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
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The flood water may be gone, but it's left a lot of work in its wake. From sandbag and garbage disposal to septic inspection and well water testing, the RVCA is here to answer your questions and to help as much as possible.
1. What should I do with my sandbags?
DO NOT dump sandbags into the nearby waterway – it could make you and your neighbours sick. If sandbags have come in contact with flood water, they could be contaminated with all sorts of nasty materials, including raw sewage. They need to be disposed of properly – contact your local municipality for area-specific instructions.
Remember: Use gloves when handling used sandbags and take care not to let them spill onto roads, municipal drains or into waterways. For more information, check out this RVCA fact sheet: Cleaning Up After the Flood: Resources
2 . How do I know my well water is safe to drink?
Flooded wells need to be disinfected and tested before residents use them again. All residents on wells affected by the flood should disinfect their wells with a chlorine solution and then flush before testing. To learn more about disinfecting your well, sampling your well, and interpreting your sample results visit Ottawa Public Health’s well water information page.
3. What should I do if my septic system was flooded?
Do not use the system while the drain field or tanks are under water. Wait until the water level in the drain field is below the distribution pipes before using. If a system MUST be used, conserve water as much as possible to allow the system to restore itself.
Do not pump your septic tank during or immediately after the flood. This could cause the tank to “pop out” of the ground. Avoid using heavy machinery around the system when the ground is saturated to avoid further damage.
If you suspect damage, get a licensed inspection! If repairs are needed, contact the Ottawa Septic System Office or your local approval agency before undertaking any work.
Remember: flood waters may be contaminated with raw sewage. Wear protective gloves, eyewear, a face mask and rubber boots when in contact with the water.
For more information, check out: RVCA Factsheet: Frequently Asked Questions of the Conservation Authority and the Ottawa Septic System Office
4. I need to start repairing or rebuilding my home. What approvals do I need?
Check with your local municipality and conservation authority before beginning any repair work to see if a permit is required. Minor repairs like replacing flooring and drywall likely won’t require a permit, but larger projects like work on your foundation, outer walls or deck, or any other structural changes, will require approvals.
Landscaping work like grading, repairing shoreline retaining walls or docks will also need permits, as well as any work to secondary buildings.
For more permit information, visit: https://www.rvca.ca/regulations-planning/rvca-permits-section-28/do-i-need-a-permit
You can also contact an RVCA Resource Specialist at or 613-692-3571 ext. 1132 or ext. 1193.
Other things to consider:
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- Have you suffered severe erosion on your shoreline? The Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP) is accepting applications for grants. Be sure to have all approvals for work in place (see above) and register with staff prior to starting work (613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1134). Permits may be required.
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- Interested in creating a low-cost, natural shoreline along your waterfront to help fight erosion and future flooding? Learn about RVCA's Shoreline Naturalization Program.
