Education
School Programming
Working with our watershed Boards of Education, private educational institutions, schools and teachers, our school programming is designed to provide students from kindergarten through grade 12 with opportunities to learn about and experience the natural world, ultimately strengthening their connection to the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Through lessons and activities that are experiential, engaging, and based on provincial curriculum, school programming seeks to raise students’ awareness and appreciation, increase knowledge and skills, and develop an understanding of environmental, conservation and sustainability issues.
We offer school programming through:
The Nature Centre at Scanlon Creek
Located in Bradford West Gwillimbury, the Nature Centre at Scanlon Creek Conservation Area specializes in curriculum-based, outdoor education programs for students and teachers.
Outreach Education
If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you! Our Outreach Education team would love to come to your school (within our watershed jurisdiction) and deliver programming to your students. We can meet you in the classroom or at a nearby greenspace.
Looking for something more specific? We also deliver programming for:
Downloadable Climate Change Presentation
Designed specifically from a local Lake Simcoe watershed perspective, this interactive presentation – complete with speaking notes, tips and teaching guide – was developed by our team of environmental experts to provide teachers with a curriculum linked presentation, in an easy-to-use format.
Our education team can help support your SHSM program across a variety of sectors.
Engaging outdoor experiences geared towards the curricular goals of homeschooling families.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
School Programming
How does the booking process work?
It’s easy! Submit an Education Booking Request and our staff will contact you to discuss things such as date availability and program selection, while answering any questions you might have. Once the details have been finalized, we will send you a Booking Confirmation Form. You simply let us know that all the info is correct and you are ready for your experience! There’s no need to have payment ready– we will invoice you afterwards.
What is the price?
Please contact us at education@LSRCA.on.ca for more information about our current rates.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 10 business days in advance of the confirmed program date will be removed from the booking calendar. Cancellations made within 10 business days of the confirmed program date will be charged 50% of the full rate listed on the Booking Confirmation Form. All cancellations must be received in writing by email.
How many supervisors do I need?
Please refer to your specific school board’s policy regarding field trips and supervision ratios. We provide one educator per class (maximum 30 students).
Can parents join us?
Of course! But we ask that any parents/guardians who participate be approved volunteers with your school board. Approved parent volunteers are not permitted to bring any additional children (e.g. a younger sibling of the participating student). Unauthorized visitors will not be permitted to join.
Do I need a cheque for payment on the day of the program?
No – we will invoice you after your program.
What happens if it rains on the day of my booking?
Programming will run rain or shine – it’s important to dress for the weather. Only in the event of extreme weather (e.g. lightning, high winds) will programming be moved indoors.
I have a student with special needs – can they participate?
We will do everything we can to ensure all your students can participate to the full extent possible. This can mean accommodations and/or modifications to program content, use of outdoor space and trails, and so on. Please contact us to discuss further.
Do you offer programming in French?
Yes – we have a bilingual educator.
Visiting the Nature Centre
What does a full day Nature Centre visit look like?
Groups typically arrive between 9:15 am – 10 am – the exact time will be based on your school’s schedule and your distance to Scanlon Creek. One program will run in the morning, followed by a lunch break, and a second program in the afternoon. Groups typically depart between 2:15 pm – 3 pm. Half day visits are also available.
How many classes can visit the Nature Centre on any given day?
We can accommodate up to 2 classes per day (maximum 30 students per class).
Is the Nature Centre nut-free?
The Nature Centre is considered nut-sensitive. We ask our visitors not to bring any peanuts, nuts or products containing peanuts/nuts.
Should participants pack a lunch or is food available on site?
Participants should pack a boomerang lunch. The Nature Centre aims to be a zero waste facility. This means everything that comes in, must go out, including all waste, recycling and compost. Visitors are responsible for taking back their own waste … that’s the “boomerang” part!
No food or drinks are available for purchase onsite.
Are there ticks at Scanlon?
Ticks are a part of nature and may be found throughout our watershed. Learn more about ticks here.
Outreach Education Visiting You
How long are the programs?
Programs are 80 minutes in length but can be adjusted to fit within a learning block of less than 80 minutes if needed.
How many students can participate in the program?
Programs are designed to accommodate up to a maximum of 30 students per class. If there are more than 30 students, additional programs will need to be booked.
How many classes can we book at a time?
We can book up to 6 classes per day, depending upon staff availability.
Where are the programs delivered?
Programs can be delivered in your schoolyard/adjacent greenspace, in your classroom or a mix of both.
What do we need to prepare for the program?
We bring all the materials and equipment needed to deliver the program(s) you have selected. We ask that you chat with your students about being dressed for the weather if the program is being delivered outside.
Help Us Build a New Nature Centre!
Our partners at the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation have launched the Connect Campaign to build an incredible new Nature Centre at Scanlon Creek.
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Who to Contact 
School Programming
Nature Centre
Outreach Education
Participant Information
School and Community Programming or Nature Centre Rentals:
Related Documents
Booking Request
(School and Community Programming or Nature Centre Rentals)
Participant Information
Map to the Scanlon Creek Nature Centre