Free Workshops

Our free events and workshops are designed to be fun, educational, and rewarding.

From hooting for owls to learning about native species, these events cover a wide variety of ecological topics. These events are for the whole family, aiming to make environmental learning as accessible and interactive as possible. Unless indicated otherwise, all of our free workshops take place at the Macphail Woods site in Orwell.

You do not need to register for free workshops! There is no limit on the number of people who can attend.

Keep an eye out for our 2025 free workshops!

If you have any questions, please email Daniel McRae at danielmcrae@macphailwoods.org or call (902) 651-2575

VIEW OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

Winter Woodlands

Winter Woodlands

Discover the beauty and wonder of the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest in the winter. Join us for a walk through our trails and learn to recognize keystone species in the cooler months of the year, including winter buds, wildlife signs, and all the important functions of winter in the forests.

Sunday, December 8th

Natural History of PEI

Natural History of PEI

Our forests have a rich, complex, and fascinating story to tell about our island's history. Join ecologist and researcher Daniel McRae for an eye-opening look into PEI’s past by exploring forests. Discover telltale signs of forest disturbances and gain a deeper appreciation for our forests.

Saturday, November 16th, 1 pm

Autumn in the Forest

Autumn in the Forest

Join us for an educational walk and talk in our Wabanaki-Acadian Forest at Macphail Woods. Share knowledge with experienced forest ecologists, and revel in the beauty of Autumn in the forest, and all the changes that come with it.

Saturday, October 12th

Festival of Forests

Festival of Forests

This family-friendly community event is intended to educate the public about ecological restoration and conservation, while allowing people to develop and strengthen their connection to nature. There will be workshops offered by different environmental groups on PEI, a riparian planting on the Macphail Woods property and lots of activities for children such as art, bushcraft, and games. No admission is required for this event, but donations are gladly accepted.

Saturday, September 14th 11am-4pm

11:15am – 12:00pm Learning Lichens Walk – Daniel McRae

11:30am - 12:00pm Legacy Garden and Therapeutic Horticulture – Farm Centre

11:30am – 1:30pm Forest Bathing with Sonic Ambiance – Kiara Ra

12:15pm – 12:45pm PEI Forests: Our Unsung Heroes – Forested Landscape Priority Place

12:50pm – 1:20pm Land Protection Options for Prince Edward Island – Island Nature Trust

1:30pm – 2:00pm Medicine Wheel – Helena Perry

2:10pm – 2:30 pm 2Billion Trees Project Presentation – Watershed Alliance

2:00pm – 3:00pm Riparian zone planting – Macphail Woods

2:30pm – 3:15pm Invasive Species Walk – PEI Invasive Species Council

3:00pm – 3:30pm From Seed to Slab – Macphail Woods

Other Activities:

Bushcraft, art, obstacle course, communal nature looms, beer garden & native plant sale!

BIRDS AND BREAKFAST

BIRDS AND BREAKFAST

A beautiful breakfast served at the historic homestead, followed by a guided walk led by Dwaine Oakley and Fiep de Bie

Saturday May 18th

Breakfast: 7:00 am - Walk: 8am-10:00 am

LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE PLANTS

LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE PLANTS

Landscaping with Native Plants

Want to spend less time cutting grass and more time enjoying the beautiful plants around your home? This workshop introduces a variety of hardy native plants to attract wildlife and beautify your yard. Becky Byrne has made countless landscape designs and is an expert in native plant propagation.

Tuesday May 25th, 10 am

NATIVE PLANTS OF PEI WITH KATE MACQUARRIE

NATIVE PLANTS OF PEI WITH KATE MACQUARRIE

Kate is one of the province's foremost biologists. Learn about our diversity of species.

Saturday, June 1st

10 am -12 pm

MOSSES LICHENS AND LIVERWORTS

MOSSES LICHENS AND LIVERWORTS

Mosses, Lichens & Liverworts

Join ecologist Daniel McRae on a hike at Macphail Woods with a special focus on mosses, lichens, and liverworts of the Wabanaki-Acadian forest. Gain a deeper appreciation, learn some basic ID, and discover the beauty and importance of these phenomenal species.

Saturday June 15th, 10 am

STATE OF NATURE IN THE MARITIMES - BOB BANCROFT

STATE OF NATURE IN THE MARITIMES - BOB BANCROFT

Bob has over 50 years of experience as a wildlife biologist, join us while he shares his unique perspective on Maritime ecology!

Saturday, June 8th 2 pm

SUMMER IN THE FOREST

SUMMER IN THE FOREST

Summer in the Forest

Join us for a sunny hike looking at our forests during the prime growing season. This busy time of year is a flurry of activity in the forest, from fresh blooms, juicy fruits and active wildlife sure to Invigorate the senses and foster a rejuvenated love for the natural world.

Saturday July 20th, 10 am

COASTAL HABITATS AND KRUMHOLTZ FORESTS

COASTAL HABITATS AND KRUMHOLTZ FORESTS

Coastal Habitats & Krumholtz Forests:

Come learn about our unique coastal habitats and wind-blow krummholz forests. Growing along exposed shores, these gnarly and fascinating places are critical habitats for many native species as well as the Island’s natural shield against coastal winds, waves and flooding.

Saturday, August 10th at 10am

BLACK ASH, WET WOODLANDS AND SWAMPS

BLACK ASH, WET WOODLANDS AND SWAMPS

Black Ash, Wet Woodlands and Swamps

Black ash or Wisqoq is a unique and culturally-important species for the Mi’kmaq People. Come learn about this wonderful native tree and the swampy habitats that it thrives in. These amazing wet woodlands are biodiversity hotspots with an array of specialized and rare native flora.

Saturday September 28th, 10 am

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