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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Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
RIDEAU VALLEY, April 22, 2021 – Just in time for Earth Day, Rideau Valley residents can count on cleaner water, healthier shorelines and more climate-resilient communities thanks to a groundbreaking agreement between the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) and Modern Niagara. The national mechanical, electrical, integrated technology and building services corporation will provide $300,000 to the Foundation over five years to help acquire 375 more acres of local wetlands, shorelines and forests for perpetual protection. This is the first deal of its kind for the RVCF and will provide it with much more flexibility to acquire sensitive natural areas across…
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Media Release
March 26, 2021
Flood Outlook — Lower Ottawa River | Perspective de crue – Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais
Water Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook — Lower Ottawa River March 26, 2021 — A Flood Outlook Statement is being issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River. Based on current snow cover and weather forecast, it is anticipated that levels and flows along the main stem of the river from Arnprior to Hawkesbury are expected to begin to rise over the next few days but will remain within the normal range of fluctuations associated with the spring freshet period. Presently, the snow cover varies significantly across the 146,300 square kilometre Ottawa River basin, with some areas in the south of the…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
March 25, 2021
Rain in Forecast Will Cause Water Levels to Increase Again Across the Rideau Valley Watershed
March 25, 2021 - Above normal temperatures in March have melted most of the snow across the Rideau Valley watershed. The snow melt was quite rapid at first causing water levels and flows to rise quickly in some areas. This was followed by a more gradual melt of the remaining snow. For the most part, water levels and flows are about normal for this time of year and are well below flood thresholds. The short-term forecast is calling for rainfall amounts of between 40 to 50 millimetres between Thursday and Sunday, with heaviest rain on Friday, and cooler temperatures…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
RIDEAU VALLEY, March 19, 2021 – Even the goodest of good pups can accidentally harass or kill wildlife while off exploring, which is why we’re reminding visitors to keep their dogs on-leash and on conservation area trails at all times. Spring is a particularly sensitive time, as some birds and animals build their nests on or very close to the ground. These nests can easily be trampled, eaten or otherwise destroyed by curious canines. While we welcome on-leash dogs to most of our conservation areas, RVCA's Conservation Lands manager Chelsey Ellis says her department’s top priority is protecting the natural spaces…
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Media Release
March 15, 2021
Team of super sleuths help RVCA investigate Adrains Creek
RIDEAU LAKES, March 15, 2021 – Holmes and Watson would surely approve of the watershed’s latest investigative team: the Township of Rideau Lakes, Upper Rideau Lake Association (URLA) and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA). This spring, staff and volunteers from all three organizations will embark on their second season of a unique collaboration to examine why water quality in Adrains Creek is consistently rated “poor” in RVCA reports – and whether the creek is contributing to the same poor rating in Upper Rideau Lake. RVCA regularly monitors sites throughout Upper Rideau Lake and one site on Adrains Creek. The…
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Media Release
March 08, 2021
Spring Outlook: Early Snow Melt and Rising Water Levels Expected Across the Rideau Valley Watershed
WCS – R03/2021 March 8, 2021 –The winter of 2020-21 is quickly coming to an end. After a mild start, February brought cooler temperatures. The watershed saw a significant rain event in late December, followed by below normal precipitation in January and above normal precipitation in February. Current conditions recorded at several RVCA and Parks Canada snow course sites are indicating normal water content amounts in the snow for this time of year. In general, water levels on lakes and flows in the streams are presently below normal for this time of year. The current short-term weather forecast indicates a…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
OTTAWA, March 1, 2021 – It’s officially March! And you know what that means: time to haul in your fishing huts, hockey nets and other gear before the ice is out. Building materials, rink lights, benches and shovels, garbage and other waste can pollute our rivers and lakes, be toxic for fish and wildlife and create hazards for boaters and swimmers in the spring. Under Ontario law, Eastern Ontario fishing huts must be removed by March 15. However, as the sun gets stronger and the weather begins to warm, it’s wise to remove them sooner rather than later. If you wait too…
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Media Release
WESTPORT, March 1, 2021 – Get out and enjoy everything winter has to offer with a free outdoor adventure kit from Foley Mountain Conservation Area. Beginning March 2, families can pick up one of 100 kits from any Rideau Lakes or Westport library branch. The kits include materials and instructions to identify and follow animal tracks in the snow, explore the wonderful world of snowflakes, do an experiment with a jello mouse, create a backyard birdfeeder, make snow ice cream and more. “This is just another way we’re keeping connected with local families and promoting outdoor education,” said site supervisor…
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Board of Directors — 2024
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| January 25, 2024 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| February 22, 2024 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| March 28, 2024 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| April 25, 2024 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| May 23, 2024 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| July 25, 2024 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| September 26, 2024 | Agenda | |
| October 24, 2024 | ||
| November 28, 2024 |
Board of Directors — 2023
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2023 - Training #1 | Board Orientation Agenda | Orientation Slides |
| February 14, 2023 - Training #2 | Board Orientation Agenda | Orientation Slides |
| February 23, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| March 23, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| April 27, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| May 25, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| July 27, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| September 28, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| October 26, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| November 23, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
Board of Directors — 2022
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| January 27, 2022 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| February 24, 2022 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| March 24, 2022 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| May 26, 2022 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| July 28, 2022 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| September 22, 2022 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| October 27, 2022 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| November 24, 2022 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
Board of Directors — 2021
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| February 25, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| March 25, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| April 22, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| May 27, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| June 24, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| July 22, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| September 23, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| October 28, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| November 25, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
Board of Directors – 2020
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| April 23, 2020 | Agenda Minister’s Direction for Conservation Authorities during the COVID-19 Outbreak |
Approved Minutes |
| May, 28, 2020 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| June 25, 2020 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| July 23, 2020 | Revised Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| August 27, 2020 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| September 24, 2020 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| October 22, 2020 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| November 5, 2020 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| November 26, 2020 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
Board of Directors – 2019
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| February 21, 2019 Orientation & Training |
Agenda | Board of Directors Orientation & Training Session Presentation |
| February 28, 2019 | Agenda #01-19 | Approved Minutes #01-19 |
| March 28, 2019 | Agenda #02-19 | Approved Minutes #02-19 |
| April 25, 2019 | Agenda #03-19 | Minutes #03-19 |
| June 27, 2019 | Agenda #04-19 | Minutes #04-19 |
| July 25, 2019 | Agenda #05-19 | Minutes #05-19 |
| September 26, 2019 | Agenda #06-19 | Minutes #06-19 |
| October 24, 2019 | Agenda #07-19 | Minutes #07-19 |
| November 28, 2019 | Agenda #08-19 | Minutes #08-19 |
Board of Directors - 2018
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| January 25, 2018 | Agenda #01-18 | Minutes #01-18 |
| February 22, 2018 | Agenda #02-18 | Minutes #02-18 |
| March 22, 2018 | Agenda #03-18 | Minutes #03-18 |
| April 26, 2018 | Agenda #04-18 | Minutes #04-18 |
| May 24, 2018 | Agenda #05-18 | Minutes #05-18 |
| June 28, 2018 | Watershed Tour |
|
| July 26, 2018 | Agenda #06-18 | Minutes #06-18 |
| August | No Meeting | |
| September 27, 2018 | Agenda #07-18 | Minutes #07-18 |
| October 25, 2018 | Agenda # 08-18 | Minutes #08-18 |
| November 22, 2018 | Agenda #09-18 | Minutes #09-18 |
| December | No Meeting |
Board of Directors - 2017
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| January 26, 2017 | Agenda #01-17 | Minutes #01-17 |
| February 23, 2017 | Agenda #02-17 | Minutes #02-17 |
| March 23, 2017 | Agenda #03-17 | Minutes #03-17 |
| April 27, 2017 | Agenda #04-17 | Minutes #04-17 |
| May 25, 2017 | Agenda #05-17 | Minutes #05-17 |
| June 22, 2017 | Board Tour | No Meeting |
| July 27, 2017 | Agenda #06-17 | Minutes #06-17 |
| August | No Meeting | No Meeting |
| September 28, 2017 | Agenda #07-17 | Minutes #07-17 |
| October 26, 2017 | Agenda #08-17 | Minutes #08-17 |
| November 23, 2017 | Agenda #9-17 | Minutes #9-17 |
| December 14, 2017 | Agenda #10-17 |
Board of Directors - 2016
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| January 28, 2016 | Agenda #01-16 | Minutes #01-16 |
| February 25, 2016 | Agenda #02-16 | CANCELLED |
| March 31, 2016 | Agenda #03-16 | Minutes #03-16 |
| April 28, 2016 | Agenda #04-16 | Minutes #04-16 |
| May 26, 2016 | Agenda #05-16 | Minutes #05-16 |
| July 28, 2016 | Agenda #06-16 | Minutes #06-16 |
| August 25, 2016 | Agenda #07-16 | Minutes #07-16 |
| October 27, 2016 | Agenda #08-16 | Minutes #08-16 |
| November 24, 2016 | Agenda #09-16 | Minutes #09-16 |
Board of Directors - 2015
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| February 26, 2015 | Agenda #01-15 | Minutes #01-15 |
| March 26, 2015 | Agenda #02-15 Agenda #02-15 Watershed Brief |
Minutes #02-15 |
| April 23, 2015 | Agenda #03-15 Agenda #03-15 Watershed Brief |
Minutes #03-15 |
| May 28, 2015 | Agenda #04-15 Agenda #04-15 Watershed Brief |
Minutes #04-15 |
| June 25, 2015 | Agenda #05-16 Agenda #05-15 Watershed Brief |
Minutes #05-16 |
| July 23, 2015 | Agenda #06-15 Agenda #06-15 Watershed Brief |
Minutes #06-15 |
| September 24, 2015 | Agenda #07-15 | Minutes #07-15 |
| October 22, 2015 | Agenda #08-15 | Minutes #08-15 |
| November 26, 2015 | Agenda #09-15 | Minutes #09-15 |
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Executive Committee — 2024
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| January 25, 2024 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| February 8, 2024 | Agenda | Draft Minutes |
| February 22, 2024 | Training | |
| March 4, 2024 | Agenda | Draft Minutes |
| September 26, 2024 | Agenda |
Executive Committee — 2023
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| January 27, 2023 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| May 12, 2023 | Training | Presentation |
| September 28, 2023 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| November 14, 2023 | Training | Presentation |
| December 14, 2023 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| December 14, 2023 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
Executive Committee — 2022
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| January 27, 2022 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| April 25, 2022 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| May 12, 2022 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| July 28, 2022 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| November 10, 2022 | Agenda A | Approved Minutes |
| November 10, 2022 | Agenda B | Approved Minutes |
| November 24, 2022 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
Executive Committee — 2021
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2021 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| May 6, 2021 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| June 24, 2021 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| September 9, 2021 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| October 14, 2021 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| November 15, 2021 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| November 23, 2021 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
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RVCA’s Source Protection Authority only meets a couple of times, usually immediately before or after a scheduled Board of Directors meeting. Meetings are held in the Monterey Boardroom of the Rideau Valley Conservation Centre located at 3889 Rideau Valley Drive in Manotick, Ontario.
Please Note: Meetings are held both virtually and in person, please contact Marissa Grondin at for more details.
Source Protection Authority Meetings — 2024
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| April 25, 2024 | Agenda Package | Draft Minutes |
Source Protection Authority Meetings — 2023
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| November 23, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| July 27, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| April 27, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
Source Protection Authority Meetings — 2022
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| April 28, 2022 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| November 24, 2022 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
Source Protection Authority Meetings — 2021
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| April 22, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| September 23, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
| October 28, 2021 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
Source Protection Authority Meetings – 2020
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| April 23, 2020 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
| November 26, 2020 | Agenda | Approved Minutes |
Source Protection Authority Meetings – 2019
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| April 25, 2019 | Agenda Appendix A - 2018 Supplemental Form |
- |
| November 28, 2019 | Agenda | Minutes |
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February 22, 2021
RVCA launches flood of new data tools to help prepare for high water
OTTAWA, Feb. 22, 2021 – The spring melt is just around the corner, and what better way to prepare for it than a new and improved flood data website for waterfront residents? The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s flood forecasting webpage now includes access to several new data sets that will help residents in flood-prone areas of the Rideau Valley watershed and parts of the Ottawa River watershed prepare for flood season. These updates include: Real-time water level and streamflow tools, including new gauges in the vulnerable communities of Cumberland, North Gower, Richmond and Brantwood Park; Neighbourhood flood mapping for several vulnerable…
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Media Release
