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 to greet the Plant People as they emerge from their winter slumber.
If you choose to stick around for the afternoon, the plant walk will prepare you for nature journaling - a deeper dive into one aspect of the forest.
Spring Ephemeral Plant Walk
Calling all Plant People, Forest Wanderers, and Nature Enthusiasts!
Step into the heart of spring and join us as we meander through a vibrant hardwood forest.
As we wander, we’ll greet the delicate yet resilient spring ephemerals, marvel at the trees bursting with new life, and attune ourselves to the energy of the season unfolding beneath our feet. Every plant we encounter serves as a reminder of our deep and shared connection with all living beings.
Together, we will slow down, breathe deeply, and honor nature's awakening.
What to expect:
A set of guiding principles and questions that will lead us through the forest with curiosity.
We'll approach the plants as kin, celebrate the excitement and impermanence of the spring ephemerals’ arrival, observe where they thrive, and remember how our lives are deeply intertwined through stories and experiences.
Whether you’re an experienced plant enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this walk is for everyone. We believe that in this community, we are all both students and teachers, learning together from the wisdom of the plants and each other.
Please note: Since we will be wandering on and off trails, crossing over uneven surfaces, this walk is not accessible and may be up to 5 km in length.
Whether you’re looking to learn, listen, share, or simply feel the pulse of spring in your bones, this walk is for you.
Why attend a plant walk when you can walk solo on your favorite trails?
While solo walks are peaceful and offer more inner reflection, a plant walk offers the chance to learn in community and with intention. When walking with others, you gain different perspectives and spot plants you might miss or rare or endangered species. Even experienced plant people can walk away learning something new—whether it's a new plant, a fun fact, or even just a question that leaves them thinking. It can reaffirm what you thought you knew or open up new curiosities. The forest has so much to teach us, and sharing that experience with others only enriches it. It feels more important than ever to come into relationship with the ecosystems, the plants and peoples in our communities.
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.
The 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!
Materials needed: sketchbook or paper, pencil, fine tipped pen, a ruler, a few pencil crayons or watercolours and your curiosity.
Beginners too drawing are most welcome.
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.
