.png)
Nature Photography Walk Program
Nature walks offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with the natural world, promoting both physical and mental well-being. They involve walking in outdoor spaces like parks, forests, or trails, and can be enjoyed at various paces and distances. Beyond the simple act of walking, they provide a chance to observe wildlife, appreciate the environment, and experience the calming and restorative effects of nature.
Learning photography offers numerous benefits for kids, including boosting creativity, enhancing observation skills, and increasing confidence. It also encourages patience, develops fine motor skills, and provides a creative outlet for self-expression. Furthermore, it can foster a deeper appreciation for the world around them and help them develop valuable problem-solving and communication skills.
Nature Photography Walks
Host/Instructor: Emily
Free Program
Registration Required
March 2026 - November 2026
11:00 a.m - 12:30 p.m
Recommended Age: 6+
-Please wear weather appropriate clothing to all nature walks.
-Wear shoes good for walking and climbing in, that you're comfortable with getting dirty.
-Bring a full bottle of water and snacks if needed.
Show up on time, bring any camera you have available to you; DSLR, digital, mini, polariod, Android or iPhone. Don't have a camera? That's ok too. Come along for the walk to see what we might find, and remember to have fun!
-The basics of photography for beginners
-Get a chance to practice with a DSLR camera
-Developing and improving skills
-Different genres of photography
-Feedback
Program members receive canvas print outs of their favourite shot captured, at the end of the program.
Not a club member? No worries, you can participate in the program and have your selection printed for $25.
Upcoming Program Dates & Locations
*Please provide 24 hours advance notice, if you are planning to attend club hosted programs and drop-off days*
Thursday, March 12th, 2026 - Birkdale Ravine @ 1100 Brimley Rd. (West Highland Creek)
Thursday, March 26th, 2026 - Knob Hill Park @ 625 Brimley Rd. (West Highland Creek)
Thursday, April 9th, 2026 - Thomson Memorial Park @ 1005 Brimley Rd. (West Highland Creek)
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 - Bendale Park @ 705 McCowan Rd. (West Highland Creek)
Thursday, May 7th, 2026 - Cedar Brook Park @ 91 Eastpark Blvd. (West Highland Creek)
Thursday, May 21st, 2026 - McCowan District Park @ 150 McCowan Rd.
Thursday, June 4th, 2026 - Guild Park & Gardens @ 201 Guildwood Pkwy.
Thursday, June 18th, 2026 - Doris McCarthy Trail @ 9 Ravine Dr.
Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 - Bluffers Park @ 54 Bluffers Pk Rd.
Exploring the West Highland Creek
West Highland Creek is a key tributary of the Highland Creek watershed, originating in L'Amoreaux Park in northwest Scarborough and flowing southward through highly urbanized areas to join the main branch. It flows through a naturalized ravine system but faces significant urbanization, high pollution, and flash flooding risks due to high impervious surfaces.
Key Details of West Highland Creek
-
Location: Begins near Steeles Avenue/Kennedy Road, traveling through L'Amoreaux, Tam O'Shanter-Sullivan, and Bendale neighborhoods before connecting with other branches.
-
Watershed Characteristics: It is part of one of Toronto's most developed watersheds, frequently featuring concretized sections, particularly in upper areas.
-
Environment & Ecology: Despite urbanization, the creek features ravine areas with naturalized sections. It supports local wildlife, with fish species like trout, carp, and salmon present in the broader Highland Creek system.
-
Environmental Impact: Due to its urban nature, the creek is susceptible to rapid flooding during heavy rainfall and carries significant pollution runoff.
-
Recreation: The creek is surrounded by parks like L'Amoreaux Park and Birkdale Ravine Park, which offer trail systems for hiking and walking.
West Highland Creek plays a crucial role in draining the northwest portion of Scarborough.
Benefits of Learning Photography
1. Fosters Creativity and Self-Expression: Photography allows children to express their unique perspectives and see the world in new ways. They can experiment with different angles, lighting, and compositions to create images that reflect their individual vision.
2. Enhances Observation Skills: Photography encourages children to slow down, pay attention to details, and notice things they might otherwise overlook. They learn to observe patterns, colours, and textures, developing a keener awareness of their surroundings.
3. Boosts Confidence: As children learn photography, they develop new skills and create images they're proud of. Receiving positive feedback on their work can significantly boost their self-esteem and confidence.
4. Encourages Patience and Discipline: Photography often requires patience and the ability to wait for the right moment to capture a shot. This teaches children the value of perseverance and focused attention.
5. Develops Fine Motor Skills: Handling a camera, adjusting settings, and pressing the shutter button all contribute to the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity.
6. Provides a Creative Outlet: Photography offers a fun and engaging hobby that allows children to explore their creativity and express themselves through visual storytelling.
7. Improves Problem-Solving Skills: To take good photos, children need to think critically about composition, lighting, and subject matter. They learn to adapt to different situations and solve problems that arise during the photography process.
8. Enhances Communication Skills: Photography can be a great way for children to communicate their ideas and perspectives to others. They can use their photos to tell stories, share their experiences, or document their world.
9. Fosters Connection with Nature: Photography can inspire children to explore the outdoors and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. They can learn to observe and capture the beauty of plants, animals, and landscapes.
10. Builds Lifelong Skills: The skills learned through photography, such as observation, creativity, and problem-solving, are transferable to other areas of life and can be valuable in various professions.