What's New at Abbey Gardens

Birds can be found all throughout Abbey Gardens, which is home to 5 km of trails spanning meadows, marshes, wetlands, and forests. Whether through casual sightings or formal surveys, every bird we record helps reveal how restoration and human activity shape the Abbey Gardens landscape year after year.

Spring ephemerals are perennial plants that thrive in the forest understory. While the word “ephemeral” might be new to some, many of these flowers, like the iconic white trillium, are already familiar to Ontario forest visitors.

Looking for a new way to get outside, explore the landscape, and try something a little different this season? The FRDG Abbey Gardens Flex League is a welcoming, low-pressure way to experience disc golf—whether you’ve never thrown a disc before or you’re just looking for a fresh way to enjoy the trails. Running from April 27 to November 1, 2026, this flexible league invites you to play on your own schedule while becoming part of a growing community at Abbey Gardens. What Is a

What began as a muddy problem near our duck pond has grown into something much more meaningful. The rain garden doesn’t just manage water—it shows how thoughtful design can turn excess runoff into a living, thriving landscape.

At Abbey Gardens, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our community. and we're happy to celebrate them. For over 10 years, volunteers have been key to our growth and we've learned how powerful inclusive volunteers spaces can be.

Abbey Garden's partnership with Trent University has been instrumental in facilitating real-world research and hands-on learning about conservation and land stewardship.

The Big Impact of Native Plants (and How to Get Started) Ecological gardening is a growing movement focused on creating habitat, increasing biodiversity, building healthy soils, sequestering carbon, and conserving water. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature and positively impact the environment. A key step in ecological gardening is rethinking plant choices—shifting from non-native species to native plants that truly support local ecosystems. Why Native Plants?

At Abbey Gardens, we believe in celebrating products that reflect our values, uplift local innovation, and connect our community to something truly special. This October, we are proud to feature County Coffee, a small-batch roastery that combines bold flavour with a deep commitment to sustainability and community. Brewing Community, One Cup at a Time Coffee ranks among the top three most consumed beverages in the world, making it both a global staple and a local opportunity

From gravel pit to greenspace

by Janet Trull Make yourself a priority this summer, and plan to attend the Wellness Event at Abbey Gardens on July 12, 11am to 5pm. ...

Maple Birthday: August 23, 2013 (right here at Abbey Gardens) Breed: Ojibwe Horse (Ojibwe name is Akoozi) Distinguishing features: One...

A fun outdoor program for children to explore their natural world through themed stories, walks, activities, hands-on discovery, and crafts. Lil’ Buds is a 1 ½ hour program that runs weekly (10am-11:30am) on Thursdays in July and August. Programs take place outdoors and are suitable for children (ages 2-5) and their guardian. Join us for one program or all! Every program has a different book and set of activities, even if it shares a theme! Cost is $18 per child…accompanyi

Founded by Jennifer Commins in 2012 to reinvent restaurant tea. Crafting fresh, small-batch blends in Toronto, Pluck uses locally sourced Ontario ingredients and sustainable practices, like compostable tea bags and upcycled citrus peels.

At Abbey Gardens, nature meets sustainability in a vibrant setting that beckons visitors to explore. Our guided tours are crafted to...

ounded by Jennifer Commins in 2012 to reinvent restaurant tea. Crafting fresh, small-batch blends in Toronto, Pluck uses locally sourced Ontario ingredients and sustainable practices, like compostable tea bags and upcycled citrus peels.

Fun outdoor day camps for ages 5- 14 in our natural playground. March Break Camp, Fresh Air Tykes (ages 5-6) and Outdoor Kids (ages 7-10) enjoy daily hikes, nature-based activities, and hands-on discoveries that build environmental awareness. Unique “horse led” programming and leadership opportunities for youth aged 11-17. Something for all ages! Being outside in nature awakens our senses and unleashes curiosity in all seasons of the year! Our engaging programs and day camp

EcoExplorers Homeschooling offers a unique chance to tailor education to your child's individual needs and interests. However, many parents seek ways to enhance their children's outdoor learning experiences. Thankfully, the EcoExplorers program at Abbey Gardens presents an exciting and educational avenue for homeschoolers. Through hands-on experiences and farm-to-table principles, EcoExplorers invites children to explore, learn, and engage with nature in a vibrant setting. La

Disc Golf The growing hype for disc golf finally finds a home in the Haliburton Highlands with the opening of Abbey Gardens Disc Golf Trail. Our 18-hole tract features distinct short-course and long-toss-loving layouts to satisfy all calibre of disc golf players. Each hole has either two baskets and one tee area or two tee-off pads and one basket, so you can create new course options with every visit. The course design perfectly showcases our property’s varied landscape and n

Are you ready for an adventure that blends culinary creativity with vital outdoor skills? The Pizza and Outdoor Skills Program at Abbey...