Outdoor education is a methodology that provides a full spectrum, cross curricular experience. Essex Region Conservation believes that the students of today are the environmental stewards of tomorrow. We offer hands-on Outdoor Education programs at several conservation areas in the form of field trips. We also offer a variety of Nature Near You experiences delivered outdoors at your school. All of our Education Programs are tailored to fit each grade level (K-12) and meet the Ontario Curriculum for Science, Social Studies, History, Geography, and more!
Contact education@erca.org or call 519-981-0126 for more information.
Education Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
In Person Field Trips
Half Day: Two hours of ERCA Education Team led programming during a 3 hour on-site experience.
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Arrive at 10:00am for snack.
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Program Block 1 from 10:15 to 11:15 am.
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Nutrition break from 11:15 – 11:45am.
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Program block 2 from 11:45 to 12:45pm.
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12:45 – 1pm Final snack/washroom break/free time on lawn, or your own teacher-led activities.
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Depart at 1:00pm.
Full Day: Three hours of ERCA Education Team led programming during a 4 hour on-site experience.
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Arrive at 10:00am
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First program block 10:15am-11:45am.
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Lunch 11:45am-12:15pm.
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Second program block 12:15pm-1:45pm.
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Depart at 2:00pm.
Please note:
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The above times are just examples; we are highly flexible. Once you've contacted your bussing company, you can let our Education Team know your arrival and departure times and your preferred itinerary.
Fees
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Half day program: $225 per group — A group can be up to 30 students. We can accommodate 2 groups, up to 60 students at one time.
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Full day program: $300 per group — A group can be up to 30 students. We can accommodate 2 groups, up to 60 students at one time.
Please note our fees are calculated per group. We can accommodate up to 30 participants in one group. We recommend filling the bus with 60 students and conducting the program with two groups.
Virtual Field Trips
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Email education@erca.org for details
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Offered at the John R. Park Homestead
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Program sub-themes are curriculum connected per-grade (ex. Plants for Pioneers, Simple Machines, Early Technologies, etc.)
Nature Near You
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Contact us for more information
Specialist High School Major (SHSM)
Educator Professional Development for Teachers
Early Settlers
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Available May and June at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area
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Program sub-themes available per grade are curriculum connected
Wetlands Lifecycles
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Available February 20 – March 30
Maple Syrup / Sirop D'erable
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Available September and October at Holiday Beach Conservation Area
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Program sub-themes available per grade are curriculum connected
Marvelous Migration
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Available September and October at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area
Harvest Traditions and Celebrations
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Available December through March at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area
Wildlife in Winter
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Available in December at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area
Holiday Traditions and Celebrations
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Outdoor Explorer Programs for Homeschoolers are back! Our 2024 schedule includes six 2-hour curriculum-connected programs focusing on the natural and cultural heritage of our region.
