McMaster University recognizes that the University and surrounding Hamilton area, including their nature spaces, are situated on traditional territories shared between the Haudenosaunee confederacy and Anishnaabe nations. These lands are protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum belt. The wampum uses the symbolism of a dish to represent the territory, and one spoon to represent that the people are to share the resources of the land and only take what they need.
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Staff Qualifications 

Our staff are ORCKA (Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association) certified and First-Aid trained. They are also authorized by FLAP Canada and Ontario Nature to conduct bird window strike surveys and snake surveys, respectively. In addition, our staff are experienced hike and canoe leaders who have stayed up-to-date on local ecological material through workshops on forest pests, road ecology, and more. 

Safety/Precautions 

  • Programming may involve exposure to poison ivy, ticks, mosquitos, sharp bushes
    • We highly recommend that you wear long pants tucked into long socks to prevent exposure 
  • All participants are responsible for their own safety when hiking, canoeing, and participating in restoration events. 

What to Bring 

  • Water 
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen 
  • Bug spray 
  • Please wear appropriate clothing (long pants, long socks, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, hats) 

Cancellation Policy

  • Please note that all events are subject to rescheduling or cancellation based on weather conditions
  • Should Nature@McMaster cancel an event for weather reasons, participants will not be subject to any costs and rescheduling will be available
  • Should a conflict occur, the event group must cancel or plan to reschedule the event at minimum 3 days in advance or else may be subject to forfeiting the event cost.

 

 

Information Box Group

Hikes

  • Overview: Interpretive hikes with nature experts! Hikes can be catered to specific age-groups, abilities, and interests.
  • Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours
  • Participants: 5-30 participants per hike
  • Location options: Cootes Paradise, McMaster Forest, Dundas Valley Trails (Sherman Falls, Tiffany Falls)
  • Cost: $50 flat rate + additional shuttle costs for Dundas Valley Hikes

Canoe Trips

  • Overview: Interpretive canoe trips through Cootes Paradise Marsh. Learn about the history, ecology, and geomorphology of Cootes!   
  • Duration: 3-4 hours 
  • Participants: 2-18 
  • Cost: $300 flat rate + $10/person  
  • Additional info: 
    • Paddles and lifejackets will be provided 

Restoration Events

  • Overview: Have fun planting trees and/or removing invasive species at or around McMaster campus!
  • Duration: 2-3 hours 
  • Participants: Minimum 10  
  • Cost: free 
  • Optional add-ons: (additional cost) pizza, drinks, snacks 
    • please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions
  • Additional info:  
    • Equipment will be provided (shovels, trowels, extractigators, gloves)
    • Locations on campus may vary depending on need

Information Box Group

Looking to run your own event? Email Us Today

Nature @ McMaster wants to support you in running an independent event or event series, such as:

  • Leading your own hike
  • Running a hike series
  • Hosting a trash pickup
  • Weeding pollinator gardens
  • Engaging in other restoration efforts on campus

Our team may be able to provide you with knowledge and resources for event organization.