SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025

Plant Walk | 10 - 12:30 PM

Nature Journaling | 1 - 3 PM

HONEYBEE HOMESTEAD

McDonalds Corners ON

Join us for an immersive day in the forest to connect, relate, and observe - in community

Stay for the day or just come for the walk.

We’ll start with a hike into the forest to celebrate the excitement of the spring and greet the Plant People as they emerge from their winter slumber. This walk offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with the land, and deepen your relationship with the plants and ecosystems that support us.

If you choose to stay for the afternoon, the plant walk will naturally prepare you for the Nature Journaling session — a deeper dive into one aspect of the forest through quiet observation and creative reflection. Together, both experiences cultivate presence, curiosity, and a sense of awe for the natural world.

 
 

Spring Ephemeral Plant Walk

Calling all Plant People, Forest Wanderers, and Nature Enthusiasts!

Step into the heart of spring and meander through a vibrant hardwood forest with us. Along the way, we’ll greet delicate yet resilient spring ephemerals, marvel at trees bursting with new life, and attune ourselves to the energy of the season.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant people or a curious newcomer, this walk is designed to inspire both wonder and learning. There’s always something to (re)discover — a scent, a texture, a story, or a shift in how you see the forest.

Together, we will slow down - that’s often where we deepen our connection - and honor nature’s awakening.

What to expect:

  • A set of guiding principles and gentle questions to lead us through the forest with curiosity.

  • A chance to observe where spring ephemerals thrive and reflect on how their lives intertwine with our own.

  • We may begin to notice details — in plants, places, or ourselves — that are easy to miss when we move quickly or alone.

  • An opportunity to learn in community, exchange perspectives, and co-create meaning through shared experience.

Whether you’re looking to learn, listen, share, or simply feel the pulse of spring in your bones, this walk is for you.

Even if you're used to solo walks, a guided walk like this invites deeper noticing, shared stories, and connection to all of nature.

Please note: We will be wandering off trail on uneven ground. This walk is not accessible and may be up to 5 km in length.

Nature Journaling with Jess

Approach a walk in the woods with the wonder of a child, the eye of an artist and the curiosity of a scientist with this intro to nature journaling session.

In this beginner-friendly session, dive into Nature Journaling allows you to spend some time focusing on one small aspect of nature that makes you curious. As you learn to observe, ask questions and make connections to the things you are seeing, the small and often unnoticed become amazing!

Bring a sketchbook, pencil, fine-tipped pen, ruler, a few pencil crayons or watercolours — and your curiosity.

No drawing experience needed. Just a willingness to notice, wonder, and explore.

Who we are

Melissa Cornacchia

Melissa is the Honeybee (Melissa in Greek) of the Homestead. She dances with and through life as a homesteader, folk herbalist, forager, naturalist, farm hand and dancer, sharing her love for nature and creativity gathering people to learn and create in community through shared experiences.

Jess Paquette

Jess is happiest in the forest with a sketchbook, pocket microscope and a fine tip pen, maybe some colours. She’s been teaching children and recently adults in the world of Arts and Nature for the last decade or so. She approaches life with joyful curiosity and the desire to examine and delight in the fine details.

How the Day Will Work:

Sunday, April 27

9:45 am – Meet and gather to leave by 10:00 am

10:00 am – 12:30 pm – Plant Walk

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch Break: Enjoy a short break to rest and have a light lunch (for those staying for nature journaling)

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Nature Journaling with Jess

Pricing:

  • Plant Walk: Sliding scale $20 - $45/per person + tax

  • Nature Journaling (Optional, after the walk): Sliding Scale $20 - $40/per person + tax

What to Bring:

  • A snack and water to keep you energized

  • Dress for the weather: Layers, appropriate footwear for uneven terrain, and protection for tick season (tucked pants, long sleeves, and bug spray).

  • Furry friends: As the walk is hosted on a working farm, please leave pets at home. If you require a guide dog, feel free to reach out to us in advance.

For Nature Journalers:

  • Materials needed: A sketchbook or paper, pencil, fine-tipped pen, ruler, and a few pencil crayons or watercolors

  • Pack a lunch that you can carry on the walk; we will eat in the forest

  • Optional: A portable stool or chair for extra comfort during journaling

Important Notes:

  • We will host the walk rain or shine.

  • Participants should be comfortable hiking for a minimum of 5 km.

  • We’ll have a rest stop and share place-based stories along the way.

Spaces are limited, and registration is required.