Lakehead University's Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning

09/01/2026

Join us for this important community event on Friday, September 11th!

09/01/2026

There are still some spots left! Register soon to join in this incredible learning!🌿🦉

Ready to explore the wonders of nature? 🌿

Join the Ontario Master Naturalist Certificate Program this winter!

Become a certified naturalist: The Fall 2026 program includes eight learning modules taught in a hybrid model, including interactive videos and PowerPoints created for the program, virtual learning resources, a virtual trailhead meeting space, and weekly Zoom webinars with the program's content experts. The eight learning modules are as follows: Geology & Anthropology, Mammals, Plants, Birds, Reptiles & Amphibians, Wetlands, Invasive Species, and Insects.

📅 Thursdays, Sept 10 - Nov 5
⏰ 7-8:30 PM
💻 Online via Zoom
🔗 https://ec.lakeheadu.ca/community-zone/omnp-certificate-program-fall/

08/27/2026

September 16, 2026  @ 10am - Reading the World: The Case for Geographic Literacy in Education with Dr. Greg Pluim -
https://tinyurl.com/5xtusasz
 
As the final date in our summer series, T.A.L.L host their first live T.A.L.L lecture at the Muskoka Discovery Centre!

Talk Summary: Literacy in education has long centered on reading, writing, and mathematics — but what about reading the world itself? Maps, place, and geographic knowledge offer students a powerful lens for understanding culture, politics, and the forces that shape our lives. This presentation explores how educators can foster critical geographic literacy with learners of all ages. *Refreshments and Question & Answer session included!

Bio:
Dr. Gary Pluim is an Associate Professor of Social Foundations and Intercultural Education in the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University, Orillia, holding a PhD from OISE, University of Toronto. His scholarship examines place-based and global citizenship education, youth voice, and alternative pedagogies, with current research exploring the intercultural dimensions of curriculum-sharing among Commonwealth nations. His work appears in journals including Intercultural Education and Comparative and International Education and is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. A 2024 recipient of the Lakehead University Contribution to Teaching Award, Gary previously held educational leadership roles across the Pacific, East Africa, the Canadian Arctic, and the Caribbean.

08/21/2026

⚠️LivingWorks safeTALK ⚠️ is an in-person workshop where you’ll learn how to be more alert to someone thinking of su***de, how to reach out to them, and how to help them keep safe by promptly connecting them to further support.

safeTALK teaches participants to recognize and engage persons who might be having thoughts of su***de and connect them with community resources trained in su***de intervention. Using a simple yet effective model, Living Works safeTALK empowers everyone to make a difference. With over 120,000 people attending each year, it's the fastest-growing su***de prevention skills training course.

Who can participate:
safeTALK training is available to the general public. No previous mental health training or experience required. This training may be particularly beneficial for individuals who regularly work with or support others. (teachers, librarians, social service workers, community volunteers, those working with vulnerable populations, etc.).

In LivingWorks safeTALK you will learn how to reach out to someone thinking about su***de and help them keep safe by promptly connecting them to further support. Your role as a connector is the main focus of this training, which features:

Trainer presentations, facilitated discussion, and skills practice
Videos that illustrate what happens when signs of su***de are overlooked, and how you can contribute to safe outcomes when these signs are heard and addressed. Opportunities to further explore organizational applications of the training. A community resource person will be on hand at the workshop to support your safety and comfort.

Choose from:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 9am - 12:30pm
OR
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 1pm-4:30pm
Location: Lakehead University Orillia Campus, Simcoe Hall
Registration Fee: $70 + HST

Register:
https://ec.lakeheadu.ca/cell/livingworks-safetalk

***deprevention

08/21/2026

08/13/2026

Important training for everyone including educators, support workers, and care providers. Share with your networks!

⚠️LivingWorks safeTALK ⚠️ is an in-person workshop where you’ll learn how to be more alert to someone thinking of su***de, how to reach out to them, and how to help them keep safe by promptly connecting them to further support.

safeTALK teaches participants to recognize and engage persons who might be having thoughts of su***de and connect them with community resources trained in su***de intervention. Using a simple yet effective model, Living Works safeTALK empowers everyone to make a difference. With over 120,000 people attending each year, it's the fastest-growing su***de prevention skills training course.

Who can participate:
safeTALK training is available to the general public. No previous mental health training or experience required. This training may be particularly beneficial for individuals who regularly work with or support others. (teachers, librarians, social service workers, community volunteers, those working with vulnerable populations, etc.).

In LivingWorks safeTALK you will learn how to reach out to someone thinking about su***de and help them keep safe by promptly connecting them to further support. Your role as a connector is the main focus of this training, which features:

Trainer presentations, facilitated discussion, and skills practice
Videos that illustrate what happens when signs of su***de are overlooked, and how you can contribute to safe outcomes when these signs are heard and addressed. Opportunities to further explore organizational applications of the training. A community resource person will be on hand at the workshop to support your safety and comfort.

Choose from:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 9am - 12:30pm
OR
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 1pm-4:30pm
Location: Lakehead University Orillia Campus, Simcoe Hall
Registration Fee: $70 + HST

Register:
https://ec.lakeheadu.ca/cell/livingworks-safetalk

***deprevention

08/13/2026

🌼 Asters & Goldenrods 🌼 An OMNP Workshop with Bob Bowles

Join renowned naturalist Bob Bowles for an engaging outdoor workshop in Copeland Forest exploring the fascinating world of asters and goldenrods. As these iconic late-summer wildflowers reach their peak, participants will learn how to identify common species, discover their vital role in supporting pollinators, and gain insight into the ecology and natural history of one of Ontario's most diverse forest ecosystems.

This guided walk is perfect for nature enthusiasts, gardeners, photographers, and anyone interested in deepening their appreciation of native plants.

The cost of the workshop is $60 plus HST per participant.

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 1:00 pm
Location: Copeland Forest (Hillsdale, ON via Horseshoe Valley Road)

To register: https://ec.lakeheadu.ca/cell/asters-goldenrods

08/13/2026

Get outside and join us for our in person workshops in September!

🍄Magical, Mystical Mushrooms - An OMNP Workshop with Bob Bowles.

In this workshop, participants will learn to identify mushrooms by examining spore colour, gill attachment, and growth substrate. We will learn to appreciate not only the incredible variety of early mushrooms, but also the ways in which mushrooms support and communicate within an interrelational, networking ecosystem.

The cost of the workshop is $60 plus HST per participant.

Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 1:00 pm
Location: Copeland Forest (Hillsdale, ON via Horseshoe Valley Road)

Register: https://ec.lakeheadu.ca/cell/magical-mystical-mushrooms

08/13/2026

Registration is open!

Ready to explore the wonders of nature? 🌿

Join the Ontario Master Naturalist Certificate Program this winter!

Become a certified naturalist: The Fall 2026 program includes eight learning modules taught in a hybrid model, including interactive videos and PowerPoints created for the program, virtual learning resources, a virtual trailhead meeting space, and weekly Zoom webinars with the program's content experts. The eight learning modules are as follows: Geology & Anthropology, Mammals, Plants, Birds, Reptiles & Amphibians, Wetlands, Invasive Species, and Insects.

📅 Thursdays, Sept 10 - Nov 5
⏰ 7-8:30 PM
💻 Online via Zoom
🔗 https://ec.lakeheadu.ca/community-zone/omnp-certificate-program-fall/

08/13/2026

Reading the World: The Case for Geographic Literacy in Education
Join us for our first live TALL lecture at the Muskoka Discovery Centre!

Literacy in education has long centered on reading, writing, and mathematics — but what about reading the world itself? Maps, place, and geographic knowledge offer students a powerful lens for understanding culture, politics, and the forces that shape our lives. This presentation explores how educators can foster critical geographic literacy with learners of all ages.

Dr. Gary Pluim is an Associate Professor of Social Foundations and Intercultural Education in the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University, Orillia, holding a PhD from OISE, University of Toronto. His scholarship examines place-based and global citizenship education, youth voice, and alternative pedagogies, with current research exploring the intercultural dimensions of curriculum-sharing among Commonwealth nations. His work appears in journals including Intercultural Education and Comparative and International Education and is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. A 2024 recipient of the Lakehead University Contribution to Teaching Award, Gary previously held educational leadership roles across the Pacific, East Africa, the Canadian Arctic, and the Caribbean.

*Refreshments included!

When:
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
10am-12pm
Muskoka Discovery Centre (in person only)
275 Steamship Bay Rd., Gravenhurst, ON