On-Site Environmental Education & Indigenous Heritage Programs
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has two (2) education centres in Southwestern Ontario.
Capacity Update for 2025/26 End of Year Trips:ย We are currently at capacity for school groups this spring.
Field trips are a great way to add hands-on learning, and something special, to your lesson plan!ย Get your students out of the classroom and enjoy unique learning opportunities that can be tailored towards your classesโ learning goals and interests.
- ๏Education
- ๏Education
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has two (2) education centres in Southwestern Ontario. Our programs are developed to be engaging and interactive - they also meet curriculum requirements and Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education. If you would like to make an adaptation to one of our programs to focus on the particular needs or interests of your group, please discuss this with us during your booking process โ we are happy to coordinate with you!
The C.M. Wilson Learning Centre is located 10 minutes outside of Chatham, Ontario, and includes outdoor education on subjects such as wetlands, insects, soil and water quality, and forest ecology.
Programs focusing on Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous studies are offered on topics such as storytelling, plant knowledge, and environmental relationships.
The Longwoods Road Conservation Area is 30 minutes southwest of London, Ontario, and includes outdoor education on subjects such as plants, animals, habitats, and our relationship with the environment.
Programs focusing on Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and heritage are offered through Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum on topics such as the heritage of the Haudenosaunee, tool making, and pottery.
Program Costs
- 1ยฝ to 2 hours
- $8 per participant*
- Minimum fee is $120 for 15 participants or less.*
- 3 to 4 hours, includes a lunch break
- $14 per participant for school groups
- $16 per participant for community groups*
- Minimum fee is $210 for 15 school participants or less.*
- Minimum fee is $240 for 15 school participants or less.*
* Tax is not charged on education programs.
C.M. Wilson Learning Centre
21799 Fargo Rd.
Blenheim, Ontario
N0P 1A0
Sensational Seasons โ Kindergarten & Grade 1 - Outdoors - Year-Round
Join us on a hike down one of our beautiful trails to discover the sights, sounds, and textures of nature. Learn how animals and plants adapt to the changing seasons through hands-on discovery and experiments.
Curriculum Connections
Kindergarten: Problem Solving and Innovating, Belonging and Contributions
Grade 1: Science and Technology: Understanding Earth and Space; Life Systems: Daily and Seasonal Changes
Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education
Kindergarten / Primary Grades (Movement Activities)
Outdoor Education (General Procedures)
Cooperative Games
Petals, Leaves & Seeds โ Grade 1, 2 & 3 - Outdoors - Spring, Fall
Who needs plants? We all do! Learn how trees and flowers grow and change through the seasons. Go on a wildflower hike or search for seeds.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 1: Science and Technology: Earth and Space Systems: Daily and Seasonal Changes; Science and Technology: Life Systems: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
Grade 2: Science and Technology: Earth and Space Systems: Air and Water in the Environment
Grade 3: Science and Technology: Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education
Kindergarten / Primary Grades (Movement Activities)
Outdoor Education (General Procedures)
Cooperative Games
Wetlands โ Grade 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, & 8 - Outdoors - Spring, Fall
Primary and Junior
Spot frogs and turtles! Learn how wetland creatures are adapted to life in and around water. Use dip nets to search for tadpoles, fish and aquatic insects at the marsh.
Senior
Discover different types of wetlands and their importance to humans and the environment. Use dip nets to search for aquatic creatures and discover how they live.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 1: Science and Technology: Life Systems: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
Grade 2: Science and Technology: Earth and Space Systems: Air and Water in the Environment
Grade 4: Science and Technology: Understanding Life Systems: Habitats and Communities; Science and Technology: Earth and Space Systems: Air and Water in the Environment
Grade 6: Science and Technology: Life Systems: Biodiversity
Grade 7: Science and Technology: Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
Grade 8: Science and Technology: Earth and Space Systems
Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education
Outdoor Education (Hiking)
Food / Water Activities
Soil Ecology - Grade 3 & 4 - Outdoors - Spring, Fall
Unlock the secretes beneath your feet! Dive into a world of earthy wonders and learn the vital role soil plays in our ecosystem.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 3:ย Science and Technology: Earth and Space Systems
Grade 4:ย Science and Technology: Earth and Space Systems: Air and Water in the Environment
Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education
Outdoor Education (Hiking)
Food / Water Activities
Soil & Water Quality - Grade 8, 9, & 11 - Outdoors - Spring, Fall
Highlights the intricate relationshiop between soil and water quality. Designed to empower students with hands-on experience and essential knowledge.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 8: Science and Technology: Earth and Space Systems
Grade 9: Science
Grade 11:ย Environmental Science
Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education
Outdoor Education (Hiking)
Food / Water Activities
Indigenous Storytelling - Outdoors - Winter
Storytelling is an important component of Indigenous culture. Stories preserve language and culture, help people to develop better understanding of the world around them, and foster deeper connections to the land, animals, and other people.
Curriculum Connections
Social Studies
- Developing an understanding of diversity within local, national, and global communities both past and present.
- Developing the knowledge, understanding, and skills that lay the foundation for future studies.
The Arts
- Understanding cultural traditions and innovations.
- Manipulating elements and forms to convey or express thoughts, feelings, messages, or ideas through arts.
- Using the critical analysis process.
- Collaborating to create works with others, and performing in ensembles.
History
- Developing understanding of past societies.
- Developing understandings of diverse groups and how they have changed over time.
- Developing historical literacy skills.
Geography
- Analyzing connections between natural and human environments and communities.
- Being responsible stewards of the Earth by developing appreciation and respect for natural and human environments and communities.
Critical Thinking, Communication, and Citizenship Skills
Native Languages
ย
Environmental Relationships - Outdoors - Year-Round
In order to be stewards of the land, a person must be in a healthy, balanced relationship to it. Good relations with the land require time, reciprocity, and dedication so that they may understand what the land provides them and what they can do in return. During this guided hike students will be encouraged to use their senses to explore the forest and learn how Traditional Ecological Knowledge inspires positive relationships with the living and non-living world around us.
Curriculum Connections
Social Studies
- Developing an understanding of diversity within local, national, and global communities both past and present.
Geography
- Analyzing connections between natural and human environments and communities.
- Being responsible stewards of the Earth by developing appreciation and respect for natural and human environments and communities.
Critical thinking, communications, and citizenship skills.
Seven Grandfathers - Outdoors - Year-Round
The Seven Grandfather Teachings were given by spirit to the Anishinaabeg, and have been carried through all generations despite colonization. These teachings ensure the quality of the land and provide the people with a peaceful, harmonious, balanced existence. Truth, humility, respect, love, honesty, bravery, and wisdom; discuss these teachings with our Indigenous Community Educator to continue growing in your responsibilities within your environmental community.
Curriculum Connections
Science and Technology
- Stewardship and Sustainability. Sustainability is the concept of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It involves understanding that we need to use and care for the natural environment in a responsible way and making the effort to pass on to future generations no less than what we have access to ourselves.
Social Studies
- Developing an understanding of responsible citizenship.
- Developing an understanding of the diversity within local, national, and global communities, both past and present.
- Developing an understanding of interrelationships within and between the natural environment and human communities.
History
- Developing an understanding of past societies, developments, and events that enables them to interpret and analyze historical, as well as current, issues.
Geography
- Being responsible stewards of the Earth by developing an appreciation and respect for both natural and human environments and communities.
Native Languages
Plant Walk - Outdoors - Spring, Summer, Fall
Take a guided walk through C.M. Wilson Conservation Area to identify different plant species, their uses, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and their names in Anishinaabemowin. The purpose of this activity is to connect people to nature and learn the services provided by native plant life.
Curriculum Connections
Science
- Growth and changes in plants.
- Biodiversity
- Daily and seasonal changes.
Social Studies
- Developing and understanding of interrelationships within and between the natural environment and human communities.
Geography
- Being responsible stewards of the Earth by developing an appreciation and respect for both natural and human environments and communities.
Native Languages
ย
Longwoods Road Conservation Area / Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum
8348 Longwoods Rd.
Mount Brydges, Ontario
N0L 1W0
If you would like your students to visit the recreation Longhouse Village during your visit to Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum / Longwoods Road Conservation Area your program selections must include the Ska-Nah-Doht Experience.
The Ska-Nah-Doht Experience (includes Ska-Nah-Doht Village) - Grade 1 ,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, & 12 - Outdoors - Year-Round
Learn about Indigenous communities from 1,000 years ago. Discuss contributions of Indigenous peoples to the present. See 1,000 year old cultural belongings, sit in the longhouse, and explore the village.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 1: Our Changing Roles and Responsibilities
Grade 2: Changing Family and Community Traditions
Grade 3: Communities in Canada, 1780โ1850
Grade 4: Early Societies to 1500 CE
Grade 5: Interactions of Indigenous Peoples and Europeans prior to 1713, in What Would Eventually Become Canada
Grade 6:ย Communities in Canada, Past and Present
Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education
Outdoor Education (Hiking, General Procedures)
Tool Making - Grade 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 - Indoor, Outdoor - Year-Round
Participants learn about trade and the necessities of life as they work in teams to create tools using some of the same materials that would have been used in the past (and some modern equipment weโve thrown in to help along the way).
Curriculum Connections
Grade 3:ย Science and Technology: Applications, Connections, and Contributions
Grade 4:ย Science and Technology: Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World
Grade 5:ย Science and Technology: Science and Technology: Applications, Connections, and Contributions
Grade 6:ย Science and Technology: Applications, Connections, and Contributions
Grade 7: Science and Technology: Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World
Grade 8: Science and Technology: Applications, Connections, and Contributions
Traditional Games - All Ages - Outdoors - Year-Round
Participants will work on their hand-eye coordination as they learn about, and try, some traditional games.
Curriculum Connections
Physical Education
Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standads in Education
Cooperative Games
Lacrosse
Outdoor Education (General Procedures)
Tug of War
Traditional Pottery - All Ages - Indoors, Outdoors (Seasonally) - Spring, Summer, Fall
Each participant shapes and decorates their own clay pots by hand using traditional methods. Participants will take their pot home, where it can be painted. An amazing art project!
Curriculum Connections
Visual Arts
Corn Husk Dolls - Grade 3 & Up - Indoors, Outdoors (Seasonally) - Fall
Learn about the beginnings of agriculture in Southwestern Ontario! The Haudenosaunee were the areaโs first farmers and recyclers, and using every part honours the plant. Plus, hear one telling of a legend which still has lessons to teach us today.
Curriculum Connections
Visual Arts
Snowshoeing - Grade 3 & Up - Outdoors (Weather Permitting) - January to March Break
Are you up to the challenge? Learn how to snowshoe, play games, look for signs of animals, and explore winter habitats during your tromp through the snow.
Curriculum Connections
Physical Education
Ontario Physical Activity Standards in Education
Snowshoeing
Sensational Seasons โ Kindergarten & Grade 1 - Outdoors - Year-Round
Join us on a hike down one of our beautiful trails to discover the sights, sounds, and textures of nature. Learn how animals and plants adapt to the changing seasons through hands-on discovery and experiments.
Curriculum Connections
Kindergarten: Problem Solving and Innovating, Belonging and Contributions
Grade 1: Science and Technology: Understanding Earth and Space; Life Systems: Daily and Seasonal Changes
Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education
Kindergarten / Primary Grades (Movement Activities)
Outdoor Education (General Procedures)
Cooperative Games
Petals, Leaves & Seeds โ Grade 1, 2 & 3 - Outdoors - Spring, Fall
Who needs plants? We all do! Learn how trees and flowers grow and change through the seasons. Go on a wildflower hike or search for seeds.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 1: Science and Technology: Earth and Space Systems: Daily and Seasonal Changes; Science and Technology: Life Systems: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
Grade 2: Science and Technology: Earth and Space Systems: Air and Water in the Environment
Grade 3: Science and Technology: Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education
Kindergarten / Primary Grades (Movement Activities)
Outdoor Education (General Procedures)
Cooperative Games
Habitats & Communities - Grade 3, 4, 6, & 7 -Indoors & Outdoors - Spring, Fall
Habitat, sweet habitat! Learn about the needs of living things and find out why some animals and plants become endangered. Form a food chain and search for animal homes. Forest, field, and wetland habitats await you!
Curriculum Connections
Grade 3:ย Science and Technology: Understanding Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
Grade 4:ย Science and Technology: Understanding Life Systems: Habitats and Communities
Grade 6:ย Science and Technology: Life Systems: Biodiversity
Grade 7: Science and Technology: Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
Ontario Physical Activity Standards in Education
Outdoor Education (Hiking, General Procedures)
Food / Water Activities
Eco-Activities - Grade 3, 4, 6, & 7 - Indoors & Outdoors - Year-Round
Letโs play a game! Learn about camouflage, cycles, food chains, species at risk, predator-prey relationships, and animal behaviours through a series of games that will get you out of your chair and away from a screen!
Curriculum Connections
Grade 3:ย Science and Technology: Understanding Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
Grade 4:ย Science and Technology: Understanding Life Systems: Habitats and Communities
Grade 6:ย Science and Technology: Life Systems: Biodiversity
Grade 7: Science and Technology: Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
Ontario Physical Activity Standards in Education
Outdoor Education (Hiking, General Procedures)
Relay and Tag Games
Winged Wonders - Grade 1, 2, 4, 6, & 7 - Indoors, Outdoors - Year-Round
Primary
Life is for the birds!ย Examine bird wings, feet, nests, and beaks up-close.ย Find out about migration and seasonal behaviours.ย Listen for birdsongs, hear different types of bird calls, and look for evidence of birds during a hike.
Junior and Senior
Discover the world of hawks and owls, predatory adaptations, and habits. Use your detective skills to determine what an owl eats. Take a hike to discover raptor and prey habits and habitats.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 1: Sceince and Technolgy: Life Systems: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things; Sceince and Technolgy: Earth and Space Systems: Daily and Seasonal Changes
Grade 2:ย Science and Technology: Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Animals
Grade 4:ย Science and Technology: Life Systems: Habitats and Communities
Grade 6:ย Science and Technology: Life Systems: Biodiversity
Grade 7:ย Sceicne and Technology: Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education
Outdoor Education (Hiking, General Procedures)
Fur & Feather - Kindergarten, Grade 1, & 2 - Indoors & Outdoors - Year-Round
Go wild for animals! Discover animals and their homes. Compare animal characteristics, life cycles and behaviours. Find out how people can help animals!
Curriculum Connections
Kindergarten:ย Problem Solving and Innocating; Belonging and Contributing
Grade 1: Science and Technology: Understanding Earth and Space; Science and Technology: Life Systems: Daily and Seasonal Changes; Science and Technology: Life Systems: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
Grade 2: Science and Technology: Earth and Space Systems: Daily and Seasonal Changes; Science and Technology: Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Animals
Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education
Movement Activities
Outdoor Education (Hiking, General Procedures)
If youโre interested in taking part in our environmental education and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge learning programs, please fill out the online form below and weโll be in touch.
Should you prefer an alternate version of the form that you can email to [email protected], click on the appropriate one below:
We are currently experiencing issues with our web form. We suggest using the paper booking form at this time.
Capacity Update for 2025/26 End of Year Trips: We are currently at capacity for school groups this spring.