Morning Screening for Staff and Parents
It is your responsibility to complete this screening questionnaire honestly and accurately in advance of the program start time, on each program day.
Using this questionnaire will save time and energy at drop-off, avoid adding further physical distancing measures, lessen the impact of the safety measures on the participants, and streamline the data collection process. Thank you for your cooperation.
Dressing for the Weather
Please find below helpful information on how to ensure your child is prepared for the outdoors. Especially during colder [...]
What We’re Reading: Rooted
In Award-winning writer Lyanda Lynn Haupt’s Rooted, cutting-edge science supports a truth that poets, artists, mystics, and earth-based cultures across the world have proclaimed over millennia: life on this planet is radically interconnected.
What We’re Listening To – 1000 Hours Outside
Every year we aim to match nature time with the average amount of American kid screen time (which is currently 1200 hours per year). Have a goal. Track your time outside. Take back childhood. Inspire others.
What We’re Listening to: Disconnect: The Outdoor Education Podcast
Disconnect: The Outdoor Education Podcast explores the topics of what Outdoor Education is in the modern school setting, what it's role is, where it's headed and why it's more important now than ever.
What We’re Reading: Free to LEARN
"Free to Learn" argues that the current education system suppresses children's natural curiosity and creativity. Peter Gray proposes that free play is crucial to children's learning and development, and that children should be empowered to direct their own education to thrive in the modern world.
Myth or Fact: Climate Crisis
In honour of Earth Day, our Myth or Fact this month relates to the climate crisis. There is a lot of information out there - have you been swayed into believing some of these common climate crisis myths?
What We’re Reading: Silent Spring
With the celebration of Earth Day this month - get inspired to save the Earth with these informative and important books. We highly recommend Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. See more Earth Day-inspired books!
The Child and Nature Alliance of Canada Podcast
A collection of stories and interviews about outdoor play and forest and nature school in Canada.
What We’re Reading: Balanced and Barefoot
In this important book, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook shows how outdoor play and unstructured freedom of movement are vital for children’s cognitive development and growth.
St. Johns Pond Opening & Education Day
Get hooked on nature at the St. Johns Pond Opening and Education Day on April 22, 2023. Gates open at 9:00 am with activities and education programming from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. FREE Event!
Niagara College BioBlitz
Get ready for an exciting day of citizen science! Join us on April 15th for our first in-person Bioblitz since 2019 at Niagara College Campus, where scientists, community members, and amateur enthusiasts will come together to identify as many species as possible. Register now to be a part of this important and fun-filled event!
What We’re Listening To: Play it Forward
"Play it Forward" is an educational podcast hosted by playground designer Lukas Ritson, exploring the importance of play and taking risks in Early Childhood. The podcast features interviews with leading early education experts and play advocates, offering practical takeaways for parents and educators to support children's development.
What We’re Reading: Last Child in the Woods
"Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv discusses the disconnect between children and nature, and offers solutions through interviews with parents, scientists, and environmentalists. Louv shows how parents can help their children experience the natural world, leading to greater family connectedness and joy.
What Do You Really Know about Spring?
Are you ready for spring? Think again! You might be celebrating on the wrong day! The equinox is NOT the official start of spring. Plus, can you REALLY balance an egg on the equinox? And you won't believe what we discovered about sunrise and sunset on this magical day. What do you really know about Spring?
To Feed or Not to Feed, That is the Bird’s Question
There is a debate on whether or not to feed birds during winter. Studies have produced conflicting results, with some suggesting that it can help bird survival and others indicating that it can hurt the birds.
Empowering Parents by Dale Shipley
As parents, we want the best for our children's education. This book equips you with information and questions to ask to make sure their needs are being met.
Eco-friendly Winters
Do you find it difficult to be environmentally conscious in the winter? Here are some eco-friendly tips!
Children and the Cold
As outdoor educators, we have all been in the situation where, although it is cold out, we have children asking us to take their jackets, hats, and gloves off! But won’t they catch their death of cold??
The Great Tree Debate
Is it better to get an artificial tree or a real tree during the Holidays?
Coniferous Magic
We learned why conifers stay green and why deciduous trees lose their leaves- and it’s not all because of photosynthesis!
Dressing for the colder weather
Every winter, as the temperatures drop, so does the amount of time we spend outside.
How our Winters are Changing
If the world is warming, why are some winters and summers still very cold?
Leave the Leaves this Fall!
Why choosing not to clear your lawn this fall will benefit the ecosystem. Here’s the debate: To Rake or Not to Rake?
Let’s Go on a Mushroom Hunt!
Did you know that fall is the best time to find fungi in the Forest? Many of us don’t fully appreciate how amazing fungi really is!
