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

Join Jennifer Woods for a winter hike through our trail system for some fresh air and exercise. 

Dress appropriately for the weather, and feel free to bring snowshoes if you have them. Participants will have access to the Macphail Woods washroom facilities directly before and after the hike.

Saturday, March 1st 10 am - 12 pm 

Join us for a talk on our native owls and then come for a night hike on our trails to learn how to hoot for them.

 Feel free to bring a flashlight, as it's very dark outside this time of year. Dress accordingly for the weather - our events go ahead rain or shine!

This is a popular event, so we schedule two each year. Dates for 2025: Saturday April 12th & Saturday April 19th from 7:30pm-9:30pm.

Register Here 

This workshop will look at creating diverse, beautiful and functional hedgerows and windbreaks using a variety of native plants. Participants will learn about which plants are best, spacing, planting and maintenance. 

The workshop will begin with a presentation inside the Nature Centre, followed by a walk through our arboretum! Dress accordingly for the weather - our events go ahead rain or shine.

Saturday, May 10th, 10 am-11:30 am

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

Saturday, May 17th

Breakfast: 7:00 am - 8:00am

Walk: 8:00am-10:00 am

Register Here

Native Landscape Gardening

Want to start incorporating natives into your yard, or outdoor space but don't know where to start? Join Macphail Woods for an in-depth exploration of planting with natives. Native plants are suited to our environment, are resilient to climate change, attract wildlife, and add beauty to an area. We will cover plant habitat, explore the native plants we have on the property and answer any questions you might have about native plants! 

May 24th, 10 am 

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Community Hike with Jen Woods!

Get to know the trails at Macphail Woods and your neighbours with this family-friendly event! A great way to kick-off the springtime season. 

Saturday, May 31st at 10 am

Kate is one of the province’s foremost biologists. Her talk and walk will focus on many of the plants, both native and non-native, that you commonly encounter, plus a look at lots of rare trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns found in our arboretum. You won’t want to miss this one. 

This workshop will take place outside on the Macphail Homestead property. Dress accordingly for the weather as our events go ahead rain or shine.

Saturday, June 7th 10 am -12 pm

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Join us for a special walk and talk by Bob Bancroft, the well-known CBC Radio Maritime Noon guest. Drawing upon his career as a wildlife biologist and avid nature lover, Bob offers a unique perspective on Maritime ecology over the last half-century. His specific topic is to be confirmed!

This workshop will begin with a presentation inside the Nature Centre, followed by a walk outside. 

Saturday, June 14th 2 pm - 3:30 pm

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Join us for an important discussion on shoreline protection. Participants will learn about living shorelines, harmful practices to avoid and which native plants are best suited to withstand the harsh coastal conditions on PEI. There will be an information session inside, and an exploration outside to see some native species best suited to mitigate against erosion, and improve the habitat near the shore. 

Saturday, June 21st, 10 am - 11:30 am

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Join Gary Schneider for a sunny hike through 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 19th, 2pm - 4pm

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Community Hike with Jen Woods!

Enjoy summer in the forest and make new friends along the way! All are welcome to join us for a walk through the Macphail Woods trail system- bring your walking shoes and your community spirit!

Saturday July 26th, 10 am

Family scavenger hunt in the forest!

Bring your pets, kids and friends for an engaging scavenger hunt on the Macphail Woods trail! A great way to get to know some local flora and fauna and enjoy time outdoors with your community! 

Saturday August 2d, 10 am 

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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 9th  at 10am

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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 various workshops offered throughout the day and lots of fun activities for kids!

Saturday, September 27th, 11 am - 4 pm

Community Hike with Jen Woods!

Enjoy October in the forest and make new friends along the way! All are welcome to join us for a walk through the Macphail Woods trail system- bring your walking shoes and your community spirit!

Saturday October 4th,10 am

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. 

This walk will go ahead rain or shine, so dress accordingly for the weather. It will begin outside the Nature Centre.

Saturday October 11th, 10am - 11:30am

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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 farming, foresting, and other disturbances, and gain a deeper appreciation for our forests.

November 15th (1-3 pm) 

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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. 

Our walks go ahead regardless of the weather, so dress warm!

Saturday, December 7th, 10am - 11:30am

Register Here