Open to Everyone
Register for any of these sessions to learn more about these activities and gain the skills to help preserve Swan Lake.
Please note that this study has been reviewed and approved by York’s institutional Research Ethics Board (REB), should participants have any questions or concerns about the study please contact naddan@yorku.ca
Wildlife Photography Workshop
The Wildlife Photography Workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of nature and wildlife photography, with a focus on ethical practices and environmental awareness. Through hands-on activities, participants learn key techniques in visual literacy, composition, color theory, and the exposure triangle (ISO, aperture, shutter speed). The workshop also emphasizes respectful wildlife observation and storytelling through images to inspire environmental stewardship and deepen connection with local biodiversity. Suitable for all skill levels, this workshop blends art, science, and citizen engagement.
To accommodate more participants, the workshop will be held on two different dates. Those who are unable to attend the first session are welcome to join the second.
Dates: August 24th or August 31st
Time: 4:00am - 8:00pm ET
Location: Swan Lake Park, 25 Swan Park Rd, Markham, ON
After completing one of these workshops, you will be issued a certificate from CIFAL York & UNITAR.
Drone Pilot Workshop
The Drone Pilot Workshop provides participants with hands-on training in the fundamentals of drone operation, safety, and environmental data collection that helps them to gain their "Basic" drone pilot certificate. Designed for both beginners and those with some experience, the workshop covers key topics including flight regulations, pre-flight checklists, airspace awareness, and manual versus automated flight modes. Participants will also gain practical experience using drones for multispectral and thermal imaging, aerial photography, and water quality monitoring—tools essential to citizen science and environmental research.
Led by Dr. Ali Asgary, this workshop will feature a live demonstration of drone-based data collection and showcase how different drones and sensors can be used to support environmental monitoring and sustainability research.
Two workshop sessions will be scheduled on different dates to accommodate varying availability and ensure inclusive participation. Participants may register for either date (as both sessions are identical). Once registered, you will gain access to our online learning materials covering theoretical foundations, preparing you for the hands-on workshop experience.
Dates: September 7th or September 14th
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00 pm ET
Location: Swan Lake Park, 25 Swan Park Rd, Markham, ON
After completing one of the workshops, you will be issued a certificate from CIFAL York & UNITAR
Water Sampling & Testing Workshop
The Water Sampling & Testing Workshop introduces participants to the core principles and practices of atermonitoring through hands-on, field-based learning. This workshop is designed to equip participants with essential skills in collecting, handling, and analyzing water samples from Swan Lake.
Participants will learn standardized sampling techniques, including grab sampling, temperature and pH measurement, turbidity assessment, and nutrient testing. The workshop also explores the ecological significance of water quality indicators and how they relate to ecosystem health, biodiversity, and environmental change. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of consistent data collection and its role in long-term environmental monitoring.
Dates: September 21st or September 28th
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm ET
Location: Swan Lake Park, 25 Swan Park Rd, Markham, ON
After completing one of the workshops, you will be issued a certificate from CIFAL York & UNITAR
Documentary Film and Social Change Workshop
Designed to empower participants with the skills to use visual storytelling as a tool for environmental awareness and community impact. Through hands-on learning, participants explore the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking—concept development, filming, interviewing, and editing—while focusing on real ecological issues.
The workshop emphasizes how film can drive public engagement, influence attitudes, and inspire collective action toward sustainability and conservation.
Date: October 19th
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm ET
Location: Swan Lake Park, 25 Swan Park Rd, Markham, ON
Guided Nature Walk & Nature Journaling Workshop
Participants will learn:
- What a sit spot is, and how to identify your own at Swan Lake Park.
- How to pay closer attention to the environment around you, using all your available senses.
- How to start a nature journal and the varieties of approaches to documenting natural phenomena, from weather to wildlife .
- How to document the unique qualities and features of Swan Lake Park.
- How to responsibly collect natural materials for your nature journal.
- How to track changes to Swan Lake Park over time, using nature journaling as a tool.
Date: October 26th
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm ET
Location: Swan Lake Park, 25 Swan Park Rd, Markham, ON
Birds and Biodiversity of Swan Lake Park Workshop
Participants will Learn:
- About the incredible biodiversity of species, including the 188 different species of birds that call Swan Lake Park home, their environmental importance, and what they can do to protect them
- How to more accurately identify birds and other wildlife species using field marks
- What they can easily do at home to preserve biodiversity, particularly over the fall and winter months
Date: November 22nd
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm ET
Maximum Participants: 30
Location: Swan Lake Park, 25 Swan Park Rd, Markham, ON
First Annual Swan Lake Citizen Science Lab Christmas Bird Count Workshop
Birders and naturalists of all ages and levels of experience are welcome for this workshop!
By participating in this workshop, participants will:
- Be taking part in the longest running Citizen Science project in North America
- Learn about our backyard bird species as well as the migrants which come here to overwinter with us
- Learn how to more accurately identify birds using field marks
Date: December 14, 2025
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm ET
Location: Swan Lake Park, 25 Swan Park Rd, Markham, ON
Coordinators
Mx. Francesco del Carpio, CIFAL York
fdcarpio@yorku.ca
Mr. Peyman Naeemi, CIFAL York & One WATER
peyman91@yorku.ca
Mr. Mahbod Aarabi, ADERSIM
maarabi@yorku.ca