Events Calendar

In this workshop, you will:

• learn how to use Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide (provided for use)
• identify dozens of wildflowers using your newfound skills
• use a 10x hand lens (provided for use) to view plant features up close
• learn useful identification terms, hints & tips
• discuss the merits of other wildflower field guides for our region

The outdoor component of this workshop will take place entirely on High Park trails that are considered moderate in length and terrain.

Instructor’s Bio

Richard Aaron is a long-time naturalist, highly regarded for his passion, encyclopedic knowledge and communication skills. His main areas of interest are plants, trees, fungi, slime moulds, dragonflies/damselflies, moths and biomimicry. Over the years, he has done walks, workshops and lectures for over 80 organizations ranging from naturalist clubs to universities, including a stint as a staff naturalist at Algonquin Provincial Park. Richard has been conducting adult workshops for the High Park Nature Centre since 2012. His website is at http://natureknowledge.weebly.com.

Cancellation Policies

Requests for refunds made 14 or more days before the start of the program will receive a 90% refund (10% will be retained as an administration fee).  Requests for refunds made less than 14 days before the start of the program will receive no refund.  Requests for cancellations or refunds must be made in writing and submitted to the High Park Nature Centre at naturecentre@highpark.org.

Please note, the High Park Nature Centre may cancel any event if the minimum number of participants is not achieved 14 days prior to the start of the workshop.  We would notify registered participants of cancellation at that time and provide a full refund.

* Field guides and hand magnifiers will be provided for participants to use

The outdoor component of this workshop will take place entirely on High Park trails that are considered moderate in length and terrain.

Botanical Workshop Series
May 28 – Wildflower Identification Made Easy
June 18 – The Sex Lives of Plants
July 9 – Friend or Foe: The Intriguing World of Weeds
August 6 – Poisons, Spines & Blisters: Plants with a Dark Side

Instructor’s Bio:
Richard Aaron is regarded for his passion, communication skills, and encyclopedic nature knowledge. Over the years he has done walks, workshops and lectures for more than 70 organizations ranging from naturalist clubs to universities. He has also worked as a staff naturalist at Algonquin Provincial Park. His website is at http://natureknowledge.weebly.com.

Learn about the plants and animals in High Park from the young naturalists of the High Park Eagles group! We will explore woodlands and black oak savannah habitats to learn fascinating facts and connect with the nature surrounding us.

Event is great for all ages – bring the whole family! No pre-registration necessary, this is a drop-in event

In this workshop, you will:

• learn how to use Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide (provided for use)
• identify dozens of wildflowers using your newfound skills
• use a 10x hand lens (provided for use) to view plant features up close
• learn useful identification terms, hints & tips
• discuss the merits of other wildflower field guides for our region

The outdoor component of this workshop will take place entirely on High Park trails that are considered moderate in length and terrain.

Instructor’s Bio

Richard Aaron is a long-time naturalist, highly regarded for his passion, encyclopedic knowledge and communication skills. His main areas of interest are plants, trees, fungi, slime moulds, dragonflies/damselflies, moths and biomimicry. Over the years, he has done walks, workshops and lectures for over 80 organizations ranging from naturalist clubs to universities, including a stint as a staff naturalist at Algonquin Provincial Park. Richard has been conducting adult workshops for the High Park Nature Centre since 2012. His website is at http://natureknowledge.weebly.com.

Cancellation Policies

Requests for refunds made 14 or more days before the start of the program will receive a 90% refund (10% will be retained as an administration fee).  Requests for refunds made less than 14 days before the start of the program will receive no refund.  Requests for cancellations or refunds must be made in writing and submitted to the High Park Nature Centre at naturecentre@highpark.org.

Please note, the High Park Nature Centre may cancel any event if the minimum number of participants is not achieved 14 days prior to the start of the workshop.  We would notify registered participants of cancellation at that time and provide a full refund.

* Field guides and hand magnifiers will be provided for participants to use

The outdoor component of this workshop will take place entirely on High Park trails that are considered moderate in length and terrain.

Botanical Workshop Series
May 28 – Wildflower Identification Made Easy
June 18 – The Sex Lives of Plants
July 9 – Friend or Foe: The Intriguing World of Weeds
August 6 – Poisons, Spines & Blisters: Plants with a Dark Side

Instructor’s Bio:
Richard Aaron is regarded for his passion, communication skills, and encyclopedic nature knowledge. Over the years he has done walks, workshops and lectures for more than 70 organizations ranging from naturalist clubs to universities. He has also worked as a staff naturalist at Algonquin Provincial Park. His website is at http://natureknowledge.weebly.com.

See High Park through the eyes of young naturalists. The 12-16 year olds of the High Park Rangers have been busily creating an engaging and

Learn about the plants and animals in High Park from the young naturalists of the High Park Eagles group! We will explore woodlands and black oak savannah habitats to learn fascinating facts and connect with the nature surrounding us.

Event is great for all ages – bring the whole family! No pre-registration necessary, this is a drop-in event

High Park is a haven for many creepy crawlies and fantastic fliers. Join High Park Nature Centre and explore the amazing world of bugs and learn what makes an insect different from a bug. You’ll discover why bugs are so incredible, how important they are to the ecosystem and have a chance to see some up close and personal. Click here for more info. Free event, suggested donation of $2-$5 per person

Have you ever heard a bat hunting at night? Join High Park Nature Centre and explore High Park’s amazing and mysterious bat populations. Using hand-held bat detectors, you will listen for bats’ ultrasonic calls in High Park, explore their habitat, behaviour, and favourite foods as they swoop and loop during their evening, mid-air forage. There is much to learn about these creatures, but with the help of citizen scientists like you, everyone can work together to uncover the secrets of their elusive lives.

Join High Park Nature Centre to learn about 13,000 years of history of High Park! From melting glaciers to modern day hikers, this walk will include some Indigenous history and uses of the land, the history of how High Park became a public park and the more recent history of restoration, especially of the Black Oak Savannah. Delve deep into the history of the biggest park inside of Toronto. Click here for more info.

Dr. Dan Riskin is the co-host of Daily Planet on Discovery Canada, but he is also a biologist who has spent more than 20 years exploring the biomechanics of bats. In this talk, Dan will talk about the science that got him interested in science in the first place. He’ll showcase the incredible biomechanical abilities bats possess – they fly, flip, fall, land, walk, jump, avoid obstacles, and more. Using images, videos, sounds, and stories from his own research experience, Dan will show us what makes bats almost supernatural athletes. After he talks the talk, Dan will walk the walk, taking people outside, to hear passing bats with a handheld bat monitor, and to continue the conversation.

Ages: Adults and youth 8 years and up.

This talk will be followed by a guided Urban Bat Walk starting at 8:15pm.

Have you ever heard a bat hunting at night? Join High Park Nature Centre and explore High Park’s amazing and mysterious bat populations. Using hand-held bat detectors, you will listen for bats’ ultrasonic calls in High Park, explore their habitat, behaviour, and favourite foods as they swoop and loop during their evening, mid-air forage. There is much to learn about these creatures, but with the help of citizen scientists like you, everyone can work together to uncover the secrets of their elusive lives.

Join us for the 6th Annual High Park Christmas Celebrations Event from 1-5 pm on Sunday, Dec 3rd.

Activities take place on the patio at the Grenadier Restaurant in the centre of High Park.

This event is always lots of fun for children and families!!

Meet Santa from 1-2pm as he checks his reindeer in the High Park Zoo with the Friends of the High Park Zoo

On the Grenadier Restaurant Patio from 2-5pm
- Sing along with Junior Choirs and the Withnells
- Hot Chocolate & Cookies
- Marshmallow Roast
- Make a Decoration with the High Park program groups – Colborne Lodge, High Park Children’s Garden and High Park Nature Centre
- Visit a Toronto Fire Truck
- Raffle
- Sing along with “The Withnells” (4:15 – 4:45pm)
- Meet Santa on the Grenadier Restaurant Patio from 4-5 pm

Tree Lighting at 5 pm