Kitchener Natural Areas Program

Through our Kitchener Natural Areas Program (KNAP), we offer events and learning opportunities for people of all ages. We run these programs at Huron Natural Area and other spaces in Kitchener.

On this page:

1. About the program
2. Current events
3. Cost

About the program

The Kitchener Natural Areas Program (KNAP) is an environmental program that promotes the stewardship of our natural spaces by:

• engaging the community in environmental stewardship projects
• educating people about our natural areas
• creating opportunities for people to experience nature in the city

We offer this program through partnerships with:

• Nature Connect
• Humans in Nature

Help shape the future of KNAP

We are currently exploring the opportunity to expand KNAP’s volunteer and educational programs to give Kitchener residents more opportunities to learn about and engage in the protection and enhancement of Kitchener’s trees and natural areas.

Visit EngageWR.ca/KNAP to learn more about the project and for opportunities to share your feedback.

Current events

Our program schedule has a variety of programs to help you get in touch with nature and yourself through guided hikes, meditations, mindfulness practices and educational guided walks. Visit our calendar to explore all our upcoming programs.

Community events

• Earth Day Celebration
  Saturday, April 25, 9 - 11:30 a.m., Centreville Chicopee Community Centre
  Enjoy free kids' crafts, meet the Forestry team and learn about the benefits of trees and Kitchener's urban canopy.
• Family Pollinator Event (in partnership with Kitchener Public Library)
  Thursday, June 25, 6 - 8 p.m., Central Branch Library
• Butterfly Count
  Wednesday, July 8, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Huron Natural Area
• Forestry Fall Fair
  Saturday, September 26, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Huron Natural Area

Nature wellness programs

• Saturday, January 24: Embracing Winter - Guided Nature Walk at Huron Natural Area
• Saturday, February 7: Embracing Winter - Guided Nature Walk at Huron Natural Area
• Saturday, February 28: Winter Yoga Hike at Huron Natural Area
• Friday, March 20: Spring Equinox Forest Bathing at Huron Natural Area
• Saturday, April 11: Signs of Spring - Guided Nature Walk at Huron Natural Area

Educational talks

• The Benefits of Trees (in partnership with Kitchener Public Library)
  Tuesday, March 3, 10 - 11 a.m., Country Hills Library. For adults 50+. Registration is required
• The Benefits of Trees (in partnership with Kitchener Public Library)
  Thursday, March 26, 10 - 11 a.m., Grand River Stanley Park Library. For adults 50+. Registration is required
• Invasive Species 
  Tuesday, April 7, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Victoria Hills Community Centre
• Healthy Yards: Reconciling with Nature (hosted by Reep Green Solutions)
  Tuesday, April 14, 6 - 8 p.m., 256 King St. E., Kitchener. Reserve your spot
• The Benefits of Trees (in partnership with Kitchener Public Library)
  Wednesday, April 29, 1 - 2 p.m., Forest Heights Library. For adults aged 50+. Registration is required
• Tree Pruning (in partnership with Kitchener Public Library)
  Monday, May 11, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Grand River Library. Registration is required
• Boulevard Beautification
  Tuesday, May 12, 6 - 7 p.m., Downtown Community Centre

Cost

Most events are free. If there is a fee, we will include it in the program description.