Skip to content
Cascades rapids

Information
for educators

Hiker with poles and backpack

Bring Learning To Life

Conservation Authorities are leaders in environmental education and they have delivered innovative learning programs since the 1950s.

Conservation Authority Education Programs meet provincial curriculum standards and focus on environmental issues that are important today. Education programs also complement and enhance classroom learning by providing students with hands-on activities and experiences.

Beach

Did You Know?

Ontario’s Conservation Authorities operate 38 interpretive centres, 22 are permanent and the remainder seasonal.

Several programming options are available throughout the year:

  • Teacher and schools
  • E-learning
  • Nature camps
  • Adult learning
  • Education Centres
  • Education Program and Resources Available by Conservation Authority

Less Screen Time and More Green Time

Reports indicate that excessive screen time is having negative health impacts on children. They are spending less time playing outside and more time indoors, sedentary and screen-based.

The Ontario Student Health survey reports that students in grades seven to 12 are spending up to seven hours a day on screens, more than three and a half times the recommended limit of two hours per day.

Spending so much time on smartphones, video games, tablets, computers and televisions affects:

  • Disrupts eating habits
  • Displaces physical activities
  • Limits children’s opportunities to interact with each other
  • Increases the incidence of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression

Researchers agree that spending time in nature and being active outdoors is beneficial to children’s physical and mental health, and helps improve their resiliency, academic performance, and social skills. Time spent exploring nature evokes curiosity and a sense of wonder. With less time spent outside in nature, children are losing opportunities to learn, explore, discover and understand our natural environment.

Ways To Help Kids Connect With Nature

  • Discover Conservation Area trails and explore them year-round
  • Download the iNaturalist nature App and explore a park
  • Join a Citizen Science group
  • Participate in a shoreline or community cleanup
  • Set up a bird feeder on the balcony or in the backyard
  • Collect some colourful fall leaves and pinecones for crafts
  • Join a local birdwatching or wildlife photography club
  • Plan a scavenger hunt, join a geocaching group or enroll in a nature camp
  • Submit nature photos to contests

Credit: The Health Impacts of Too Much Screen Time (Nature Canada)

Use our online map to plan your trip

Use our Conservation Areas map to locate more than 300 Conservation Areas across Ontario. Plan your trip to one of Ontario's conservation areas based on location, activity, facilities, accessibility and more.

Download our FREE Conservation Areas Guide

Guide graphic

Resources & Articles

Rockwood Conservation Area

Rockwood Conservation Area

With towering limestone cliffs, caves and glacial potholes, it’s no wonder that Rockwood Conservation Area is…

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area

For all you nature lovers who are looking for a quick escape from your busy lives,…

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area

From bold-faced cliffs to beautiful views of the escarpment, Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area offers a fun…

Old Baldy Conservation Area

Old Baldy Conservation Area

Looking for a different kind of adventure? If you love hiking and rock climbing, Old Baldy…

Eramosa Karst Conservation Area

Eramosa Karst Conservation Area

At Eramosa Karst Conservation Area, the park is filled with treasures including forests, meadows and underground streams.

Bruce's Mill Conservation Area

Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area

Looking for a fun place for a family outing? Head out to Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area in Stouffville…