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
RVCA (1140)
Children categories
Department (68)
Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
If your application has been refused or approved with conditions, you can appeal through a the RVCA's Hearing Board.
For guidance, downoad the RVCA Hearing Procedures.
Mosquito Creek Flood Risk Mapping from Mitch Owens Road to Rideau River
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Van Gaal Drain Hazard Land and Regulations Mapping Update - Public Consultation and Open House
More...
Project Status: Active
Posted: September 12, 2022
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, has recently embarked on a hazard mapping update for the realigned Van Gaal Drain in the Village of Richmond. This mapping identifies changes to flood prone areas and where new development is to be allowed, restricted or prohibited in accordance with provincial and municipal planning policies.
These maps have been traditionally known as “floodplain mapping” or “regulation mapping” and they show areas that are prone to natural hazards such as flooding, erosion and natural environment features such as wetlands.
Mapping and regulating natural hazard areas ensure safe and sustainable development. Development projects within these areas must obtain permission from the Conservation Authority before proceeding (Ontario Regulation 174/06, Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alteration to Shorelines and Watercourses). When completed, the mapping will also be used by the City of Ottawa when updating their Official Plan and Zoning Schedules and in the review of development applications under the Planning Act.
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) invites you to participate in the public consultation process regarding this mapping update from September 12 to October 14, 2022.
You can participate by viewing draft maps online (see links below) and by contacting an RVCA Resource Specialist (phone 613-692-3571, toll-free at 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1132 or 1193, email . You can also join us at our public open house.
Van Gaal Drain Hazard Land and Regulations Mapping Open House
Richmond Memorial Community Centre (Seniors’ Room)
6095 Perth Street, Richmond
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
4:30 to 8 p.m.
This consultation period and open house offer the opportunity for RVCA staff to respond to any questions that you may have regarding the mapping and collect your input about local conditions.
Draft Map
Interactive Map - Click here to view the interactive map full screen
The interactive map allows you to zoom in to a specific property and get very specific digital informaiton. Need help? Have questions? Call a Resource Specialist at 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1132 or 1193 or email us at .
Need help? Have questions? Call a Resource Specialist at 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1132 or 1193 or email us at .
Technical Report
Download J.F. Sabourin and Associates Inc. report:
Richmond Village Development / Proposed Realignment of Van Gaal Drain
Your Eastern Ontario conservation authorities were thrilled to be back at the Plowing Match to showcase the many ways we help communities protect their natural resources while steering clear of natural hazards. On this page you’ll find links to your local conservation authority, which will take you to information about stewardship grants, planning and regulations, conservation areas and more. Below, you’ll also find some key digital resources to help you implement best practices on your own property.
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
Visit our website to learn more at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/
Cataraqui Conservation has jurisdiction over 3,800 sq. km of land from Greater Napanee in the west to Brockville in the east. In all there are 11 watersheds in our jurisdiction. Cataraqui Conservation's core mandate is to work in partnership with local municipalities, provincial and federal government agencies, environmental organizations and the general public to monitor and protect water, natural habitats, shorelines, and promote sustainable living in the community.
Crowe Valley Conservation
Crowe Valley Conservation
Visit our website to learn more at https://www.crowevalley.com/
Crowe Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA) watershed covers an area of approximately 2,006 km2, and is comprised of three primary sub-watersheds: the Crowe River, North River and Beaver Creek. Numerous wetlands, natural riverbank corridors and forests are intertwined throughout the watershed, providing essential habitat to many species of fish, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects that thrive in this region.
For over 60 years, Crowe Valley Conservation Authority has worked in partnerships with its member municipalities, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. CVCA water management dates back to the late 1950s and has continued to evolve and adapt according to climate change conditions that have been observed and recorded.
Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
Visit our website to learn more at https://mvc.on.ca/
The Mississippi River is 200 km in length. Draining over 250 lakes and wetlands, the watershed encompasses an area of 3,750 km². From its headwaters at Mazinaw Lake to its confluence at the Ottawa River near Fitzroy Harbour, the river drops 210 m in elevation.
The Mississippi River watershed is home to incredible natural heritage features such as wetlands, areas of natural and scientific interest (ANSIs), woodland and natural heritage systems.
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority
Visit our website to learn more at https://www.otonabeeconservation.com/
Otonabee Conservation is a locally-focused, community-based environmental agency that protects, restores, and manages the natural resources within the Otonabee Region watershed. We work with our eight member municipalities to create a healthy, environmentally diverse watershed that improves the quality of life for residents, makes our area more appealing to visitors and new business, and helps to ensure a more vibrant regional economy.
Quinte Conservation Authority
Quinte Conservation Authority
Visit our website to learn more at https://www.quinteconservation.ca/
We are a local watershed based not-for-profit environmental protection agency. Our services are focused on protecting people and property from the dangers of natural hazards. One of our main roles is to provide flood forecasting and low water information to municipalities and residents within our jurisdiction. Our natural boundaries include the drainage basins of the Moira, Napanee, and Salmon Rivers and all of Prince Edward County.
Raisin Region Conservation Authority
Raisin Region Conservation Authority
Visit our website to lear more at https://rrca.on.ca/
The RRCA was established on October 10, 1963 and included the Raisin River watershed and its tributaries. It was enlarged on February 29, 1968 to include Hoople Creek, Riviere Delisle and Riviere au Beaudet. The most recent enlargement occurred in 2003, with the addition of the headwaters of the Rigaud River within the Township of North Glengarry.
The RRCA has five member municipalities: the Townships of North Glengarry, South Glengarry, North Stormont, South Stormont, and the City of Cornwall. There are eight members on the Board of Directors: two from the City of Cornwall, South Stormont and South Glengarry, and one from North Stormont and North Glengarry.
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Rideau Valley Conservaiton Authority
Visit our website to learn more at https://www.rvca.ca/
The Rideau River drains an area of over 4,000 square kilometres of Eastern Ontario. The main stem of the river flows in a northerly direction from Upper Rideau Lake near Newboro to the City of Ottawa where it tumbles over Rideau Falls into the Ottawa River. Total length of the longest part of the watershed is about 180 kilometres. From the highest point in the valley (Carnahan Lake in the Tay sub-watershed) to the Ottawa River is a drop of 204 metres in elevation. About 620,000 people live in the watershed including a large part of the City of Ottawa, the fourth largest metropolitan area in Canada. There are 18 municipalities within the valley and most people, outside of Ottawa, draw their drinking water from the river or from groundwater.
South Nation Conservation
South Nation Conseration 
Visit our website to learn more at https://www.nation.on.ca/
SNC protects, restores and manages 4,441 km2 of land in Eastern Ontario; employs more than 40 staff; and has lead hundreds of stewardship projects to success. regional ecosystems. It does this in partnership with its 16 watershed municipalities, comprising portions of: the United Counties of Prescott and Russell; United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry; United Counties of Leeds and Grenville; and the City of Ottawa. The member municipalities appoint a 12-member, plus past chair, Board of Directors to govern all of our work. We carry out our mandate to manage the natural resources in the watershed, with the help of many forward-thinking individuals, groups, and agencies.
Not from Eastern Ontario? Click here to search with your postal code.
How to submit digital paperwork:
- Access all forms and fee information by clicking here.
- Be sure that the application is in PDF format (including photos).
- Consider using apps such as Turbo Scan that convert jpeg photos into PDF documents.
- Upgrading software on office desktop to Adobe Pro to be able to edit PDF documents.
2. Electronic files that accompany the email request/instruction must be applied as an ATTACHMENT.
3. Email your application to the intake email address identified by your municipality listed here.
4. Watch for payment details. Directions on how to make payment will be sent to your inbox. Please note, payments must be received to activate the permitting process.
