FI = Programs available in French for French Immersion Schools
MP = Maximum number of participants for a half day program
Nature Walk (Grades JK-1) FI 
Using the trails of the Arboretum, take part in exploratory activities designed to look closely at nature. (January to December)
Birds (Grades JK – 4, 6,7) FI
What makes birds unique? Learn where they live, what they eat and how they behave. Feed the winter Chickadees. (January to December)
Trees (Grades JK, 1, 3, 4, 6) FI
Trees play an important role in our lives. Learn about forest ecology, fruits, seeds and tree life cycles. (January to December)
Amazing Animals (Grades JK – 2, 4, 6) FI
Uncover the differences between the animal groups. Wildlife native to the Arboretum will be emphasized. (January to December)
Weather MP = 30
Discover how temperature, wind and moisture create weather and examine ways to forecast weather. (January to December)
Survival Game (Grades 3, 4, 6, 7) MP = 60
This unique game highlights the challenges animals face in nature, in order to survive. Students will be split into different groups including herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, elements, and disease. We will then bring the students to a natural setting where they will try to locate food and water stations to ensure their survival. (June to February)
Soil (Grade 3) FI MP = 30
Explore the mysteries beneath your feet! Take a hike to gather and examine soil samples.(Mid-may to November)
Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives (Grades 1-5)
Learn how our actions affect the health of the planet and of all life on earth through interactive games and activities. (January to December)
Ecological Footprint (Grades 5, 7) MP = 40
The way we live has both a local and global impact. Examine your ecological footprint. (January to December)
Animal Tracks and Signs (Grades 1, 3, 4, 6, 7) FI
Become a nature detective and learn to interpret the signs animals leave behind. (January to December)
Watershed Awareness (Grades 7, 8) FI
What is a watershed and how do you study one? Identify YOUR watershed address. (January to December)
Urban Wildlife (Grades 1- 4, 6, 7) FI
Explore nature in the city. Learn about the uniqueness of urban dwellers and how they have adapted to city life. (January to December)
Ecosystems (Grades 6, 7) FI
Discover that everything is connected studying Arboretum ecosystems.
(January to December)
Mastering Maps (Grades 1- 3) F. MP = 30
Come explore the amazing world of maps and fin out all the interesting clues that they reveal about where you live. (January to December)
Orienteering (Grades 5 – 8) FI MP = 30
After an introduction to the fundamentals of compass and map reading, take part in orienteering activities.(Mid-may to November)
The Huron People (Grades 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) FI
Journey back in time and explore ways in which life was different for the Huron people. (January to December)
First Nation Games (Grades 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) FI MP =60
The First Nations People played many games. Have fun learning about their customs.
(Mid-may to November)
Habitats (Grades 1,3, 4, 6, 7) FI
What is a habitat and why is it such a significant ecological concept? Learn about the four basic needs of all living things.(January to December)
Conservation of Energy and Resources (Grade 5)
Energy is essential for everything we do on earth! Learn about the different forms of energy and how they change from one to another form. (January to December)
Tobogganing (Grades All) FI MP = 30
Discover the historical importance of toboggans and enjoy this winter activity (weather permitting). (December-February)
Snowshoeing (Grades All) FI MP = 30
Discover the historical importance of snowshoes and enjoy this winter activity (weather permitting). (December-February)
Winter Survival (Grades 1- 4) FI
Uncover through a mix of discussion and activities, animal survival techniques.
(December-February)
Insects (Grades JK – 2, 4) FI
Examine and compare fascinating insects in different habitats. (Mid-may to November)
Pond Life (Grades JK - 3, 4, 6, 7) FI MP = 60
Study life above and below the surface of the pond. (Mid-may to November)
Air and Water All Around Us (Grade 2) MP = 30
Learn about the properties and characteristics of air and water through observation of demonstrations and performing activities outdoors. ( All year) Biodiversity (Grades 6, 7) FI
What is Biodiversity? Conduct surveys to determine the diversity and health of sample environments. (Mid-may to November)
Rocks and Minerals (Grade 4) MP = 30
Participate in classifying rocks and minerals. Search for Geological materials at the Centre.(Mid-may to November)
Renewable Energy (Grade 5) MP = 30
Learn about different types of renewable energy and how we benefit from each.
(Mid-may to November)
Ecology Games (Grades 4, 6, 7) FI
Play a variety of games and learn that everything plays an important role in nature. (March to November)
River Studies (Grades 6, 7) FI MP = 30
Step into the shallows of the Humber River and uncover its secrets.
(March to November)
Who Gives a Hoot (Grades JK – 2, 4, 6) FI
Find out about the owl species of the Humber River Valley and explore their habitats.
(September to February)
Maple Syrup Harvesting (Grades JK – 7) FI
Travel back to a time when maple sap was collected in pails and carried to a wood fired evaporator. Samples may be provided.(March to Mid April)
Plants (Grades 3,4,6) FI MP = 30
Learn about the importance of plants in our world and discover the variety of plants in the forests and meadows of the Arboretum. (Mid-may to Early September)
Sensational Senses (Grades Jk-1)
Come discover the Arboretum grounds and use your senses to explore all the wonders that nature has to offer. Through a variety of games & activities, participants will better understand how different animals use their senses. (January to December)
Powerful Pollunators (1-4, 6, 7) info to come
(May - Mid-October)
Cool Coyotes (1-7) info to come
(Yeal round)
Magnificent Monarch and Milkweed (1-4, 6, 7) info to come
(May-Mid October)
High School Programs
FI = Programs available in French for French Immersion Schools
MP = Maximum number of participants for a half day program
Aquatic Ecosystems (Grade 9) FI MP = 60
A discussion of the characteristics and elements of aquatic ecosystems will be followed by an investigation of our nearby aquatic ecosystem. The students will have an opportunity to analyse the water in the pond, recording such aspects as pH, oxygen, conductivity, phosphorus and temperature. They will also sample for the aquatic invertebrates and assess the diversity and health of the ecosystem.
May to October (Inclusive)
Terrestrial Ecosystems (Grade 9) FI MP = 60
A discussion of the characteristics and elements of terrestrial ecosystems will be followed by an investigation of our nearby terrestrial ecosystem. The students will perform a soil analysis in the forest ecosystem. They will also identify and record some of the tree species in the forest to assess the diversity of plants and discuss the sustainability of this forest. May to October (Inclusive)
Ecozone Investigation (Grade 9, 10 Academic) FI
This is an opportunity for the students to investigate some local habitats and become familiar with some of the plants and animals that are native to their ecozone. They will visit a forest, meadow and river habitat looking for the animals and plants that are characteristic of this local area. There will also be a discussion of some of the invasive species found in this area and an opportunity to identify these species. All Year
Orienteering FI MP = 30
Students are given a brief introduction to the fundamentals of compass and map reading. Students, using a special arboretum map and compass, work to complete a walking orienteering course. Mid May to November (Inclusive)
Our Ecological Footprint (Grade 9, 10) MP = 40
The choices we make about the way we live are having a profound impact on our local and global environment. This has not only environmental but economic consequences for us both now and in our future. Visit the new Centre for Urban Ecology and become familiar with some of the special features of the building that reduce its Ecological Footprint. Assess your own Ecological Footprint and consider ways in which you can reduce your personal impact on your local and global environment. All Year
Understanding Climate Change (Grade 10) MP =30
Climate change is a concern for all living things on the planet. Weather and climate affect every aspect of our lives from how we dress to what we eat to where we work to where we live. Our climate is changing. There will be background discussion of the components of a climate system as well as a discussion of some of the natural and human created causes of climate change. The students will have an opportunity to simulate the greenhouse effect of the past, present and future to develop an understanding of the causes of climate change and discuss some of the human consequences of this change. All Year. Activities may vary for the season.
Survival Game (Grades 9) MP = 30
This unique game highlights the challenges animals face in nature, in order to survive. Students will be split into different groups including herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, elements, and disease. We will then bring the students to a natural setting where they will try to locate food and water stations to ensure their survival. June to February
Cool Coyotes (9, 11, 12) info to come
(Yeal round)
Magnificent Monarch and Milkweed (9-12) info to come
(May-Mid October)
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