Ontario Old‑Growth Symposium 2026

 

Register for the second annual Ontario 

Old-Growth Symposium

The second annual Ontario Old-Growth Symposium will bring together researchers, conservationists and nature-lovers to share perspectives on identifying and protecting old-growth and intact forests for their vital contributions to biodiversity, climate resilience and human well-being.

Registration is free, but donations are welcome. 

Registrants will have access to sign up for multiple events from October 23 to 25, including: 

• Storytelling with old-growth advocates
• Presentations from researchers, conservation non-profits and grassroots groups
• Guided walks in old-growth forests
• Social event and exclusive documentary screening

Activity Schedule

Watch your email for the chance to sign-up for individual activities.

Friday, Oct. 23

2:30 to 5 p.m.

Guided Hike: Wesleyville Ravine 

Topic: Conservation and restoration of Wesleyville old-growth 

Led by Willow Beach Field Naturalists

6:30 to 9  p.m. 

Social and Old-Growth Storytelling 

With special guest Dr. Peter Quinby, founder of Ancient Forest Exploration and Research

Where: Publican House Bar and Grill (Upstairs) 

Oct. 24 

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Old-Growth: Research, Science and Conservation Updates

Where: Sadleir House 

Light lunch provided

Speakers include: 

• Dr. Peter Quinby, Ancient Forest Exploration and Research

• Jay Malcolm, Professor Emeritus, Daniels Institute of Forests, University of Toronto

• Katie Krelove, Wilderness Committee Ontario Campaigner

• Luke Ridgway, Ontario Conservation Accelerator

2 to 4 p.m. 

Guided Hike: Old-Growth Characteristics and Survey Techniques

Where: Jackson Park

Led by: Mike Henry, Old Growth Ecologist and Author and Friends of Jackson Park 

2 to 4 p.m. 

Self Guided Hike: Catchacoma Old-Growth Forest  

Where: Catchacoma Forest

Bring a group and grab a map and field guide to try out the trails! Join the Catchacoma Forest Stewardship Committee to test out new self-guided, informative hiking trails through the old-growth eastern hemlock forest north of Buckhorn. Learn about the efforts to get protection status for the forest.

Led by: You!

6  to 9 p.m.

Documentary Film Screening and Talk: Understory

Opening talk: Anishinaabe Spiritual and Cultural Ties to Forests by Eric Knott, Curve Lake First Nation

Followed by screening, then Q and A with filmmaker Su Rynard.

Oct. 25

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Guided hike: Nature Therapy: What is it?  

Where: Mark S Burnham Park

An experiential exploration of research on the relationship between mental health and connection to natural spaces. 

Led by: Jamie Myslik, registered social worker and psychotherapist

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Guided hike: Identifying Old-Growth Characteristics

Where: Mark S Burnham Park

Learn how to identify and calibrate your eyes to indicators of old-growth through a hands-on experience in Mark S Burnham Provincial Park

Led by: Elliot Groen, Sustainable Forestry Coordinator with Ontario Woodlot Association

Guided Hike: Remnant Forest in Hollidge Tract

Where: Hollidge Tract

The Hollidge Tract is part of the York Regional Forest and has historical significance as the first tract established in1924 under Ontario’s Agreement Forest program. This area may represent a remnant of the original forest that existed before widespread land clearing and plantation establishment. 

Led by: Danijela Puric-Mladenovic, Professor at Daniels Forest Institute, University of Toronto