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.
Pond Pals (Grades JK–3)
Also available in French – Disponible en français
Hands-on investigation of the pond highlights this primary wetland study. Emphasis will be placed on the needs and habitat of pond critters.
Major Concepts: habitat, life cycles, food chains, camouflage
Relevant to Science and Technology: Exploration and Experimentation (K), Characteristics and Needs of Living Things (Grade 1), Growth and Changes in Animals (Grade 2)
Sweet Maple Syrup (Grade FDK – 3)
Available MARCH 2023 – Also available in French – Disponible en français
How was Maple Syrup discovered? How has it been produced over the years? Are Maples the only trees that make syrup? Why is Maple Syrup an important part of Canadian and French Canadian culture? Find out the answers to these questions and more by visiting A.W. Campbell Conservation Area for a FIELD TRIP! This program offers a fun and interactive mix of learning – activities, games, and songs in the Sugar Bush!
Spring has Sprung (Grades FDK–4)
Available April-June ONLY – Also available in French – Disponible en français
Start your Spring by studying the variety of changes that occur in nature. Flowers in blossom, budding trees, nest building, life cycles, habitats, and more will be presented to your students through a nature hike and activities.
The Lorax (Grades FDK–4)
Also available in French – Disponible en français
The Dr. Seuss story introduces students to the importance of clean air, fresh water, and animal habitats through a hike and environmental nature activities.
Fabulous Fall (Grades JK–4)
Also available in French – Disponible en français
Preparation for winter is the job of every living organism in the autumn. Hibernation, migration, fall flowers, life cycles, and a variety of other topics will be presented to your students by a series of slides, a nature hike, and activities.
Major Concepts: seasonal changes, plant and animal life cycles, food sources, importance of trees, tree preparation for winter, wetlands, natural areas, food chains, seeds, migration, hibernation
Relevant to Science and Technology: Exploration and Experimentation (K), Characteristics of Living Things (Grade 1), Growth and Changes in Animals (Grade 2), Growth and Changes in Plants (Grade 3), Habitats and Communities (Grade 4)
Nature in Winter (Grade FDK – 4)
Available WINTER 2023 – Also available in French – Disponible en français
Students can experience a winter adventure in the Conservation Area. Winter offers so much to explore! Using tracks, chew marks, food caches, and even scat, we can become animal detectives to uncover the secret lives of the animals outdoors in the Winter! The Chickadees are hand-feeding at Lorne Henderson Conservation Area again this winter! Curriculum connections abound for each grade level; nature inquiry, changing seasons, water in the environment, animal needs, life cycles, plants in winter, soil in winter, adaptations, food chains, and more!
The Circle of Life (Grade 2)
In the circle of life, many creatures experience changes in both appearance and activity. Students will have the opportunity to role play the life cycle of a butterfly and to explore the metamorphosis of some other insects and amphibians.
Major Concepts: metamorphosis, habitat, insect identification, food chains
Relevant to Science and Technology: Life Systems, Growth and Changes in Animals (Grade 2)
Plants, Trees & Soils (Grades 2-4)
Soil is the foundation for all life on Earth. Without soil, we cannot grow plants, which form the base of the food chain. During this hands-on program, students will explore the forest floor, looking under leaves, rolling logs, and discovering the life found below. We will uncover nurse logs, discuss decomposition, and watch leaves and logs crumble back into soil! Students will also turn their eyes to the sky, to learn more about the trees, their parts, their needs, and their connection to the soils below.
Choose your Own Adventure Orienteering (Grades 2-5)
Students navigate through a ‘choose your own Adventure’ story with the aid of a map and compass to locate ‘adventure stations’. Along the route, students make animal survival decisions and earn survival ‘points’ in an attempt to be the strongest survivor!
Owl Prowl (Grades 3–5)
Birds of prey by night or day, hunt their food before it strays. Students become owls and through an active simulation game, learn how owls meet their needs, what specialized adaptations help them survive and the roles they play within their habitats.
Relevant to Language: Reading ‘Owls in the Family’ by Farley Mowat
Relevant to Science and Technology: Habitats and Communities (Grade 4)
Boots, Birds & Bugs (Grade 4)
Also available in French – Disponible en français
Students participate in a habitat study at the Conservation Area. We will explore two habitats – the pond and the forest. Exploring habitats means looking for animal and plant adaptations that suit each space and observing the food chains that exist within.
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