Through our Kitchener Natural Areas Program (KNAP), we offer events and learning opportunities for people of all ages. We run these programs at Huron Natural Area and other spaces in Kitchener.
On this page:
About the program
The Kitchener Natural Areas Program (KNAP) is an environmental program that promotes the stewardship of our natural spaces by:
- engaging the community in environmental stewardship projects
- educating people about our natural areas
- creating opportunities for people to experience nature in the city
We offer this program through partnerships with:
- Waterloo Region Nature Club
- Waterloo Stewardship Council
- Nature Connect
- Humans in Nature
Current programs
Open the accordions below to find information about our upcoming programs.
| June 10 - Nature Sit Spot |
| Date: Saturday, June 10 Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Location: Huron Natural Area Cost: free Age: 18+ Step out of the busyness of life during this Nature Sit Spot practice. This program will begin with a short walk and relaxation techniques to warm up the body and calm the mind before settling into our practice. Join us and discover how being still and observing nature can be a relaxing, rejuvenating and rewarding practice in this experiential program. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Meet by the picnic shelter located by the park main entrance. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. No registration required. |
| June 12 - Guided Nature Meditation (online) |
| Date: Monday, June 12 Time: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: online on Zoome Cost: free Age: 18+ Wind down your day with two guided meditations that draw on the elements of nature to help you ease into a state of peace and relaxation. This program is suitable for beginners. This program is offered for free online through Zoom. Registration is required. |
| June 13 - Yoga Hike |
| Date: Tuesday, June 13 Time: 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. Location: Huron Natural Area Cost: free Age: 18+ Get your vitamin-N (nature) along with your daily exercise on a 90-min yoga hike at Huron Natural Area. During this program we will get to enjoy moments of pause to stretch and enjoy the beauty of the meadows, maples and pines! The walking pace will be moderate with leisurely portions. Yoga postures will be suitable for all skill levels. No yoga mat required, only comfortable footwear. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Meet by the picnic shelter located by the park main entrance. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. No registration required. |
| June 21 - Guided Nature Walk |
| Date: Wednesday, June 21 Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Location: Pioneer Tower Natural Area Cost: free Age: all ages, children must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times Explore one of Kitchener’s natural areas on this guided walk. There will be time to enjoy the sights and sounds, take photos, and indulge our curiosities about nature. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet by the historical tower located by the parking lot at the end of Lookout Lane. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. Note: Washroom facilities are not available at this location. There are natural trail surfaces that may not be stroller friendly. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. No registration required. |
| June 21 - Summer Solstice Forest Bathing |
| Date: Wednesday, June 21 Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: Huron Natural Area Cost: free Age: 18+ Celebrate the changing of the seasons on a forest bathing walk led by a certified Nature Therapy Guide. This will be a gentle and mindful stroll along the trails as we get to explore Huron Natural Area, observe the seasonal changes, and absorb the benefits of being in nature. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Meet by the picnic shelter located by the park main entrance at 801 Trillium Drive. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. Note: It is biting bug season. Be prepared for mosquitos and other biting bugs. Participants are advised to bring bug spray, sunscreen, and water. No registration required. |
| June 28 - Guided Nature Walk |
| Date: Wednesday, June 28 Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Location: Economical Insurance Trailway (Grand River Trail) Cost: free Age: all ages, children must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times Explore one of Kitchener’s natural areas on this guided walk. There will be time to enjoy the sights and sounds, take photos, and indulge our curiosities about nature. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet by the parking lot located at 326 Riverbend Drive. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. Note: Washroom facilities are not available at this location. There are natural trail surfaces that may not be stroller friendly. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. No registration required. |
| July 5 - Guided Nature Walk |
| Date: Wednesday, July 5 Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Location: Huron Natural Area Cost: free Age: all ages, children must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times Explore one of Kitchener’s natural areas on this guided walk. There will be time to enjoy the sights and sounds, take photos, and indulge our curiosities about nature. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet by the picnic shelter located by the park main entrance at 801 Trillium Drive. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. Note: There are natural trail surfaces that may not be stroller friendly. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. No registration required. |
| July 8 - Nature Journaling |
| Date: Saturday, July 8 Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Location: Huron Natural Area Cost: free Age: 18+ Step out of the busyness of life during this nature journaling program. We will begin with a short walk and relaxation techniques to warm up the body and calm the mind before settling into our practice. There will be opportunity to experiment with a variety of nature journaling techniques. Join us and discover how being still and observing nature can be a relaxing, rejuvenating and rewarding practice. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet by the picnic shelter located by the park main entrance at 801 Trillium Drive. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. No registration required. |
| July 10 - Guided Nature Meditation (online) |
| Date: Monday, July 10 Time: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: online on Zoom Cost: free Age: 18+ Wind down your day with two guided meditations that draw on the elements of nature to help you ease into a state of peace and relaxation. This program is suitable for beginners. Registration required. |
| July 12 - Guided Nature Walk |
| Date: Wednesday, July 12 Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Location: M.R. Good Family Trailway (Grand River Trail) Cost: free Age: all ages, children must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times Explore one of Kitchener’s natural areas on this guided walk. There will be time to enjoy the sights and sounds, take photos, and indulge our curiosities about nature. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet by the parking lot next to the kayak launch near the south end of Otterbein Road. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. Note: Washroom facilities are not available at this location. There are natural trail surfaces that may not be stroller friendly. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. No registration required. |
| July 15 - Forest Bathing Walk |
| Date: Saturday, July 15 Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Location: Monarch Woods Cost: free Age: 18+ Take some time to slow down and connect with nature on a Forest Bathing Walk led by a certified Nature Therapy Guide. This will be a gentle and mindful stroll along the trails as we get to explore Monarch Woods. This program includes some moments of pause to enjoy our surroundings and to practice techniques that will help you release stress and rejuvenate! Come out and absorb all the benefits the great outdoors has to offer! This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet at the park entrance located between 112 and 106 Stoke Drive. Street parking. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. Note: Washroom facilities are not available at this location. No registration required. |
| July 18 - Yoga Hike |
| Date: Tuesday, July 18 Time: 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. Location: Kiwanis Park Cost: free Age: 18+ Get your vitamin-N (nature) along with your daily exercise on a 90-min yoga hike at Kiwanis Park. During this program we will get to enjoy moments of pause to stretch and enjoy the beauty of the river valley! The walking pace will be moderate with leisurely portions. Yoga postures will be suitable for all skill levels. No yoga mat required, only comfortable footwear. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet by the gatehouse located at the park main entrance at the end of Kiwanis Park Drive. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. Note: Washroom facilities are not available at this location. No registration required. |
| July 19 - Guided Nature Walk |
| Date: Wednesday, July 19 Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Location: Marguerite Ormston Trailway (Grand River Trail) Cost: free Age: all ages, children must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times Explore one of Kitchener’s natural areas on this guided walk. There will be time to enjoy the sights and sounds, take photos, and indulge our curiosities about nature. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet by the parking area located off of Homer Watson Blvd at Doon South Drive. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. Note: Washroom facilities are not available at this location. There are natural trail surfaces that may not be stroller friendly. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. No registration required. |
| July 26 - Guided Nature Walk |
| Date: Wednesday, July 26 Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Location: J.A. Pollock Family Trailway (Grand River Trail) Cost: free Age: all ages, children must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times Explore one of Kitchener’s natural areas on this guided walk. There will be time to enjoy the sights and sounds, take photos, and indulge our curiosities about nature. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet by the parking area located off Shirley Drive near Victoria Street North. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. Note: Washroom facilities are not available at this location. There are natural trail surfaces that may not be stroller friendly. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. No registration required. |
| August 8 - Meditation in the Woods |
| Date: Tuesday, August 8 Time: 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. Location: Huron Natural Area Cost: free Age: 18+ Bring your meditation practice outdoors for this program at Huron Natural Area. We will begin with movement-based relaxation techniques and a walk along the trails to help shake off any stress from the day before we settle into our practice location among the trees. You will be guided through multiple meditation techniques and the program will conclude with unstructured meditation time for you to practice the techniques that work best for you. The walking pace will be moderate. The remainder of the program will be slow-paced or stationary, with sitting and standing positions. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet by the picnic shelter located by the park main entrance at 801 Trillium Drive. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. No registration required. |
| August 12 - Forest Bathing Walk |
| Date: Saturday, August 12 Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Location: Huron Natural Area Cost: free Age: 18+ Take some time to slow down and connect with nature on a Forest Bathing Walk led by a certified Nature Therapy Guide. This will be a gentle and mindful stroll along the trails as we get to explore Huron Natural Area. This program includes some moments of pause to enjoy our surroundings and to practice techniques that will help you release stress and rejuvenate! Come out and absorb all the benefits the great outdoors has to offer! This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet by the picnic shelter located by the park main entrance at 801 Trillium Drive. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program No registration required. |
| August 14 - Guided Nature Meditation (online) |
| Date: Monday, August 14 Time: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: online on Zoom Cost: free Age: 18+ Wind down your day with two guided meditations that draw on the elements of nature to help you ease into a state of peace and relaxation. This program is suitable for beginners. Registration required. |
| August 22 - Yoga Hike |
| Date: Tuesday, August 22 Time: 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. Location: Kiwanis Park Cost: free Age: 18+ Get your vitamin-N (nature) along with your daily exercise on a 90-min yoga hike at Kiwanis Park. During this program we will get to enjoy moments of pause to stretch and enjoy the beauty of the river valley! The walking pace will be moderate with leisurely portions. Yoga postures will be suitable for all skill levels. No yoga mat required, only comfortable footwear. This program runs rain or shine but will be cancelled or re-scheduled if severe weather is expected. Please dress for the weather and trail conditions. Be prepared for biting bugs. Meet by the gatehouse located at the park main entrance at the end of Kiwanis Park Drive. The instructor will provide participants with a sign-in sheet and waiver form to complete at the start of the program. Note: Washroom facilities are not available at this location. No registration required. |
Program cost
Most programs are free. If there is a fee, we will include it in the program description.
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Tell us what you think
We want to hear from you! Visit our Engage Kitchener page to tell us what you think about:
- community gardens and food access
- physical activity and social spaces through skate parks and alternative sports
- parks maintenance
- the environment and natural areas
We want to know how we can make Kitchener a better place to live, work and play.