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Spring

Grade 1 - Needs and Characteristics of Living Things.

This program consists of a guided hike allowing children to explore the valley and search for clues of animals, investigating the creatures and plants on the forest floor. Students will learn about the importance of pollinating creatures, with an emphasis... [ continue reading ]

Grade 2 - Growth and Changes in Animals.

Explore different habitats within the Rouge and determine what brings wildlife to specific habitats through hiking and games. Learn adaptations and interactions within communities, ecosystems, ecosystem populations, long-term effects of natural habitats and how particular habitats... [ continue reading ]

Grade 2 - Air and Water in the Environment.

Using dip-nets, student will explore ponds and wetlands to discover and observe aquatic species, learn about growth, lifecycle changes and adaptations of aquatic life. A focus on frogs will teach students the importance of keeping our waters clean and pollution free, and maintaining... [ continue reading ]

Grade 3 - Growth and Changes in Plants

How do plants have an impact on society and the environment? How does human activity impact plants and plant habitats? Students will assess the impact of human activity on plants and vice versa, investigate the similarities and differences in the characteristics of various... [ continue reading ]

Grade 3 - Soils in the Environment

Be prepared to get your hands dirty! Students will learn different techniques and participate in experiments to determine soil types, the wildlife they support, and learn the importance of soil in the ecosystem. This program consists of a guided hike allowing students to examine the interconnection... [ continue reading ]

Grade 4 - Habitats and Wildlife communities

Explore different habitats within the Rouge, and determine what brings wildlife to specific habitats through hiking and games. Learn adaptations and interactions within communities; analyze the effects of human activities on habitats and communities... [ continue reading ]

Grade 4 - Rocks and Minerals

The characteristic shape of a river is determined by the soil over which it runs, and it is always naturally meandering. Through a guided hike, Students will analyze the social and environmental impacts of human uses of rocks and minerals, assessing the impact on society and the environment of extracting... [ continue reading ]

Grade 5: Properties of and Changes in Matter

Garbage disposal at the Beare Landfill site in the Rouge Valley began in 1967 and ended in 1983. The methane gas (biogas) being collected creates about 5MW of electricity. Through a guided hike students will visit this site, as well as assess the social and environmental impact of using processes... [ continue reading ]

Grade 5: Conservation of Energy and Resources

Learn about renewable energy and why it is so important for our future. Learn ways to conserve energy at home and school. Students will take a guided hike and learn how nature uses energy, analyze the immediate and long-term effects of energy and resource use on society... [ continue reading ]

Grade 6: Biodiversity

Visit various habitats and determine through observation, the differences in plants and animals in each habitat. Students will assess the need for specific habitats for animals, and the balance upset when changes occur, either natural or man-made... [ continue reading ]

Grade 6: First Nation Peoples and European Explorers

Learn how natives lived with nature, and lived according to the conditions of the environment. They had great respect for plants and animals, and did not separate themselves as greater beings from other wildlife, but believed that they shared the forest with the plants and animals... [ continue reading ]

Grade 7: Interactions in the Environment

Learn adaptations and interactions within communities; analyze the effects of human activities on habitats and communities. Consisting of a guided hike, students will explore different habitats within the Rouge Valley, and determine what brings wildlife to specific habitats... [ continue reading ]

Grade 7: Heat in the Environment

Assess the environmental and economic impacts of using conventional and alternative forms of energy. Through a guided hike, students will visit the old Beare Landfill site in the Rouge Valley. The methane gas (biogas) being collected there creates about 5MW of electricity. Topics will assess the role of radiation... [ continue reading ]

Grade 8: Patterns in Human Geography

Learn about pioneer life. Visit old mill races and the Mast Road (where settlers carried great white pines to Lake Ontario). Look for pieces of pottery in the Little Rouge River. Consisting of a guided hike, students will assess the ways in which humans take the natural environment into account in determining... [ continue reading ]

Grade 8: Water Systems

This program assess the impact of human activities and technologies on the sustainability of water resources. Through a guided hike, students will visit ponds and wetland in the Rouge Valley area and demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of the earth's water systems and the influence of water systems... [ continue reading ]

Booking Information

Program Cost: $6 per student

-Adult supervisors free

-Minimum 15 students, maximum 30 per group

-larger groups may be accommodated however an extra surcharge may be added. Call or email for more information.

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 conditions are unsafe.

Weather Conditions:

All program activities are held OUTDOORS and run rain, shine, cold or snow, unless in extreme weather. Programs are not moved indoors in poor weather. Students must be fully prepared for outdoor activities and any type of weather (rain gear, snow gear, sunscreen, water).

Outdoor Attire:

Children and adults MUST be fully prepared for outdoor activities when visiting the RVCC.

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 sun screen are just as important in winter as in summer!

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.

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!