Our Monarch butterfly workshops are immersive learning experiences that explore the science of the Monarch butterfly through a lens of conservation education.
Teaching & Learning with Monarch Butterflies
Bring the story of the Monarch butterfly to life — join the Monarch Teacher Network of Canada at our popular Monarch butterfly training workshop.
Delivered by experts from the Monarch Teacher Network of Canada, as well as special guests in the field of Monarch conservation, our workshop helps participants build their confidence to work and teach with Monarchs through rigorous and immersive training.
Topics include:
- The importance of habitat creation and milkweed for Monarch conservation
- An overview of how to participate in citizen science projects that involve monitoring and observing the insect in its natural habitat
- History of tagging and tracking of migrating Monarchs
- Ethical considerations related to species conservation
- Appropriate care and handling protocols throughout all of the Monarch’s life stages
AUDIENCE: Educators, nature enthusiasts and anyone interested in Monarch butterflies. Please note that our workshop is designed for adult learners.
2021 WORKSHOP
Our blended learning workshop will consist of 4 one-hour online sessions and a half-day in-person session*.
ONLINE SESSIONS
Online sessions are from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Our time-tested curriculum will include:
- July 20 – Session 1: Life Cycle + Migration
- July 22 – Session 2: Milkweed + Habitat
- July 27 – Session 3: Citizen Science
- July 29 – Session 4: Responsible Rearing
IN-PERSON SESSION
Thursday August 5, Albion Hills Field Centre
The value of our hands-on and interactive learning experiences created during our in-person workshops cannot be replicated online.
For this reason, we will be hosting small group demonstrations at various Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and host sites across southern Ontario to demonstrate rearing and handling techniques (COVID restrictions permitting.)
REGISTER FOR THE 2021 WORKSHOP
* PLEASE NOTE: Individuals who wish to register under our Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Wildlife Scientific Collector’s Authorization to conduct activities with Monarchs (i.e. rearing, tagging) will be required to attend all four online sessions and a half-day in-person session.
Creating Monarch Friendly Habitat
Creating Monarch Friendly Habitat is a self-directed presentation framework on nurturing butterfly populations by growing an easy-to-maintain pollinator garden.
Design your own workshop, tailor-made for your community. Each presentation is unique to the host site and can be adapted for your local context.
Participants are introduced to issues and threats to pollinators, and learn how to create a Monarch friendly habitat from the ground up. Local experts in horticultural practices and conservation provide tips and advice.
A typical presentation will cover:
- The life cycle and biology of the Monarch butterfly
- Threats to the Monarch population
- Native plants that attract Monarch butterflies
- Best practices for Monarch friendly gardens
- Maintenance requirements
Interested in hosting your own Creating Monarch Friendly Habitat presentation?
CONTACT US for access to the presentation framework and resources.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER for updates.
Voices from the Land
Voices from the Land is an interactive workshop that brings people together to explore the natural world through visual art and language.
Voices from the Land explores the intersections between language, culture and the natural world, and celebrates our connections to the land and our relationships with each other.
Expert educators will take participants through the Voices process, a creative and collaborative exploration of art, photography, language and performance. This process helps participants gain the skills, resources and perspectives to nurture artistic reflection and expression in their learners
Through the Voices process, participants will:
- Make ephemeral art in a local landscape using natural materials
- Write and perform poetry that reflects and represents art, language and culture
- Use photography to capture artwork and performance
- Learn best practices for designing and publishing artwork
2021 WORKSHOPS
Please check back soon for details on upcoming presentations, or SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER for updates.