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: rideau valley
(WCS – R13/2023)
August 10, 2023 – Caution is advised around all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed following several large rain events over the last few weeks, with additional rain in the forecast. Observed rainfall amounts for the last month across the watershed are significantly more than normal. Environment Canada’s short-term weather forecast indicates we may receive an additional 50 to 100 mm of rain over the next 7 days.
Water levels and flows in all waterways are generally higher than average for this time of year across the Rideau Valley Watershed. Although no significant riverine flooding is anticipated, water levels and flows are expected to remain seasonally high in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed over the next week.
Until the water levels and flows recede, the RVCA advises the public to exercise extreme caution around ALL WATERBODIES AND DAM STRUCTURES and remind children about the dangers of playing near open water. All boaters and swimmers using the Rideau River and other larger water bodies are advised to exercise extreme caution due to much higher flows than normal over the next few days.
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Friday, August 18, 2023 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.
-end-
More Information:
Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions
"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed
created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and
natural resource conservation."
RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:
- Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
- Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
- Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
Cold Weather Could Cause Localized Ice Jams and Flooding in Rideau Valley Watershed
(WCS – R01/2024)
January 15, 2024 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a WATER SAFETY message for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed due to the potential for localized ice jams which could cause sudden water level increases and flooding.
Following a period of warmer than usual temperatures and then a significant snowstorm, Environment Canada is forecasting cold temperatures, as low as -20°C overnight, for the next week with little precipitation. The forecast also indicates sustained winds are expected, which will cause wind chill temperatures. Many waterways are not yet frozen and with the onset of colder weather, there is a potential in localized areas for ice to form quickly, especially on water structures such as bridge abutments, piers, riverbanks, and channels. This could obstruct the flow of water and cause local water levels to rise. Any sudden water level increases may cause localized flooding. Parks Canada, which manages water levels for the Rideau Canal waterway, is also undertaking necessary dam operations in some areas which may increase the potential for rapid ice formation during this cold spell.
Residents are advised to stay away from all rivers and watercourses in the vicinity of any ice jams and high water areas. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 5 PM and may be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.
-end-
More Information:
Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions
"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed
created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and
natural resource conservation."
RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:
- Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
- Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
- Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
(WCS – R02/2024)
February 9, 2024 – Caution is advised as above normal temperatures are forecasted for the Rideau Valley Watershed this weekend. Environment Canada’s short-term weather forecast indicates above-zero temperatures approaching 10 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday and Monday, the temperatures are forecast to approach 5 degrees Celsius before cooling off to more seasonal below-zero temperatures next week. Less than 5 mm of precipitation is expected on Friday and Saturday.
Water levels and flows are generally average for this time of year across the Rideau Valley Watershed. Although no significant flooding is anticipated, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed in the coming days. Residents adjacent to smaller creeks and streams are advised to keep a close watch on water levels and flows and should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.
The warm temperatures and increased water levels may destabilize existing ice cover, creating unstable conditions and the potential for ice jams.
Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. Pets should be leashed near all bodies of water.
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Friday, February 16, 2024 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.
-end-
More Information:
Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions
"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed
created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and
natural resource conservation."
RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:
- Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
- Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
- Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
(WCS – R03/2024)
February 26, 2024 – Unseasonably warm temperatures combined with significant rainfall is expected to trigger a widespread melt across the Rideau Valley Watershed this week. Temperatures are expected to rise significantly on Tuesday, February 27 and last until Thursday, February 29, with daily highs exceeding 10°C. Widespread precipitation is also expected during this period, with forecasts estimating between 20 and 30 mm of rainfall.
Although snow conditions are considered below normal for this time of year, the warm temperatures and added rain will trigger an accelerated melt. Beginning on Tuesday, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. The degree of increase will depend on actual precipitation and temperatures over this period. If additional rainfall occurs between Tuesday and Thursday, flooding is possible on smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including Stevens Creek and any connected creeks or ditches (near North Gower) which are highly susceptible to spring flooding. This short-term forecast does not suggest flooding will occur along the Rideau River, however the elevated water levels and flows will make the region more susceptible to flooding if another storm event occurs in the near future.
While significant flooding is not anticipated at this time, it is advised that residents adjacent to smaller tributaries and streams take precautionary measures to protect their property, including:
- Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have a backwater valve
- Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling
- Securing items that might float away as flows increase
- Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
- Keeping emergency phone numbers handy
- Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan
With the expected temperature shift over the coming days, ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams and rivers will be unstable. Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision.
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Monday, Mar. 04, 2024 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.
-end-
More Information:
Contact: Justin Robert, Hydrometric Data Specialist
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6841, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1194
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions
"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed
created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and
natural resource conservation."
RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:
- Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
- Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
- Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
(WCS – R04/2024)
March 8, 2024 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a WATER SAFETY message for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed.
A low pressure system is expected to bring widespread rain to the region, with between 20mm and 40mm expected throughout Saturday and Sunday. Snow conditions in the Rideau Valley watershed are largely depleted, but flows and water levels remain elevated from recent melt and rainfall events.
While significant flooding is not anticipated at this time, water levels and flows in all waterways are expected to increase and may exceed their banks along smaller tributaries and streams. Residents in these regions are advised to take precautionary measures to protect their property, including:
- Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have a backwater valve
- Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling
- Securing items that might float away as flows increase
- Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
- Keeping emergency phone numbers handy
- Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan
Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. Pets should be leashed near all bodies of water.
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Friday, March 15, 2024 at 5 PM and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.
-end-
Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions
"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed
created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and
natural resource conservation."
RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:
- Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
- Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
- Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.