Educational Programs

The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary offers many outdoor learning programs for schools and groups.

Spring and Fall Sessions
• May to the end of June
• September to the end of October

Special March & November events are available - call for details.

Spring Beauties (grades 4 to 8)
Trilliums and dogtooth violets, bloodroots and bleeding hearts, ginsengs and wild gingers ... experience them!

Nature Walks (for pre-schoolers through to seniors)
Participants will learn about a wide variety of plants, animals and nature-related processes while on a guided walk.

Discover (junior kindergarten to grade 2)
A guided walk using sensory awareness, art in nature and games to help children discover their natural world.

Those Beautiful Birds! (grades 3 to 8)
Students will learn about the major bird groups, basic anatomy and how to bird watch while on a guided walk.

Wildlife Search (grades 4 to 8)
A guided walk explaining a variety of wildlife signs. Groups of four students each are given a "clue sheet" and a section of trail along which to search for signs of wildlife.

Name That Tree! (grades 4 to 8)
A guided walk with games and activities that help students develop the skills needed to compare and identify trees. Students will learn that trees may be identified by their leaves, bark, twigs, buds and their shape.

The Forest Community (grades 5 to 8)
A guided walk with activities that allow students to examine the individual components of forest life and how they interact.

Wetland Wonders (grades 2 to 8)
SPRING ONLY
Students visit a wetland location to examine the plants and animals found there. They will discover features by which pond plants and animals are adapted to life in water. Senior students will determine the ecological role of wetland species.

The Guide Program This program offers assistance in the completion of "My Outdoor Environment" pathway in the "Encountering Challenges. Exploring Challenges and Discovering Challenges". Assistance in the completion of the equivalent "pathways" in the Brownie and Pathfinder programs and the Scouting programs, as well as outdoor badge requirements can be arranged on request.

Fall Session Only ...

Arts and Crafts (grades 2 to 8)
With natural items collected in and around the Sanctuary, students create autumn and Christmas ornaments and decorations. Program may include a 'collection' walk.

Primitive Plants (grades 4 to 8)
A guided walk looking at the plants that are often overlooked: ferns, mosses and fungi. Students will discover how these plants live and grow.

Seed Seekers (grades 1 to 4)
A guided walk with an opportunity to examine and sort various seeds to determine their unique qualities.

NOTE: Most of the above programs can be designed to meet the requirements for senior students from grades 7 to 10 inclusive.

To apply for any of the above programs, please submit or print, fill out and fax back the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Outdoor Learning application form or call 1-800-437-2233 (613-543-3704 outside of North America)