Rouge Valley Conservation Centre
ECO-Venture!®
Grade Levels: Grade K to Grade 12
Length of program: Full Day (9:30am - 2:00pm, with time for lunch)
Offered: Year round
Looking to do some nature exploring? Then come along on an ECO-venture with us. A guided hike will help students discover the biodiversity of plant and animal species that are present in the Rouge Valley. In springtime, students will see plants in full bloom, and in the fall they can admire the Valley’s vibrant autumn colours. Students will get the chance to look for animals, such as birds, butterflies, dragonflies/damselflies, turtles, frogs and salamanders. Students will also discover the huge role that humans play in nature, and learn the values of respecting and protecting the natural environment.
Please note: This is a general overview of our ECO-Venture program. This program is adapted to meet specific grade and/or division curriculum expectations. For specific details for your grade level, please email us at education@rvcc.ca.
Nature Themed Educational Programs
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Water Species Discovery
Grade Levels: Grade 1 to Grade 12
Length of program: Full Day (9:30am - 2:00pm, with time for lunch)
Offered: late-April to October
Water is a vital component to life; all living organisms depend on water to live. Thus, water habitats play an important role in the environment. Explore the rich ecosystems present in the Rouge Valley watershed including wetlands, ponds, and the Rouge River. Take a close look at the biodiversity which inhabit these ecosystems and learn about rare water species and their role in their ecosystem. How do these water habitats influence us? How do we influence water habitats? Many water habitats are diminishing in quality and quantity across the globe due to certain human activities. Learn to protect water habitats with simple every day actions.
Please note: This is a general overview of our Water Species Discovery program. This program is adapted to meet specific grade and/or division curriculum expectations. For specific details for your grade level, please email us at education@rvcc.ca.
The Rouge Valley Conservation Centre offers a variety of educational programs for students of all ages. We offer a natural integration of ecological understanding, conservation awareness, hands-on involvement, expression through the arts, and interactive activities. Our dedicated volunteer team of biologists, botanists and ecologists have been providing educational programs since 1995 to much acclaim from educators. Students, teachers and parents have participated in fun-filled activities that promote a better understanding of our urban wilderness, and of the great natural and cultural heritage preserved in the Rouge Valley.
All our educational programs integrate the Science and Technology Life Systems curriculum links as according to the age/grade levels indicated. These include: Characteristics and Needs of Living Things, Growth and Changes in Plants and Animals, Habitats and Communities, Diversity of Living Things and Interactions Within Ecosystems. Additional curriculum links apply where applicable.
Please note: The summary of each program included is a general overview. Each program is adapted to meet specific grade and/or division expectations. For specific details on a particular program for your grade level, please email us at education@rvcc.ca. If there is a particular topic that you are interested in and can’t find it here, let us know and we can tailor a program to your specific needs.
Plants and Pollinators
Grade Levels: Grade 1 to Grade 6
Length of program: Full Day (9:30am - 2:00pm, with time for lunch)
Offered: late-April to October
Bees and butterflies are just insects, or are they? Have your students discover the crucial role that pollinators play in nature, and learn how important they are for humans. Students will learn what they can do to help maintain healthy populations of these very special insects as well as various plant species that the Rouge Valley has. Students will be led on a special “Pollinator Watch” walk, where they will get the opportunity to search, identify and even catch some local pollinators.
Please note: This is a general overview of our Plants and Pollinators program. This program is adapted to meet specific grade and/or division curriculum expectations. For specific details for your grade level, please email us at education@rvcc.ca.
Species at Risk: Action Plan
Grade Levels: Grade 6 to Grade 12
Length of program: Full Day (9:30am - 2:00pm, with time for lunch)
Offered: late-April to October
How do some species become endangered while others thrive? The Rouge Valley contains many species that are at risk, some are locally rare while others are in National decline. Learn about species such as the Southern Flying Squirrel, Monarch Butterfly, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Milk Snake and Redside Dace. Through a series of interactive activities, students will learn about these animals and discover the reasons behind the decrease in global biodiversity. Students will go on a guided hike to visit some of the habitats where these species can be found and they will learn how to identify various invasive plants and animals that are impacting the Valley’s biodiversity. Students will also try their hand at creating an action plan to protect these species at risk.
Please note: This is a general overview of our Species at Risk: Action Plan program. This program is adapted to meet specific grade and/or division curriculum expectations. For specific details for your grade level, please email us at education@rvcc.ca.
Booking Information:
For more information or to schedule a visit to the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre:
Email: education@rvcc.ca
Phone: 416-282-8265
Program Cost:
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-$12 per student
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-No charge for adult supervisors and teachers
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-Prices subject to change without notice
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-Minimum 15 students
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-Groups larger than 30 can be accommodated however an extra surcharge may be added. Call or email for more information.
Transportation - consider bringing your classes to the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre by public transit. The flexible schedule and low cost provide a great alternative to taking a school bus.
Booking/Cancellation Policy:
We require two weeks notice to cancel a booking otherwise a cancellation fee of 50% of the total program cost will be applied. (Cancellations due to inclement weather will not be subject to a cancellation fee). We reserve the right to cancel a program if we feel the weather or trail conditions are unsafe.
Weather Conditions:
The majority of our program activities are held OUTDOORS and run rain, shine, cold or snow, unless in extreme weather. Students must be fully prepared for outdoor activities and any type of weather (rain gear, snow gear, sunscreen, hat, water).
Outdoor Attire:
Children and adults MUST be fully prepared for outdoor activities when visiting the RVCC.
IN SPRING & SUMMER:
Dress in layers and cover all extremities in cool weather. Hats and sunscreen are important in spring and summer. Long pants and closed shoes with socks will help to protect from brushing against poison ivy and thorny bushes. Bring plenty of water as well to prevent dehydration. Wear proper hiking footwear, especially in spring, as trails can be muddy.
IN WINTER:
Dress in layers. Bring hats, mitts, gloves, scarves, ear muffs, etc, to cover all extremities. Proper winter boots and wool socks should be worn as well as water/wind-proof jackets & snow pants. Wool and technical fabric work best for outdoor activities, as they work to wick away moisture and keep heat in. Cotton can hold the cold air, sweat and water next to the skin and highly increases the chance of frostbite and hypothermia. Hydration and sunscreen are just as important in winter as in summer!
When walking in the wilderness, remember that it is full of plants and animals and we are walking through their homes! Take only photographs, leave only footprints!
Outdoor Survival
Grade Levels: Grade 1 to Grade 8
Length of program: Full Day (9:30am - 2:00pm, with time for lunch)
Offered: Year round
If you were lost in the woods would you know what to do? Explore the methods used for outdoor survival and how to find your way back home.
Please note: This is a general overview of our Outdoor Survival program. This program is adapted to meet specific grade and/or division curriculum expectations. For specific details for your grade level, please email us at education@rvcc.ca.
Winter in the Valley
Grade Levels: Grade K to Grade 6
Length of program: Full Day (9:30am - 2:00pm, with time for lunch)
Offered: November to March
During the winter, nature isn’t as quiet as it seems. Here at the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre, students will discover different tactics animals use to deal with the cold weather. A hike in the snow will allow the students to discover the biodiversity of winter species that are present in the Rouge Valley, along with the ones that can’t be seen in the colder months. Students will participate in a variety of fun group activities throughout the day that will help them better understand the natural processes that occur in the wintertime. At the end of the day, students will be reminded of the role that humans play
in the natural environment during the winter.
Please note: This is a general overview of our Winter in the Valley program. This program is adapted to meet specific grade and/or division curriculum expectations. For specific details for your grade level, please email us at education@rvcc.ca.
Ask about our subsidy for school groups from priority areas
generously provided by TD Friends of the Environment.
To qualify for a subsidy for the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre Educational Programs, a class must:
- be from a school in a priority area or model school
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-book a full-day visit
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-have less than 30 students attending the field trip
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-visit the RVCC during the regular school year between September and June
For more information or to enquire about your eligibility for a subsidy, please call us at 416-282-8265 or email education@rvcc.ca
Generous support provided by TD Friends of the Environment.
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