Outdoor education brings classroom studies to life. The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) is excited to welcome students back to the Lorne C. Henderson Conservation Area for traditional in-person field trips during the 2022-2023 school year. Most programs are 2 hours in length.
Endangered Species Game (Grades 4–6)
This active game introduces students to some of the Species at Risk found in Ontario. Through a role-playing activity, students will portray species trying to survive the many threats that imperil our wildlife.
Major Concepts: endangered species, loss of habitat, reasons for depletion
Relevant to Science and Technology: Habitats and Communities (Grade 4), Interactions Within Ecosystems (Grade 7)
Pokecatching (Grades 4–8)
Also available in French – Disponible en français
Pokecaching is a “Pokemon Go” inspired geocaching game designed by LKDSB Enrichment Students that puts the Geography curriculum into action. Participating students will use GPS units to locate Pokecaches. Tokens will be collected for a “Pokemon Gym Battle” at the conclusion of the 2-hour program.
Instincts for Survival (Grades 4–8)
Survival of the fittest is the harsh law required for the balance of nature. This simulation game teaches students about animal interdependencies, predator/prey relationships, disease, elements, camouflage, and the various influences of humans.
Major Concepts: predator/prey relationships, food chain, life cycles, adaptations, interdependence of living things, population ratios, human impact on ecosystems, habitat, niche, wildlife management
Relevant to Science and Technology: Habitats
Geocaching (Grades 5–8)
Also available in French – Disponible en français
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver along with Latitude and Longitude coordinates to find hidden caches. Students will learn how to ‘mark’ waypoints, ‘hide’ a cache, and ‘find’ hidden geocaches in the Conservation Area.
A Bug’s World (Grades 6)
Also available in French – Disponible en français
Investigation of vertebrates and invertebrates highlights this hands-on biodiversity study. Students collect and classify animals from two different habitats to observe the complex diversity of life. Examination of the organism, its community, and how the abiotic parts of the ecosystem allow a greater understanding of the animal and its role within the ecosystem.
Major Concepts: identification of vertebrates and invertebrates, animal adaptations, classification, habitats
Relevant to Science and Technology: Diversity of Living Things (Grade 6), Interactions Within Ecosystems (Grade 7)
Conservation in Crisis (with GPS) (Grades 6–8)
Also available in French – Disponible en français
.The state of the environment is a serious problem; loss of habitat, pollution, erosion, and climate change are only a small portion of the problems the St Clair Region watershed faces. Students will explore how Conservation Authority’s role in finding solutions to these problems through outdoor activities and a self-guided hike using GPS receivers. A short introduction to GPS use is included.
Wild Wild Wetlands (Grades 7–8)
What is the value of a wetland? Students will explore this question through a guided hike and a hands-on wetland ecosystem study. Students will discover that plants, animals, and abiotic factors all play a vital role in the health of the ecosystem. Habitat, flood control, erosion, pollution, climate change, and ecosystem services will all be discussed.
Relevant to Science and Technology: Interaction Within Ecosystems (Grade 7)
Education Programs
For campsite reservations call:
A.W. Campbell Conservation Area:
519-847-5357
L.C. Henderson Conservation Area:
519-882-2280
Warwick Conservation Area:
519-849-6770