Get closer to nature this fall

Artworth for Adults will help you learn about soil, trees, birds and more

The bridge in Menie and a slice of beautiful countryside.

If you can’t tell a white pine from a balsam fir, or a blue jay from a bluebird, Artworth for Adults is offering you a chance to get outdoors and learn this fall.

Or perhaps you know the differences and would like to connect with other people who also share that knowledge. The Artworth programs aim to build a community of local naturalists.

For nearly two decades, Artworth has offered summer camps for children. Now, founder Heidi Schaeffer says it is offering workshops, talks, and walks over the next couple of months that will provide a wide range of opportunities to learn more about the environment we live in and how it is changing due to climate change.

Let’s start with the workshops. “Join us for outdoor workshops filled with activities that will change the way you walk through the forest,” its brochure says. “Some people today recognize more consumer brands than they do the trees in their area.”

The website says, each workshop is unique and includes using nature journals, drawing and sketching plants and animals, making plant medicines, bush skills and crafts.

Schaeffer and Lucas Donald will be leading three Sunday workshops. The first on Oct. 6 will focus on trees; the second on Oct. 20 will explore birds; and the final one on Nov. 2 will look at bush crafts and medicine making. The cost per workshop is $50. The sessions will run from 10:30 a.m. till 3 p.m. with a short lunch break.

Charlie Dobbin, left, Sammy Tangir, and Lucas Donald will host talks, walks and workshops..

The talks will be sessions by Charlie Dobbin at the Aron Theatre Co-op: The first on Sept. 25 is soil is sexy; followed by growing better in a changing climate on Oct. 16; and wrapping up Oct. 30 with the big chill, preparing your garden for winter. The talks will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per session, or $25 for all three.

Farmer, artist and rewilder, Sammy Tangir will lead three tree walks through the Rhythm Hills Forest in Campbellford and Ferris Provincial Park. The first on Sept. 28 will focus on leaves and seeds. The second on Nov. 2 will look at fall leaves and share knowledge about the trees you see. The third session on Nov. 23 will discuss and show how bark, branch patterns, and buds can let identify trees even after the leaves have dropped.

Cost for the walks is $15 each or $40 for all three. Maximum of 15 people.  They will run from 10:30 till noon.  

Details about all the programs are available here. For more information, contact Schaeffer at artworthcamp@gmail.com.