will be in the Arboretum Centre
Register at: Workshops | The Arboretum (uoguelph.ca)

Wednesday Noon hour walk: Getting to know our native trees
2024-09-25 12:15 - 13:15 (America/Toronto) | University of Guelph – Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
Walk starts at The Arboretum kiosk at the Campus entrance to the Arboretum

Caring for our Canopy: Retaining older trees and planning for the next generation
2024-09-26 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | Drew Park, 29 Drew Street, Guelph, ON
Tree Trust Neighbourhood Walk : Join us for a 1km neighbourhood walk to learn about retaining older trees in the urban forest, and how you can help Guelph grow with succession planting!
Guided by ISA certified arborist Aaron Boonstra of Reep Green Solutions.
Meet at Drew Park (29 Drew St). Street Parking available
No washrooms provided, dress appropriately for the weather; rain or shine, limit of 25 people
Must register for this event: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/caring-for-our-canopy-tree-walk-tickets-989179331007?aff=oddtdtcreator or at http://www.reepgreen.ca/events

Tree Trivia Night
2024-09-26 19:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto) | Red Chevron Club, Lower Level, 34 Elizabeth St, Guelph, ON, Canada
Come out for an evening of drinks and tree trivia. Test your tree and forest knowledge with your team and win a prize. Cash bar. Doors open at 7:30 PM and Trivia starts at 8 PM. This event is in conjunction with Green Drinks.

Trees for Guelph - Tree Planting
2024-09-28 09:30 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Norm Jary Park, 22 Shelldale Crescent, Guelph, ON, Canada
Community tree planting event open to all ages. Join Trees for Guelph and other volunteers plant native trees and shrubs on the west side of the woodlot in Norm Jary Park. A great chance to learn about some of the native trees and shrubs in our region, proper planting techniques, and to get some fresh air and exercise.

Tree Bingo
2024-09-28 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Yorklands, 785 York Road, Guelph, ON, Canada
Tree Bingo is a fun and educational game designed to celebrate National Forestry Week, perfect for families to enjoy together while learning about different types of trees and their characteristics.
Rain Date: Sunday September 29, 2024 from 1:00 – 2:30
Location: Yorklands site/former OR (785 York Rd). Meet at gates
To register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tree-bingo-national-forest-week-edition-tickets-1002566061077

Oak Eaters Art Installation at the Arboretum
2025-09-21 - 2025-09-27 | University of Guelph – Arboretum, 250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
Step into a fluttering forest of imagination!
From Sunday, September 21 to Saturday, September 27, over 400 students from five Guelph schools — John F. Ross CVI, Central Public School, University of Guelph, John McCrae Public School, and Centennial CVI — invite you to explore a stunning outdoor gallery of hand-drawn moths and butterflies, each representing a unique species supported by oak trees.
This enchanting display will be nestled just west of the Arboretum Centre, along the Ivey Trail, beneath the shade of three majestic oak trees. Wander through the artwork, celebrate biodiversity, and witness the creativity of Guelph’s young artists in a setting that’s as inspiring as the drawings themselves.

Neighbourhood Forest Tree Walk
2025-09-21 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
Hidden Treasures of the Urban Forest: A Guided Walk
Immerse yourself in our urban Preservation Park forest on a guided native tree walk. Led by tree experts from Guelph Tree Trust, Nature Guelph & Reep Green Solutions
Along the way, we’ll explore:
Tree species and their stories
Signs of health, age, and natural forest management
The role of street trees in urban ecosystems
As a special treat, there’s an optional visit to a majestic old burr oak, tucked away in the middle of a developed area—a living relic of the landscape’s past.
This walk promises insight, discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the green spaces woven into our city.
Meeting location: Preservation Park and nearby development. Meeting at a private property. Details upon registration. Limited group size.
Walking on uneven ground for 1.5 hrs. Family friendly. No dogs please.
Please register here: Neighbourhood Forest Tree Walk – Reep Green Solutions

Roots & Renewal: Forest Week at Ignatius
2025-09-22 - 2025-09-27 | Ignatius Jesuit Centre, 5420 Hwy 6 N, Guelph, ON, Canada
Celebrate Land, Learning & Community!
Join us for a week-long festival filled with inspiration, connection, and hands-on experiences that celebrate the land and the people who care for it.
Enjoy a dynamic mix of:
Workshops on sustainability, ecology, and land stewardship
Engaging speakers sharing stories and solutions
Guided forest & farm tours that bring nature to life
Kids’ activities to spark curiosity and creativity
Live music and community vibes
And so much more!
Whether you’re a nature lover, lifelong learner, or just looking for meaningful fun—this celebration has something for everyone.
Info at: https://rootsandrenewal.ca/

Forest Bathing at the Yorklands
2025-09-22 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Yorklands, 785 York Road, Guelph, ON, Canada
Forest Therapy originated in Japan in the 1980’s. Today it is practiced all around the world and studies show incredible benefits of regular, intentional sessions with nature, including a reduction in blood pressure and stress levels, relief of symptoms of depression, and an increased sense of wellbeing.
To celebrate National Forest Week, Yorklands is hosting a guided forest therapy walk led by Giulia Pozzi, a certified forest therapy guide!
Also known as forest bathing, forest therapy is a wellness practice that encourages participants to engage with their senses and reconnect with nature. Originating from Japan in the 1980s, several studies now affirm some of the benefits of regular forest therapy, including a reduction in stress levels and increased well-being.
During the walk along the Yorklands, Giulia will guide participants through a series of restorative, mindful invitations to slow down and interact with the forest in new, playful ways.
What to expect:

Gentle, flexible invitations to inspire you to engage with the natural world
Moments of optional sharing as a group
Tea under the canopy at the end

$20- donations are encouraged for event participants, who have the option to donate either online or in person at the event, using cash. These donations help Yorklands Green Hub continue offering events while supporting our event host.
To donate online, please follow this link here: https://yorklandsgreenhub.ca/donate/
to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/guided-forest-therapy-walk-at-yorklands-tickets-1564523695489?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please note, a rain date is scheduled for September 25 from 10-12pm. Registered participants will receive an email closer to the event date, with additional details.
Disclaimer: Forest therapy is not meant to be taken as group therapy or psychotherapy
