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ontario parks association

Protecting Tomorrow Today®

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  • Horticultural Therapy Workshop

Horticultural Therapy WorkShop

Instructed By: 

 Guinevere Kern

Mutual Support: The Bridging of Horticultural Therapy and Green Spaces to Build Communal Health

“I cultivate my garden and my garden cultivates me”- Robert Breault

Urban green spaces are vital to the physical and mental health of communities. For municipal employees in parks, recreation, urban forestry, and conservation authorities, understanding the therapeutic potential of horticulture and green spaces can support enhancement of communal well-being while addressing multi-faceted health challenges of today. 

This two-part, interactive workshop delves into the principles and practices of Horticultural Therapy (HT), a purposeful approach to using plants and nature-related activities to achieve goals that promote well-being for participants.

This workshop is for professionals seeking to elevate their understanding to improving individual and community health through nature-based solutions. Be prepared to broaden your perspective about the spaces you manage and the lives they impact. 

Topics that will be covered include: 

  • The fundamentals of Horticultural Therapy

  • Current research supporting the therapeutic application of horticulture

  • Relevancy to pressing issues of today

  • Applications for green professions to support human health and well-being.

                                                                                                                                                    

Instructor Bio:

Guinevere Kern is a Registered Horticultural Therapist with extensive experience in integrating nature-based therapies into health and community settings. Her accomplishments include: 

  • Designing and implementing therapeutic gardening programs for mental health and long-term care facilities. 

  • Providing nature therapy services for individuals recovering from motor vehicle accidents and other trauma. 

  • Completing a 1,000-hour Horticultural Therapy Internship specializing in therapeutic gardening and community development. 

  • Conducting research in native wildflowers and ornamental plants at the University of Guelph’s Department of Plant Agriculture. 

  • Working in diverse horticulture settings, including nurseries, greenhouses, landscaping, and organic agriculture across Canada and the United States. 

As a passionate educator and advocate for green wellness, Guinevere brings a transdisciplinary perspective to equipping professionals to deepen their understanding of the healing potential of green spaces. 

NOTE: This course is now held over two half day seminars.



Upcoming events

  • Horticultural Therapy Workshop

    • 26 Feb 2025
    • 27 Feb 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • Zoom - Online
    • 30
    Register

    Horticultural Therapy Workshop now being offered as TWO Half Day Sessions!!

    Mutual Support: The Bridging of Horticultural Therapy and Green Spaces to Build Communal Health

    “I cultivate my garden and my garden cultivates me”- Robert Breault

    Urban green spaces are vital to the physical and mental health of communities. For municipal employees in parks, recreation, urban forestry, and conservation authorities, understanding the therapeutic potential of horticulture and green spaces can support enhancement of communal well-being while addressing multi-faceted health challenges of today. 

    This two-part, interactive workshop delves into the principles and practices of Horticultural Therapy (HT), a purposeful approach to using plants and nature-related activities to achieve goals that promote well-being for participants.

    This workshop is for professionals seeking to elevate their understanding to improving individual and community health through nature-based solutions. Be prepared to broaden your perspective about the spaces you manage and the lives they impact. 

    Topics that will be covered include: 

    • The fundamentals of Horticultural Therapy

    • Current research supporting the therapeutic application of horticulture

    • Relevancy to pressing issues of today

    • Applications for green professions to support human health and well-being.

                                                                                                                                   

    Instructor Bio:

    Guinevere Kern is a Registered Horticultural Therapist with extensive experience in integrating nature-based therapies into health and community settings. Her accomplishments include: 

    • Designing and implementing therapeutic gardening programs for mental health and long-term care facilities. 

    • Providing nature therapy services for individuals recovering from motor vehicle accidents and other trauma. 

    • Completing a 1,000-hour Horticultural Therapy Internship specializing in therapeutic gardening and community development. 

    • Conducting research in native wildflowers and ornamental plants at the University of Guelph’s Department of Plant Agriculture. 

    • Working in diverse horticulture settings, including nurseries, greenhouses, landscaping, and organic agriculture across Canada and the United States. 

    As a passionate educator and advocate for green wellness, Guinevere brings a transdisciplinary perspective to equipping professionals to deepen their understanding of the healing potential of green spaces. 

    Note: This course is now provided in two half-day online seminar's.

    Course Date's: February 26, February 27, 2025

    Course Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

    If you would like to register for this exciting new workshop, please click here

    Show details

  • Sports Turf Maintenance

    • 20 Mar 2025
    • 9:00 AM
    • 21 Mar 2025
    • 12:30 PM
    • Online
    • 25
    Register

    Reg is our new turf expert he is an experienced turf management professional with over 20 years in golf course management, landscape operations, lawn care, and the parks industry. He holds a Golf Course Technician Diploma from Seneca College and an Advanced Golf Course Management certification from The Ohio State University.

    Reg was employed as Supervisor, Parks Operations at the City of Mississauga, where he oversaw turf care operations, including both seed and fertilizer contracts, ensuring the highest quality turf in public parks and recreational spaces. Additionally, he held the portfolios for Turf and Sports Fields, leading initiatives to improve field conditions, optimize resources, and promote sustainability.


    This course will cover: 

    • Challenges, Issues & Trends

    • Benefits of Grass & Sports Turf

    • Soil Types, Functions & Drainage

    • Characteristics & Selection of Grasses

    • Fertilizers & Nutrient Management

    • Cultural & Maintenance Best Practices

    • Plant Health Care & Integrated Pest Management

    • Irrigation & Water Management

    • Overview of Common Sports Facilities

    • Weather & Outdoor Sports

    • Risk Management

    • Equipment Maintenance


    OPA is excited to offer this course online, as a 2 day webinar series! Day 1 will run from 9:00am-12:00pm, and Day 2 will run from 9:00am-12:30pm, allowing 30 minutes at the end of the workshop for you to complete a 30 minute test.


    DATE: March 20th and March 21st, 2025

    Day 1 March 20th - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Day 2 March 21st - 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM to allow for a 30 minute test at the end of the course.

    LOCATION: Online - Zoom (no account or download required)


    COURSE COST

    OPA Member: $255.00

    OPA Potential Member: $356.00


    This course counts as 1 credit towards the Parks Practitioner Designation.


    Register below online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).


    Show details

  • Sports Turf Maintenance

    • 23 Oct 2025
    • 9:00 AM
    • 24 Oct 2025
    • 12:30 PM
    • Online
    • 30
    Register

    Reg is our new turf expert he is an experienced turf management professional with over 20 years in golf course management, landscape operations, lawn care, and the parks industry. He holds a Golf Course Technician Diploma from Seneca College and an Advanced Golf Course Management certification from The Ohio State University.

    Reg was employed as Supervisor, Parks Operations at the City of Mississauga, where he oversaw turf care operations, including both seed and fertilizer contracts, ensuring the highest quality turf in public parks and recreational spaces. Additionally, he held the portfolios for Turf and Sports Fields, leading initiatives to improve field conditions, optimize resources, and promote sustainability.


    This course will cover: 

    • Challenges, Issues & Trends

    • Benefits of Grass & Sports Turf

    • Soil Types, Functions & Drainage

    • Characteristics & Selection of Grasses

    • Fertilizers & Nutrient Management

    • Cultural & Maintenance Best Practices

    • Plant Health Care & Integrated Pest Management

    • Irrigation & Water Management

    • Overview of Common Sports Facilities

    • Weather & Outdoor Sports

    • Risk Management

    • Equipment Maintenance


    OPA is excited to offer this course online, as a 2 day webinar series! Day 1 will run from 9:00am-12:00pm, and Day 2 will run from 9:00am-12:30pm, allowing 30 minutes at the end of the workshop for you to complete a 30 minute test.


    DATE: October 23rd and October 24th, 2025

    Day 1 October 23rd - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Day 2 October 24th - 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM to allow for a 30 minute test at the end of the course.

    LOCATION: Online - Zoom (no account or download required)


    COURSE COST

    OPA Member: $255.00

    OPA Potential Member: $356.00


    This course counts as 1 credit towards the Parks Practitioner Designation.


    Register below online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).


    Show details

For more information on hosting or attending, please send an email referencing the course title to training@ontarioparksassociation.ca
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