From Woolly Bears to Toadflax Brocades: Discovering the Caterpillars of High Park
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 7:30-9PM
Ages: 18+ years
NOTE: Pre-registration is required for all our events, hikes and workshops. We do this to ensure we don’t exceed our capacity for indoor events or the maximum limits for group sizes on High Park’s ecologically sensitive trails. Please register on our website before coming to High Park.
We cannot guarantee availability of walk-in spots. If an event is at capacity, please put yourself on our waitlist. We will notify waitlisted participants if we open up new spots or sessions for our events. Please contact us if you have any questions.
From Woolly Bears to Toadflax Brocades: Discovering the Caterpillars of High Park
Did you know that there are well over a thousand species (yes, that’s one followed by three zeros) of moths and butterflies in High Park? Which means there are over a thousand different species of caterpillars. Since 2020, the High Park Caterpillar Survey has been documenting the park’s caterpillar diversity and abundance, making many interesting discoveries along the way including several first records for the city. Come learn about some of the intriguing species the survey has found, their diverse natural histories, and the critically important ecological roles these caterpillars play. Replete with engaging photos, this talk will appeal to everyone, from complete novice to serious naturalist.
Price: Pay What You Can ($0, $5, $8, $10)
Ages: 18+ years
Meeting Location: High Park Forest School, 375 Colborne Lodge Drive
Speaker Bio
Richard Aaron
Richard Aaron is a long-time naturalist who has been involved with High Park for many years, including conducting over two dozen workshops for the High Park Nature Centre. In 2020, he launched the High Park Caterpillar Survey which is now in its seventh season.
Launched in the summer of 2020, the High Park Caterpillar Survey is a community science project focused on documenting the abundance, diversity, and behaviour of caterpillars in High Park. To date, over 250 species have been seen, with exciting new discoveries made each year. The survey welcomes new volunteers, no experience needed.
- Day: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
- Time: 7:30-9PM
This event will start at the High Park Forest School building located at 375 Colborne Lodge Drive.
A number of changes were made to the travel network within High Park as part of the High Park Movement Strategy that might influence your decision to drive to High Park. In case you’re driving we strongly recommend you to park your car at the public parking lot near Grenadier Cafe.
We continue to recommend using the TTC or biking as the best way to get to High Park and the Nature Centre. The Nature Centre is situated just a 5-minute walk from the High Park Subway Station.
Please note, High Park is closed to cars on the weekends. If your event is on a weekend, you will need to park outside the park and walk in, or take transit.
Visit our How To Get Here page to learn more about planning your trips to High Park.
General Admission (Seniors and Adults):
- Pay What You Can ($0, $5, $8, $10)
This event is for adults ages 18 years and above.
Hike routes through High Park might include some uneven terrain and mild slopes.
The High Park Forest School building is not yet an AODA-compliant facility.
We try our best to accommodate accessibility needs on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to us about any accessibility-related questions you might have.
Dogs and other pets are not permitted in our programs. However, certified service animals, such as registered therapy or guide dogs, are welcome.
Registration Policies
- General Cancellation Policy
- Extreme Weather-Related Cancellation Policy
- Behaviour Policy