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
Displaying items by tag: media
Bobs and Christie Lake Levels Remain High
The focus of this message is potential flooding issues on Bobs and Christie Lakes in the upper end of the Tay River watershed, part of the Rideau River/Canal system.
Bobs Lake has levelled off over the weekend as inflows were reduced by colder temperatures. Runoff from the snow that fell overnight along with rain showers today and Tuesday will prolong the high water levels. No precipitation along with more spring-like temperatures are forecast for the rest of the week beyond Tuesday. This can be expected to bring a decline in levels on both Bobs and Christie Lakes.
Time to Take Root — Dollars Available to Plant Trees
Money is available to landowners interested in planting trees. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority offers private landowners tree planting programs that help them get technical advice, planting plans and funding for trees.
“We have numerous community-minded partners providing funding to projects to help reduce landowner costs,” says Scott Danford, RVCA Forestry Program Manager. “We offer planting programs that make it easy and affordable for landowners.”
RVCA Celebrates 50 Years of Conservation
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) Board of Directors formally acknowledged the 50 year anniversary of the Conservation Authority’s formation at their meeting last night.
“We are delighted to celebrate 50 years of conservation,” announced RVCA Chair Lyle Pederson as he unveiled the Authority’s special 50-year logo. “This will be a year to share our successes and how they have made a significant contribution to the health and prosperity of our watershed.”
Heavy Rain Will Increase Flows Again
Flows in all watercourses in the Rideau River watershed can be expected to increase through today as a result of a significant rain event.
Forecasts of heavy rains today in the province east of Georgian Bay will have an impact on the Rideau River watershed. With rainfall in the order of 30 mm possible, flows can be expected to increase again to similar flows as what was reached earlier in March. This could once again bring flooding of the lowest lying areas along rivers and streams and on lakes and ponds.
Early Freshet on the Wane
Flows in all watercourses in the Rideau River watershed increased through the weekend and may have peaked on Monday. However, with rain forecast for tomorrow, flows may rise slightly higher by Wednesday night than what was reached yesterday. This could bring flooding of the lowest lying areas along streams.
Below freezing temperatures are forecast for Friday and into next week. This freeze-up will cause water levels to decline quickly. With the changing water levels and ice formation due to the colder temperatures, caution around water is advised and children need to be warned of the risks.
