CATFISH CREEK CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION &

ACTIVITY GUIDEBOOK

Mission Statement

To communicate and deliver resource management services andprograms in order to achieve social and ecological harmony for thewatershed.

WHAT IS IN THIS GUIDEBOOK?

The Environmental Education and Activity Guidebook is designed to inform visitorsabout the value of local ecosystems, the impacts on wildlife and their habitat, andthe need to conserve and manage them in a responsible manner.

The CCCA is pleased to offer a variety of high quality, half to full-day educationalprograms to students ranging from elementary school to the university level, aswell as for scout, guide, and adult groups.

The Guidebook is ……! Compatible with a wide variety of school subjects,! Linked with science learning outcomes,! Suitable for ages from kindergarten to Grade 12 students,! Excellent in meeting Scouting/Guiding badge requirements,! An outline of day camp programs and in class presentations.

General Learning Objectives ......! To recognize that wildlife depend on habitat, including food, water, shelter, and

space.! To get acquainted with a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species.! To appreciate how everyday human activities can help or harm habitat.! To understand the potential impacts on biological diversity.! To nurture a sense of stewardship.

Index: Pages

School Curriculum & Education Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 6

YMCA Environmental Day Camp/Guiding and Scouting Badges .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Facility Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

How to make arrangements & What to bring .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Costs .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 10

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SCHOOL CURRICULUM & EDUCATION PROGRAMS

! Teachers can design their own program from the options outlinedbelow, depending on requirements for grade level curriculum objectives.

! Conservation Authority staff will incorporate the “learning clusters”described in the common framework of science learning outcomes. Grades1 through 4 have an excellent opportunity to benefit and reinforceconcepts.

TERRESTRIAL PROGRAMS(Especially geared towards grades 1-4 and high school geography students)

The Forest Through the TreesSpringwater provides an unique opportunity to view various types of forestecosystems. Students will become “tree detectives” as they learn the basics of treeidentification, what depends on them for survival, characteristics of the four forestseasons, forest fire ecology, and the importance of conservation. Students will also

learn how to use a compass in orienteering.(Optional)

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Adventure HikeEnter nature’s fascinating world with a hike into an old-growth Carolinian forest. The Springwater Forest provides a diversity of habitat that supports many speciesof plants and animals, from the common to the rare. Students will learn moreabout the behaviors and habits of wildlife as they experience the sights, sounds,and smells along the trail. A fun predator/prey activity can be incorporated into thisprogram. A great way to rap up the school year!

The Earth Beneath My Feet Prepare to get a bit dirty with a hands on demonstration by CCCA staff and studentparticipation. The students will learn about various soil types, soil horizons, howsoils are formed, Glaciations, the importance of decomposers and leaf eaters, soil

conservation, and soil stability. This section especially focuses on grades 3 and 4.

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Maple Syrup Program Come join the staff of the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, Jaffa EnvironmentalEducation Centre and the Aylmer And District Museum for an entertaining event inMarch. They will be presenting modern and historical presentations on thegathering and production of maple syrup. There are tapping demonstrations alongwith an environmental interpretation wagon ride through the Springwater Forest. This program is especially geared toward grades 1-4, and grade 6 science andtechnology curriculums. A sugar shanty tour is also offered, with social studiesgrades 3 and 6 in mind. Come on one bus with another class and be entertainedwith a second program while waiting for the second class to finish their Maple Syruptour at no extra cost.

Chainsaw Operator TrainingThis course has been tailored to the Environmental Leadership Programs. Localmunicipalities also request the course as a refresher to their basic training. Thislearning opportunity provides individuals with the Ministry of Skills andDevelopment standards in the operation of chainsaws. The course runs 3-5 daysdepending on the level of instruction requested.

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EXPLORE THE AQUATIC WORLD PROGRAM (especially focuses on grades 1, 2, 4, and 6)What lies beneath the mysteries of ponds and streams? Students will catch andidentify aquatic life, learn about the animal kingdom, and the importance ofdiversity and water conservation. There is also the opportunity to learn aboutwater in several hands on activities.

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Y DAY CAMP - ENVIRONMENTAL THEME CAMP

Come to the Springwater Conservation Area with counselors from The Family YMCAof St. Thomas-Elgin for an adventurous week of outdoor activities with a Rangerguide. This is for kids around ages 5-12 who are looking to do something fun andalso learn during the summer months. There are different programs offeredeveryday during the week, and crafts to take home. Please contact The FamilyYMCA of St. Thomas-Elgin for dates and registration (contact number: 631-2418).

GUIDING AND SCOUTING BADGES

Catfish Creek Conservation Authority provides many opportunities to obtain environmental

badges required by Guiders and Scouters. The leaders and youth will be providedwith the information needed for training and testing toward many environmentaland outdoor badges. Some badges offered are the World Conservation, Forestry,Angler, Canoeing, Ecology, Observation, and Naturalist to mention a few.

All other environmental interest groupsare welcome to participate in the CatfishCreek Conservation Authority Education

programs

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Springwater Forest is the largest old growth Carolinian forest in Elgin Countyand consists of 150 hectares (370 acres) with various trails (8 km) throughout. Thetrails, surrounding Springwater Pond, provide visitors with many adventurousopportunities, as well as a peaceful place to stop, listen, and observe.

Available facilities consist of the historic Springwater Schoolhouse, open airbarbeques for cookouts, an observation deck for fishing and sight-seeing, fishingplatforms, fully serviced washrooms, sandy beach with children's playground,pavilions, seasonal and transient campsites, and an authentic pioneer sugar shantywhich operates during the Maple Syrup season.

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PROGRAM SCHEDULING INFORMATION

Education Programs: Scouting/Guiding (with camping) .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.50

Other Groups - 1 program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00Other Groups - 2 programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00

Maple Syrup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00

i) all pricing is on a per student basisii) possible fee change annually

1) Name and address of school or group2) Teacher/contact name3) Grade or group level 4) Number of students/individuals5) Program and specific objectives 6) Length of program7) Date and time of arrival8) Location of program meeting9) Suitable clothing for all weather types10) Provide cheque the date of program

GENERAL INQUIRES AND BOOKING

Catfish Creek Conservation AuthorityR.R.#5, 8079 Springwater RoadAylmer, ON N5H 2R4Phone: (519) 773-9037 // Fax: (519) 765-1489admin@catfishcreek.cawww.catfishcreek.ca

10 minutes from St. Thomas or Aylmer // 30 short minutes from London

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Working Together Today For A Healthier Environment Tomorrow!Catfish Creek is a non-profit organization that needs your

financial support and volunteerism to ensure community driven environmental initiatives continue in the future.

Thank you for your support!

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