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
May 09, 2023
Flood Watch and Water Safety: Bobs and Christie Lakes Still High; Caution Advised Near All Large Water Bodies
(WCS – R11/2023) May 9, 2023 – A FLOOD WATCH is being maintained for properties around Bobs Lake and Christie Lake. Furthermore, a WATER SAFETY statement is being maintained for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed. The water levels on Bobs and Christie Lakes remain high and are above average for this time of year due to the recent significant rain event. The current forecast indicates little rain for the next 5 days which is favourable for water level decreases, however another large rainfall could cause water levels to increase again. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in these lakes. Operations at the Bolingbroke…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
Water Conditions Statement: Flood Warning — Lower Ottawa River May 2, 2023 — This FLOOD WARNING statement is an update to the Flood Warning issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury) on April 28th, 2023. Water levels are expected to rise again within the Ottawa River Basin due to significant rainfall received over the past few days. Runoff from this rain event will bring additional water volumes to the Ottawa River at a time when levels are already near major flood thresholds. Based on Ottawa River Regulating Committee forecasts, flood prone areas along the main stem…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
April 28, 2023
UPDATE #2: Flood Warning — Lower Ottawa River | Mise à jour no 2 : Avertissement de crue – Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais
Water Conditions Statement: Flood Warning — Lower Ottawa River April 28, 2023 — This FLOOD WARNING statement is an update to the Flood Warning issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury) on April 20th, 2023. Water levels are expected to rise again within the Ottawa River Basin due to significant rainfall forecasted Saturday through Tuesday. Runoff from this rain event will bring additional water volumes to the Ottawa River at a time when levels are already near major flood thresholds. The Ottawa River Regulating Committee is managing principal reservoirs to reduce river flows to downstream areas. The…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
April 28, 2023
Flood Watch and Water Safety: Significant Rain Expected to Increase Water Levels Throughout the Rideau Valley
(WCS - 10/2023)April 28, 2023 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is maintaining a FLOOD WATCH for properties around Bobs Lake and Christie Lake and issuing a WATER SAFETY for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed. Environment Canada is forecasting significant rainfall starting on Saturday April 29, and continuing through next Tuesday. This forecasted rainfall is expected to cause all water levels and flows to increase throughout the Rideau Valley Watershed. Except as noted below, most water levels and flows are currently at seasonal levels, so it is expected that this rain event will not cause any significant flooding, but it could cause localized flooding in small watercourses,…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
April 27, 2023
Flood data collection begins on four Rideau Valley lakes
RIDEAU VALLEY WATERSHED, April 28, 2023 – Work is underway to collect flood hazard data on four upper watershed lakes. Beginning this May, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) will be collecting important data that will inform future flood mapping projects on Lower Rideau, Big Rideau, Bobs and Otty Lakes, in co-operation with local municipalities. RVCA has contracted Water’s Edge Environmental Solutions Team to be on the lakes throughout the Spring and Fall of 2023. This data collection is the first phase of a larger initiative to complete natural hazard mapping around the lakes. Water’s Edge will survey topography surrounding the…
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Media Release
(WCS - 09/2023)April 25, 2023 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is terminating the FLOOD WARNING that was previously in effect and issuing a FLOOD WATCH for properties around Bobs Lake and Christie Lake. The water levels on Bobs and Christie Lakes continue to decline but these lakes are near capacity and water levels may still increase with any significant rain. The current forecast indicates between 25 mm and 45 mm of rain could fall between Saturday and next Tuesday. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in these lakes, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required to balance the…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
April 21, 2023
Chapman Mills trail reopens with new accessible bridge
BARRHAVEN, April 21, 2023 – The trail at Chapman Mills Conservation Area has fully reopened just in time for spring – and it’s more accessible than ever. A new pedestrian span was installed overnight on Sunday, March 19, replacing the old wooden bridge that had reached the end of its lifecycle. The new bridge is wider with more accessible slopes and railings. The ramps on either end are also longer and safer. “We are thrilled to reopen with even more accessibility and safety features at one of our busiest properties,” said Chelsey Ellis, RVCA’s conservation lands manager. “We thank the community…
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Media Release
April 20, 2023
UPDATE #1: Flood Warning — Lower Ottawa River | Mise à jour no 1 : Avertissement de crue – Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais
Water Conditions Statement: Flood Warning — Lower Ottawa River April 20, 2023 — This FLOOD WARNING statement is an update to the Flood Warning issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury) on April 17th, 2023. Water levels are expected to continue rising within the Ottawa River Basin due to snowmelt, combined with forecasted rainfall starting Friday and continuing over the weekend. Most of the water currently entering the Ottawa River is originating in areas where there are no reservoirs or retention capacity. The Ottawa River Regulating Committee is managing principal reservoirs to reduce river flows to downstream…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
April 18, 2023
Flood Warning – Update #3: Water Levels Continue to Decline Across the Rideau Valley Except in Upper Watershed Lakes
(WCS - 08/2023)April 18, 2023 – The previous Flood Warning and Flood Watch messages issued on April 6th, 8th and 11th 2023 are being updated to reflect current conditions. Unlike the Ottawa River Watershed which is currently experiencing high water conditions, the water levels and flows in the Rideau Valley Watershed are declining and approaching seasonal levels in all waterways except for Bobs Lake and Christie Lake. These lakes are near capacity and although the water level increases are now almost stabilized, the water levels may still increase with any significant rain. The current forecast indicates between 25 mm and 35 mm of…
Published in
Watershed Conditions Statements
April 17, 2023
Flood Warning — Lower Ottawa River | Avertissement de crue – Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais
Water Conditions Statement: Flood Warning — Lower Ottawa River April 17, 2023 —This FLOOD WARNING statement is an update to the Flood Watch issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury) on April 14th, 2023. Water levels are expected to continue rising within the Ottawa River Basin due to increased snowmelt associated with above normal snowpack and high temperatures over the weekend. Most of the water currently entering the Ottawa River is originating in areas where there are no reservoirs or retention capacity. The Ottawa River Regulating Committee is managing principal reservoirs to reduce river flows to…
Published in
Watershed Conditions Statements
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Audit Committee — 2024
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| April 8, 2024 | Agenda Package | Draft Minutes |
Audit Committee — 2023
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| April 19, 2023 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
Audit Committee — 2022
| Meeting Date | Agendas | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2022 | Agenda Package | Approved Minutes |
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Governance
April 14, 2023
Flood Watch — Lower Ottawa River | Veille de crue – Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais
Water Conditions Statement: Flood Watch — Lower Ottawa River April 14, 2023 — This FLOOD WATCH statement is an update to the Flood Outlook Statement issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury) on April 7th, 2023. Due to signifiant snow melt and forecasted rainfall anticipated on Sunday and Monday, water levels are expected to continue rising within the Ottawa River Basin. Most of the water currently entering the Ottawa River is located in areas where there are no reservoirs or retention capacity. The current strategy by the Ottawa River Regulating Committee is to reduce the amount of…
Published in
Watershed Conditions Statements
April 11, 2023
Flood Warning & Flood Watch – Update #2: Water Levels Now Declining Across the Watershed Except in Some Upper Watershed Lakes
(WCS - 07/2023) April 11, 2023 – The previous Flood Warning and Flood Watch messages issued on April 6th and 8th, 2023 are being updated to reflect current conditions. Rainfall amounts between 40 and 70 mm fell across the Rideau Valley Watershed on April 5, 2023, resulting in increased water levels and flows across the watershed which caused flood conditions in many low-lying areas adjacent to several rivers, lakes, creeks and ditches. Since that time, water levels have peaked and are receding in most areas, except those areas discussed below. The short-term weather forecast indicates no precipitation for the next four…
Published in
Watershed Conditions Statements
