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 (1141)
Children categories
Department (68)
Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
April 17, 2019
Significant Rain in Forecast Will Again Cause Water Levels to Increase Across the Rideau Valley Watershed
The current forecast is calling for rainfall amounts of 50 to 65 mm, with possibly more, from Thursday to Saturday across the Rideau Valley Watershed which will cause water levels and flows to increase above current conditions throughout the watershed. Flood conditions are expected start on Friday or Saturday in many areas depending on where the rainfall occurs and total amounts received. Some specific areas of concern are highlighted below. A FLOOD WARNING is being issued for the following areas: Properties around Bob’s Lake, Christie Lake and Tay River in the upper Rideau Valley Watershed. In these areas, the water…
Published in
Media Release
April 17, 2019
Significant Rain in Forecast Will Again Cause Water Levels to Increase Across the Rideau Valley Watershed
The current forecast is calling for rainfall amounts of 50 to 65 mm, with possibly more, from Thursday to Saturday across the Rideau Valley Watershed which will cause water levels and flows to increase above current conditions throughout the watershed. Flood conditions are expected start on Friday or Saturday in many areas depending on where the rainfall occurs and total amounts received. Some specific areas of concern are highlighted below. A FLOOD WARNING is being issued for the following areas: Properties around Bob’s Lake, Christie Lake and Tay River in the upper Rideau Valley Watershed. In these areas, the water…
Published in
Watershed Conditions Statements
April 17, 2019
Flood Watch - Ottawa River – Arnprior To Hawkesbury
APRIL 17, 2019: OTTAWA RIVER FROM ARNPRIOR TO HAWKESBURY — Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) in conjunction with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), South Nation Conservation Authorities (SNC) and Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) Kemptville District, cautions residents along the Ottawa River that water levels are expected to increase significantly over the weekend and into next week. Levels are not expected to reach those observed at the height of the flood in 2017 at this time. The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board has stated, “With significant rainfall forecasted later this week, levels will exceed minor flood levels…
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Media Release
April 17, 2019
Flood Watch - Ottawa River – Arnprior To Hawkesbury
APRIL 17, 2019: OTTAWA RIVER FROM ARNPRIOR TO HAWKESBURY — Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) in conjunction with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), South Nation Conservation Authorities (SNC) and Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) Kemptville District, cautions residents along the Ottawa River that water levels are expected to increase significantly over the weekend and into next week. Levels are not expected to reach those observed at the height of the flood in 2017 at this time. The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board has stated, “With significant rainfall forecasted later this week, levels will exceed minor flood levels…
Published in
Watershed Conditions Statements
MISSISSIPPI AND RIDEAU WATERSHEDS, April 15, 2019 — On March 11, 2019 the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) approved an amendment to the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Plan and the Rideau Valley Assessment Report. The approved amendment took effect on March 25, 2019. This amendment reflects a new municipal well system, comprised of two wells, in the community of Richmond and will be owned and operated by the City of Ottawa. This new well system will serve approximately 5,800 people residing in the Western Development Lands. The new well system also affects two existing Wellhead Protection Areas in the Source Protection Plan and…
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Media Release
April 15, 2019
Recent Heavy Rain Causing Water Levels to Increase in Upper Watershed and Other Localized Areas
April 15, 2019 – The heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday, with amounts up to 40 mm, is causing the water levels to increase in all waterways across the Rideau Valley Watershed. The areas most affected include: Properties around Bob’s Lake, Christie Lake, Tay River and Wolfe Lake in the upper Rideau Valley Watershed. In these areas, the water levels are approaching flood levels. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required, to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake. …
Published in
Watershed Conditions Statements
April 15, 2019
Recent Heavy Rain Causing Water Levels to Increase in Upper Watershed and Other Localized Areas
April 15, 2019 – The heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday, with amounts up to 40 mm, is causing the water levels to increase in all waterways across the Rideau Valley Watershed. The areas most affected include: Properties around Bob’s Lake, Christie Lake, Tay River and Wolfe Lake in the upper Rideau Valley Watershed. In these areas, the water levels are approaching flood levels. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required, to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake. …
Published in
Media Release
April 11, 2019
Forecast Rain Expected to Increase Water Levels in Bobs Lake, Christie Lake, Tay River and Wolfe Lake
April 11, 2019 – The current weather forecast is calling for up to 30 mm of rain between Friday and Monday, and then more rain later next week. This anticipated rain, plus meltwater from the remaining snow pack, will increase the water levels in Bob’s Lake, Christie Lake, Tay River and Wolfe Lake. The water levels in the three lakes and the Tay River are currently above average and increasing because of snowmelt runoff. Waterfront property owners in these areas should be prepared for possible flooding in the upcoming days. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in…
Published in
Media Release
April 11, 2019
Forecast Rain Expected to Increase Water Levels in Bobs Lake, Christie Lake, Tay River and Wolfe Lake
April 11, 2019 – The current weather forecast is calling for up to 30 mm of rain between Friday and Monday, and then more rain later next week. This anticipated rain, plus meltwater from the remaining snow pack, will increase the water levels in Bob’s Lake, Christie Lake, Tay River and Wolfe Lake. The water levels in the three lakes and the Tay River are currently above average and increasing because of snowmelt runoff. Waterfront property owners in these areas should be prepared for possible flooding in the upcoming days. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in…
Published in
Watershed Conditions Statements
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April 11, 2019
Volunteer makes a splash with conservation authority
April 11, 2019 - As volunteers go, Larry Hum’s a real humdinger. The retired telecoms engineer has been volunteering with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) since 2015, helping staff remove invasive plants, survey streams and sample for aquatic animals. “It’s something I always wanted to do, working in the field,” said Mr. Hum, who lives in Bells Corners. He didn’t excel in biology as a student, so he pursued engineering instead. But he still wanted to explore his childhood interest. “It’s an opportunity for me to work in bioscience without going into the heavy, heavy science.” Since joining the…
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Media Release
April 9, 2019 - Close your eyes. Can you picture six million trees? We can – because that’s how many we’ve planted since 1984. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has released its 2018 annual report, and among our many accomplishments from the past year, the planting of our six millionth tree stands tall. “Every year we partner with landowners to reforest abandoned farm fields and other unused land,” said Scott Danford, manager of the reforestation program at RVCA. “Putting this land to work promotes wildlife and biodiversity, protects soil from erosion and improves water quality, while improving the look…
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Media Release
April 8,2019 – With below seasonal temperature and no significant precipitation over the past several days, water levels and flows continue to decline slowly across most areas of the Rideau Valley Watershed. The water level/flow decline is expected to continue this week based on the current weather forecast of only single digit high temperatures and the possibility of rain on Friday. At this time most of the snow in our watershed has already melted but some snow/ice does remain near trees or shaded areas. Contrary to the above, water levels and flows in Bob’s Lake and Christie Lake, located in…
Published in
Watershed Conditions Statements
April 8,2019 – With below seasonal temperature and no significant precipitation over the past several days, water levels and flows continue to decline slowly across most areas of the Rideau Valley Watershed. The water level/flow decline is expected to continue this week based on the current weather forecast of only single digit high temperatures and the possibility of rain on Friday. At this time most of the snow in our watershed has already melted but some snow/ice does remain near trees or shaded areas. Contrary to the above, water levels and flows in Bob’s Lake and Christie Lake, located in…
Published in
Media Release
