Conservation Education Programs for Schools
Through partnerships with our local watershed teachers and schools, private education institutes, homeschool cooperatives and more, we aim to provide students from kindergarten to grade 12 with experiences that foster appreciation of our natural environment through inquiry, discovery and hands-on application of curriculum content.
Join us at one of our conservation areas, on your schoolyard, or in your classroom for conservation education.
Fees
- In-School/Schoolyard per program – $126.00
- In-School/Schoolyard per day (up to 4 programs) – $375
- Field Trip 1/2 day per student – $8.50
- Field Trip full day per student – $15.00
- Maitland Valley CA Schools per day (up to four programs) – $475
Available Subsidies for Watershed Schools:
- Up to $250 of busing subsidies per field trip for watershed schools.
- Additional subsidies are on a grant basis. Please contact conservation education staff for details. Email Cassie Greidanus at cgreidanus@abca.ca
Book Your Conservation Education Program
Click the button above, or the link below, to book your conservation education program:
Conservation Education Programs
- Check out our Program Chart for the 2026-2026 School Year – 500 KB (medium-sized) PDF file
Program Pairings
Want to make it a full-day adventure? Click on the link for our suggested program pairings!
Quick Links
Click on the Quick Links below to take you directly to the program description or scroll to the bottom of the web page to view all programs:
- All Rivers Lead to the Lake
- Animal Adventures
- Biodiversity Blitz
- A Bug's Life
- Careers in Conservation
- The Dirt on Soil
- Eco-Dynamics Team-Building
- Fantastic Fossils
- GoWILD Survival
- GPS Journey
- Home Sweet Habitats
- Into the Forest: Tree Study!
- It Is Geting Hot in Here
- Natural Curiosity
- Nature's Canvas - Art
- Numbers in Nature
- Plant Power
- River Quest - SWAP - Free Program
- Sense-sational Nature
- Snowshoeing
- Species at Risk 101
- Walk into Nature
- Water Around Us
- What is in the Water
- Wilderness Survival
Program Descriptions
Here are descriptions of the conservation education programs:
A Bug's Life
Grades: K - 6
Seasons: Autumn, Spring
Location: Morrison Dam Conservation Area (Exeter), Rock Glen Conservation Area (Arkona), Clinton Conservation Area (Clinton) or on your schoolyard
Description: Bzzzzz! Enter the fascinating world of insects! While walking and exploring through fields and forests, students will investigate insect diversity through the use of field guides and keys to classify insect species. Expanding their knowledge, students will learn about the life cycles and adaptations of insects through playing active simulation games.
All Rivers Lead to the Lake
Grades: K - 12
Seasons: All
Location: In your classroom
Description: Follow the flow of water through its watershed with an interactive model! Students will investigate how forests, wetlands, and buffer zones support healthy water systems while exploring point and non-point sources of pollution and the ways human activities can impact local rivers and downstream environments.
Animal Adventures
Grades: 1, 2
Seasons: All
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton)
Description: Discover the wild world of local forest animals! Through inquiry, active learning, and hands-on discovery, students will explore how wildlife grows and changes throughout its life cycle and investigate the seasonal characteristics and adaptations that help animals survive in their environment.
Biodiversity Blitz
Grades: K - 12
Seasons: All
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton) or on your schoolyard
Description: By exploring different habitats, students will have the opportunity to classify diverse local flora and fauna species. Students will consider different perspectives of human impacts on the environment and gain an appreciation, and foster an awareness for, biodiversity found in their local area.
Careers in Conservation
Grades: 7 - 12
Seasons: All
Location: In your classroom!
Description: Through hands-on activities and real-world connections, students will explore diverse career pathways and discover the wide range of opportunities within the environmental and conservation sector. Students will engage with the experiences of conservation professionals to investigate where a career in the environment could take them.
Eco-Dynamics Teambuilding
Grades: 4 - 12
Seasons: Autumn, Spring
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton) or on your schoolyard
Description: Collaborate, communicate and problem-solve as a class through a variety of active challenges that will have your students focused on their teamwork and leadership abilities. Students will connect with each other and the environment during this active program.
Fantastic Fossils
Grades: K - 12
Seasons: Autumn, Spring
Location: Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona)
Description: Travel back more than 400 million years as students investigate the fossils and geological history of Rock Glen Conservation Area. Using evidence-based inquiry and discovery, students will uncover clues about ancient environments and the forces that shaped the landscape we know today.
GoWILD Survival
Grades: 4 – 8
Seasons: Autumn, Spring
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona)
Description: Simulate real-life predator/prey relationships in this fun and active outdoor food-web game. Assume the role of a specific animal and see if you can survive. Students will gain an understanding of animal ecology, as well as the impact of human activities on wildlife populations.
GPS Journey
Grades: 4 - 12
Seasons: All
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton) or on your schoolyard
Description: Learn the basics of GPS technology and apply your skills to a nature-themed GPS scavenger hunt! Using GPS units, students are challenged to find answers to natural science questions and to locate specific stations.
Home Sweet Habitats
Grades: 4 - 6
Seasons: Autumn, Spring
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton)
Description: Explore what these our natural communities have in common and what makes them distinct. Through collecting and identifying organisms, students will use inquiry-based learning to discover animal adaptations and habitat requirements.
Into the Forest: Tree Study!
Grades: 4 - 12
Seasons: Autumn, Spring
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton) or on your schoolyard
Description: Trees are all around us—but can you tell them apart? Students will collaborate to investigate tree characteristics, explore their importance to people and natural ecosystems, and apply their learning using forestry technology, maps and dichotomous keys to identify local tree species.
It’s Getting Hot in Here
Grades: 4 - 12
Seasons: All
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton) or on your schoolyard
Description: Climate change is shaping the world around us. Students will investigate the science behind our changing climate, explore real-world environmental impacts, and consider evidence-based actions that can help build a more sustainable future.
Natural Curiosity
Grades: K - 12
Seasons: All
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton) or on your schoolyard
Description: Let curiosity lead the way! Students will explore an environmental topic connected to their classroom learning or interests through inquiry, discovery, and hands-on experiences designed around their unique learning goals.
Nature’s Canvas – Art
Grades: K – 6
Seasons: All
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton) or on your schoolyard
Description: Young artists are encouraged to look at the environment from a different perspective. Learners are introduced to different styles and techniques used to create impressions of nature. A combination of sketching, imprinting, creative writing, water colours and other techniques can be explored. Participants produce unique souvenirs to remember their outdoor experience.
Numbers in Nature
Grades: K – 8
Seasons: Autumn, Spring
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton) or on your schoolyard
Description: Take numeracy outdoors and let’s make maths a little messy! Students will collaborate to solve real-world challenges, discover mathematical concepts in nature, and engage in creative problem-solving where the process matters as much as the answer.
Plant Power
Grades: K - 6
Seasons: Autumn, Spring
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton) or on your schoolyard
Description: Discover the power of plants! Students will investigate the diversity, structures, life cycles, and adaptations of plants while exploring their important role in supporting healthy ecosystems. Through inquiry, observation, and active learning, students will uncover the many ways plants grow, survive, and connect to the world around us.
River Quest – SWAP – FREE PROGRAM
Grades: 1 - 8
Seasons: January & February only
Location: In your classroom
Description: Put your problem-solving skills to the test in this interactive escape room! Students will collaborate to solve clues and challenges while building their understanding of winter and spring water safety, including ice and flood awareness.
Sense-sational Nature
Grades: K - 3
Seasons: Autumn, Spring
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton)
Description: Awaken your senses and discover nature in a whole new way! Students will use sight, sound, touch, and smell to explore seasonal changes, investigate local plants and animals, and build awareness of the natural world through active learning and discovery.
Snowshoeing
Grades: K - 12
Seasons: Winter (snow dependent)
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter) or on your schoolyard
Description: Discover the world of snowshoes through active learning and hands-on skill development! Students will explore the history and cultural significance of snowshoes while building confidence with the techniques used to travel across snowy landscapes. This seasonal program is available at participating Conservation Areas or on your schoolyard, weather permitting. Teachers are also welcome to rent class sets of snowshoes to run programming at your school.
Species at Risk 101
Grades: K - 12
Seasons: All
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton), on your schoolyard or in your classroom!
Description: Discover the world of species at risk and the challenges they face. Students will investigate the factors affecting local wildlife, explore real-world conservation efforts, and consider how their own actions can help protect biodiversity.
The Dirt on Soil
Grades: K - 12
Seasons: All
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton), on your schoolyard or in your classroom!
Description: Don’t treat soil like dirt! Students will step into the role of a soil scientist to investigate soil properties and types, explore the important aspects of decomposition, and discover how soil supports life. Through inquiry, testing, and hands-on discovery, they will uncover the important connections between soil, living things, and healthy ecosystems.
Walk into Nature
Grades: K - 12
Seasons: All
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Rock Glen C.A. (Arkona), Clinton C.A. (Clinton)
Description: Step into the natural world and let curiosity lead the way! Students will be led on a guided walk that has them exploring local ecosystems through inquiry and active discovery, investigating plants, wildlife, decomposition, ecosystem health, and the connections that shape the environment around them.
Water Around Us
Grades: 2
Seasons: All
Location: In your classroom!
Description: Follow the journey of a water droplet as students explore the science of water through inquiry, discovery, and hands-on learning. From investigating the properties of clean water to uncovering how water moves through the environment, students will connect classroom concepts to the world around them.
What’s in the Water
Grades: K - 12
Seasons: Autumn, Spring
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter), Clinton C.A. (Clinton)
Description: Our ponds and rivers are bursting with life, beneath hidden rocks is an entire world waiting to be discovered. Students will investigate aquatic organisms, explore their unique adaptations and life cycles, and uncover the interconnected food chains and habitat needs that support a healthy water community.
Wilderness Survival
Grades: 4 - 12
Seasons: All
Location: Morrison Dam C.A. (Exeter)
Description: Put your outdoor skills to the test! Students will complete challenges that build confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while exploring practical wilderness knowledge, including shelter design, knot tying, foraging, and other strategies for adapting to the natural environment.
Suggested Full-Day Pairings:
- Home Sweet Habitats + GoWILD Survival
- What’s in the Water + A Bug’s Life or Walk into Nature
- Eco-dynamics Teambuilding + GPS Journey or Wilderness Survival
- Animal Adventures + Sense-sational Nature
- Fantastic Fossils + Biodiversity Blitz
- Into the Forest + Plant Power or The Dirt on Soil
- Numbers in Nature + Nature’s Canvas