Hiking between the farmer's field and the deciduous forest at Scanlon Creek Nature Centre near Bradford, Ontario, a grade 3 class and the author were studying different types of soils. As soil explorers they were hiking to different locations to see, touch and smell clay, silt and humus soils. The author always likes to bring a sense of discovery…

In this article, the author reflects on her trip to Lutsel K'e, a small isolated community of under 300 people tucked in a gorgeous bay on the east arm of Great Slave Lake. This place has given her a whole new perspective on what it is to be Canadian. To begin, the wildlife and the scenery are absolutely breathtaking in a really raw and barren way…

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is excited and proud to offer its first ever in-class education programs on the Tall Grass Prairie Ecosystem. These curriculum-based programs are offered to students from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. This experience gives many students who may never have the opportunity to visit a real live prairie to…

Describes adaptation of children's Musical Chairs game, illustrating different animals'"quest for cavities." Game uses role play to simulate wildlife "cavity excavators" and secondary-user animals that compete for nesting holes. Classifies 44 animals according to nesting practice and gives hole sizes for 25. Promotes ecology, conservation studies.…

In 2007 Cedar Ridge Camp opened for its first season as a traditional co-ed summer camp and year-round outdoor education and recreation centre. The mission would centre on creating a program that would encourage personal development and growth through a shared outdoor experience. Cedar Ridge's main goals were to promote the formation of close…

The Green Spaces Project in Lincoln County (Ontario) allows elementary students to develop habitats on or near school property to attract wildlife back to the city. Success of the project is attributed to community support and the hiring of a coordinator. (KS)

Leading naturalist-teachers share outdoor learning activities and techniques, including using binoculars as magnifiers, scavenger hunts, games such as "what's it called" and "I spy," insect study, guessing the age of trees by examining the bark, leading bird walks, exploring nature in the community, and enhancing nature hikes…

To be "re-wildered" is to regard animals and plants as our friends and recognize the vital role of nature and wildlife in human learning and development. The role of outdoor educators should be to introduce children to their nature friends, to teach children to become naturalists, and to encourage children to develop a lifelong…

Once the function of an outdoor educational facility has been determined, a site inventory should examine the site's physical characteristics, soil types, vegetation, water resources, and wildlife. Provides suggestions on maximizing usage of the site while minimizing detrimental effects of site development and long-term environmental damage. (LP)