Rouge Valley Conservation Centre

 

Educational Programs

To donate to the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre click on the button below:

How to find us:

1749 Meadowvale Road

Toronto, Ontario M1B 5W8

Canada


Map to the centre

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. Our programs for school groups and child care centers are interactive, educational
and carefully prepared according to the Ontario Curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 12.
In addition to Grades K to 12, we can also accommodate College and University classes, community groups (such as Scouts and Girl Guides) and other special groups.


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.


To explore our programs, please click on the links to the left.

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:

  1. -$12 per student

  2. -No charge for adult supervisors and teachers

  3. -Prices subject to change without notice

  4. -Minimum 15 students

  5. -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!

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

  1. -book a full-day visit

  2. -have less than 30 students attending the field trip

  3. -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.