School of Woodland Ecology
School of Woodland Ecology
Over the last 30 years, Macphail Woods has offered a huge variety of free workshops on topics from owls to botany to forest restoration and more. We soon found our workshops growing in popularity with many participants requesting longer more in-depth hands-on courses.
To fulfill those requests, we launched our School of Woodland Ecology in 2016, offering in-depth courses for adults on a variety of topics from native botany to woodlot management to ecological bushcraft camping!
The School of Woodland Ecology allows participants to delve deeper into specific topics, developing knowledge, skills and confidence.
Our Philosophy
Our teaching method is based on direct experience, observation, and getting hands-on. Students are taught to recognize keystone patterns whether in a flower or a forest. This time-tested approach works for students of every age and level of understanding and is the basis for sound ecological action.
Our instructors have spent thousands of hours honing their teaching, bushcraft and forest restoration skills and look forward to sharing their enthusiasm with you.
We are dedicated to ensuring a safe learning environment for all participants and believe that sharing a love of nature begins with the care and respect of each individual.
2021 School of Woodland Ecology Courses
Register Opens
Friday, March 5th
Plant Identification
A core skill in the forest or around the yard
Single Session: $60
Two-course Package: $110
Plant Identification I: Native Trees
Saturday, June 26th
9am – 1pm
Plant Identification II: Shrubs and Beyond
Saturday, June 26th
1pm – 5pm
Backyard Botany
Developing expertise in pruning, planting, and all things botanical
Single Session: $60
Two-course Package: $110
Backyard Botany I: Native Botany
Saturday, June 12th
9am – 1pm
Backyard Botany II: Pruning
Saturday, June 12th
1pm – 5pm
Woodland Ecology
Understanding techniques for creating healthy sustainable forests
Each Session: $120
Woodland Ecology I:
Introduction to Forest Stewardship
Saturday, September 4th
9am – 4pm
Woodland Ecology II: Forest Assessment
Saturday, September 25th
9am – 4pm
Chainsaw Safety Training
Using a saw safely, thoughtfully, and with confidence
Each Session: $150
9am – 4pm
Chainsaw Safety Training I:
Safety and Felling
Session One:Saturday, March 20th
Session Two: Saturday, October 23rd
Session Three:Saturday, November 20th
Chainsaw Safety Traning II:
Maintenance, Bucking and Felling
Session One:Sunday, March 21st
Session Two: Sunday, October 24th
Session Three:Sunday, November 21st
Chainsaw Safety Traning III:
Advanced Felling Tactics
Session One:Saturday, April 17th
Chainsaw Safety Traning IV:
Storm Damage
Session One:Sunday, April 18th
Bushcraft I: Parent-Child Bushcraft
Not Offered in 2021
Bushcraft II: Complete Wilderness Skills
Not Offered in 2021
What to Bring
Participants should bring their own lunch and snacks and clothes suited to the weather as courses are primarily outdoors. We do have bathrooms on-site, a small kitchenette for coffee/tea, and a microwave. Although we provide various equipment for each course, bringing your own tools is always welcome and encouraged.
Location We use our very own Nature Centre, located on the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead property, as a home base for all of our outdoor activities. Located just 20 minutes east of Charlottetown, the Macphail Woods Nature Centre has a variety of teaching spaces and is surrounded by 140 acres of forest and field. Winding through the property are four trails, a stream and one of the province’s finest remaining examples of our native Acadian forest.
Cancellations and Refunds
All campers are to be prepaid. However, refunds are accepted up until 2 weeks before the camp date. You will receive a full refund up until a month before the class date. Half the class cost will be refunded if you cancel between a month and 2 week before the class. If you would like to cancel within two weeks of the class no refund will be issued.
Registrations
All registrations are made online through Active Network’s Camp and Class manager. If you have any difficulties or would prefer to register with us directly, please contact us at danielmcrae@macphailwoods.org or by phone: (902)651-2575.
Nursery Catalogue
Calendar of Events
