Baxter Outdoor and Environmental Education Programs
Baxter Conservation Area offers outdoor and environmental education programs for students and community groups from preschool to grade 12 and beyond. Join us in our outdoor classroom and give your students the opportunity to explore and connect with nature. Our education programs provide students and visitors with interactive, hands-on, curriculum-based experiences where they will learn about the natural world and their relationship with it. We also offer outdoor education programs where students will learn navigation and outdoor survival skills as well.
Baxter can accommodate up to 60 students per day. All equipment is included in our programs and each program runs approximately 1.5 hours in length. Below please find descriptions of each of the programs we offer. Descriptions are offered as general guidelines — if there are specific objectives that you would like to accomplish, please let us know. Although grade levels are recommended for each program, these are also only guidelines. Please select any desired fields to narrow your search.
Half Day Program | $200 / group * | maximum 30 students, 90 minutes with an RVCA instructor |
Full Day Program | $275 / group * | maximum 30 students, two 90 minutes with an RVCA instructor |
Self-directed | $2.50/person * | Interested in just visiting the conservation area with your class but not booking a program? The cost is $2.50/person. This does not include the use of buildings other than access to public washrooms. To reserve facilities, contact staff. Staff must still be contacted to book a self-directed visit. |
Overnight Tent Camping (accommodations only) | 1-15 people - $75/night * 16-30 people - $150/night * 30+ people - contact for pricing * Additional buildings also available for rent (link to facility rentals) |
Take you class on an overnight adventure to our group camping area! Plan your own activities or book our education staff to provide programming during your stay (see above for pricing). |
* plus applicable taxes
Baxter’s Cancellation Policy: A minimum of fifteen (15) business days notice is required to cancel education programs at Baxter Conservation Area.
This policy gives schools/groups on our waiting list sufficient time to try and fill the program opening. If Baxter Conservation Area is notified of a cancellation less than 15 business days in advance of your scheduled visit, a cancellation fee of $50.00 will be charged.
In the event of severe weather conditions (i.e. thunderstorms, snowstorms, etc.), Baxter staff will make contact with your school/group by 7:00 AM the morning of your trip if we need to re-schedule or cancel the program on that day. There will be no charge for a cancellation made due to school bus cancellations or severe weather conditions on the day of your trip.
Baxter Education Program Descriptions
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Report a Concern
If you are concerned about any work taking place near a lake, river, stream, floodplain, steep slope or wetland, please contact us. Send us details on the location (civic address, intersection, waterbody, lot and concession, municipality) and the type of work being done. Photos are always helpful. We can advise you if permits are required and/or in place and take appropriate steps to ensure any adverse impacts are addressed.
Make an Application
To make a Section 28 application:
- Contact the RVCA while you are in the early stages of planning your project. It will save you time and keep your schedule on track. Your first step is to determine if you require Conservation Authority approval. E-mail us at or speak to an RVCA Resource Specialist at 613-692-3571 || 1-800-267-3504 (extension 1193 or 1132). They will confirm that you need a permit and provide you with the preliminary information you will require to submit an application.
- Download and complete the RVCA Application for Development (includes Minimum Application Requirements). You may also contact a Resource Specialist for a paper copy or visit our office to pick up a copy.
- Refer to the Application Fee Schedule to determine the category of works and the application type. Forward your permit application form and other required information including plans drawn to scale, a survey, elevation information, etc. Please see the RVCA's Application for Development for a complete checklist. The application fee is paid at the time of filing the application with the RVCA.
Click here for a full list of forms, fees and resources.
Spring Water Awareness Program (S.W.A.P.) Resources
The RVCA is pleased to offer resources to teachers interested in promoting spring water awareness. As winter turns to spring, snow and ice begin to melt and waterways begin to fill up with cold, fast moving water. Children are often interested in exploring rushing streams and thawing ponds during the warm days of spring. However, these areas can be unsafe and it is important to teach students the dangers of these areas. Please go to the following link for more information: www.rvca.ca/outdoor-education/spring-water-awareness-program
Conservation Authorities and Resource Management
Conservation Authorities are local watershed management agencies that deliver services and programs that protect and manage water and other natural resources. Students will learn how CAs work and the role they play in environmental protection and management. The morning consists of a PowerPoint presentation and case studies with an interpretive hike focusing on resource management in the afternoon. (Full-day Program)
Accessibility
The RVCA is committed to ensuring we provide a welcoming, safe, barrier-free environment for everyone. Our commitment applies to the following areas:
- Customer Service
- Recruitment and Employment with the RVCA
- Design of Public Spaces (Conservation Areas)
- Information and Communications
RVCA’s Accessibility Standards and Accessible Customer Service Policy support the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Annual Status Updates
Request for RVCA Documents in an Accessible Format
We will do our best to provide documents in various formats upon request. You can use our online Request for RVCA Documents in Accessible Format form or call us at 613-692-3571 or toll-free at 1-800-267-3504.
Accessibility Feedback Form
We value your feedback on the RVCA’s accessibility and customer service. You can provide feedback through our online Accessibility Feedback Form or call us at 613-692-3571 or toll-free at 1-800-267-3504.
Please note: Information collected in these forms are collected under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Personal information on these forms are collected under the authority of Ontario Regulation 429/07, Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. The information will be used to process this form and will be kept on file to facilitate improvements to the RVCA's customer service policies, practices and procedures. Questions about this collection should be directed to the FOI Co-ordinator at Box 599, 3889 Rideau Valley Drive, Manotick ON K4M1A5 or 613-692-3571.