This November, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is offering an exciting lineup of family-friendly activities designed to connect people with nature and celebrate the festive season.
From peaceful nature retreats and hands-on creative workshops to festive winter events across the GTA – there’s an adventure waiting for everyone to enjoy!
FREE EVENTS
Rain to Runoff: A Stormwater Story
Where does the rain go after it falls? Join TRCA for a webinar that traces the journey of stormwater runoff from roads and parking lots to our waterways.
Learn about the impacts of stormwater in a changing climate, and discover how to take action to protect drinking water and wildlife habitat.
We invite teachers to join us after the presentation for a Q&A session about delivering this program to students.
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Winter’s Hidden World: The Secret Lives of Local Wildlife and Plants
Join us virtually for this interactive webinar and discover how animals and plants adapt to winter’s chill. Learn to spot animal tracks, signs, and other clues that reveal who’s been out and about in the frozen wilderness. Expore the secrets of nature’s resilience!
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
FAMILY FUN
Family Holiday Wreath Making
Kick off the holiday season by creating a fresh, fragrant wreath. Get together with family and friends, and use your creativity to transform natural materials into a festive masterpiece!
Claireville Outdoor Education Centre
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Address: 8180 Highway 50, Brampton, ON
The Nature Centre at Bruce’s Mill
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Address: 3291 Stouffville Road, Stouffville, ON
Needle Felt a Santa Ornament
Get into the holiday spirit at this crafting workshop, as you learn the art of needle felting. Discover how to turn wool fluff into a Santa figure using a special needle.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to The Village at Black Creek‘s flock of Border Leicester sheep before or after the workshop!
Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Village at Black Creek, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, ON
Christmas Decoration Workshop
Get ready for the holidays by crafting Victorian-inspired Christmas ornaments! Learn the history behind Christmas trees, mistletoe, and other favourite seasonal decorations, and discover how and why these traditions have changed over time.
This event is part of The Village at Black Creek’s workshop series for home schoolers and learning pods.
Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: The Village at Black Creek, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, ON
Magical Christmas Forest
Escape into the Magical Christmas Forest at Kortright Centre for Conservation and experience a winter wonderland filled with lights, crafts, and activities. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, treats for the entire family, and a visit with Santa in his cabin!
Dates: November 29 and 30, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan, ON
WORKSHOPS & ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
Fabric Painting Art Lesson at Albion Hills
Ready to transform old, worn-out clothes into unique, vibrant pieces of art? Join TRCA for a lesson on wardrobe painting.
Draw inspiration from the tranquil beauty of Albion Hills Conservation Park. All materials will be provided; no prior experience is required.
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Albion Hills Field Centre, 16500 Peel Regional Road 50, Caledon, ON
Make Your Own Holiday Gift Wrapping
Reveal your hidden creativity and surprise family and friends with beautiful handmade wrapping paper or fabric. All materials will be provided.
Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: The Nature Centre at Bruce’s Mill, 3291 Stouffville Road, Stouffville, ON
Winter Solstice Series: Traditional Tanning and Leathercraft
Discover the sustainable art of fish skin tanning in this online workshop led by Algonquin Métis visual artist, educator, and Knowledge Keeper Diane Montreuil
Learn how to create your own unique piece of fish leather, which can be used in crafting art, accessories, or clothing.
This workshop connects cultural traditions, natural materials, and creative expression, offering a meaningful way to engage with Indigenous culture and sustainable art practices.
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cold Process Soap Making
Learn how to combine natural ingredients to create your own soap! Customize it with a unique fragrance, and select from a variety of natural additives.
You’ll leave this workshop with one pound of natural soap, and a recipe to make more at home.
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: The Village at Black Creek, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, ON
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop for Adults
Kick off the holiday season by creating a fresh, fragrant wreath.
Take a short nature walk to collect fresh foliage, then put your imagination to work on creating a seasonal masterpiece. Additional materials will be provided.
Claireville Outdoor Education Centre
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Address: 8180 Highway 50, Brampton, ON
The Nature Centre at Bruce’s Mill
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Address: 3291 Stouffville Road, Stouffville, ON
Winter Solstice Series: Wildlife Wonders
Join us at Downsview Park for an in-depth look into the world of Ontario’s native wildlife and their remarkable winter adaptations.
Enjoy a guided nature walk with knowledgeable naturalists who will introduce you to the winter survival strategies of coyote, owls, and other wild creatures, and reveal the science behind the winter solstice.
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Avenue, North York, ON
Welcoming Winter
Celebrate the change in season with TRCA at Albion Hills Conservation Park. Join a guided hike or a take a fat bike tutorial. Create a natural bird feeder, check out our nature stations, and warm up by a roaring fire.
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Albion Hills Conservation Park, 16500 Peel Regional Road 50, Caledon, ON