Spring 2020 registration is open! Scroll down below for more details about dates, times, and program fees. Click on the "Register Now!" button to register!
Please note that due to COVID-19 the High Park Nature Centre is currently closed, with plans to reopen April 6. We will update registered participants via email if this date changes. If any club sessions are missed due to HPNC closures, a refund will be provided for the missed sessions.
Join Urban Naturalists - our Nature Club for Adults! Participants will develop their knowledge and foster a deeper connection to nature as they explore the trails of High Park, guided by one of our naturalists. No previous nature knowledge is necessary. All levels are welcome. Hikes will be moderate in length and hiking ability.
Themes and activities will be guided by the seasons and weather conditions. Areas of focus will likely include:
To check out our Kids' Nature Clubs, click here.
Cost: $175 for 6 meetings
Alternating Saturdays
9:30am-12pm
April 4, April 18, May 2, May 16*, May 30, June 13
*Victoria Day Long Weekend, club still running
Cost: $175 for 6 meetings
Alternating Saturdays
9:30am-12pm
January 25, February 8, February 22, March 7, March 21, March 28
Cost: $175 for 6 meetings
Alternating Saturdays
9:30am-12pm
September 21, October 5, October 19, November 2, November 16, November 30
Participant Testimonials
What did you enjoy most about Urban Naturalists?
“All of it. It was an absolute joy to spend every second Saturday morning learning about birds, trees, fungi, edible/medicinal plants, park history, etc. Julie [the Nature Centre leader] was fabulous: knowledgeable, generous, curious, and with an infectious enthusiasm for the park and for the natural world in general. Although the fungi were my absolute favourites (which involved a lot of looking down and closely), I loved that each week asked us to use our eyes — and other senses — differently. Thank you so much for such an amazing experience, and I will definitely be back.”
“Everything! The hikes, learning about different things I didn’t even know to be curious about before, looking at & experiencing the park in new ways, benefiting from the interests & curiosity of other participants and Julie’s [the Nature Centre Leader] enthusiasm & encouragement. Participating in Urban Naturalists has been one of the highlights of the year & I’m excited to return in the fall. The highlight of this season for me was making garlic mustard pesto – delish!”
“Walking around High Park with an exceptionally knowledgeable and generous guide. Focus on parts of the park that are not as easily seen: small details, histories, etc. Conversation with other members of the group who are also keepers of important knowledges.”
Programs take place at the High Park Nature Centre at the Forest School located at 375 Colborne Lodge Drive.
Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration cannot be confirmed until payment has been received.
Programs are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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 a 50% refund. Requests made less than 7 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 info@highparknaturecentre.com. A doctor’s note may be required for cancellations due to medical reasons. Refunds are not granted for inclement weather.
Please contact us at 416-392-1748 or info@highparknaturecentre.com if you have any questions.
Programs will proceed rain, snow or shine. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the weather as we will be outdoors for most of the activities. Indoor programs will be run in the case of severe inclement weather such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, snowstorms or high winds over 35 km per hour. We also advise wearing long pants, socks and long sleeved tops to protect against poison ivy. If you have any questions please call our office at 416-392-1748.
