The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority offers a range of outdoor and environmental education programs for adult learners. All of our programs are English as a Second Language (ESL) friendly. Programs are geared towards different language ability levels that introduce new vocabulary, concepts and connections to nature. We engage adult learners at various levels to gain a greater understanding of conservation and nature. If you don’t see what you are looking for, let our staff know and we will do our best to accomodate you. We also offer Forest Therapy Walk programs, visit the Forest Therapy page for further details.
Location and Times
Our programs take place at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area (2 km north of Hwy. 401, Division Street, Kingston). Programs are two hours in length and are available both mornings and afternoons. Start and end times are flexible.
Fees
- $8 +HST per participant
- A minimum fee of $116.00 applies to all groups.
- Cancellation fee is $50.00 (see cancellation policy below).
- Please bring cash or a cheque made payable to the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority on the day of your visit.
Booking Instructions
Our conservation education programs can be booked at any time by e-mailing the Education Department of the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority at educate@crca.ca or by calling (613) 546-4228 ext. 251 or toll-free (613 area code) 1-877-956-CRCA (2722).
Please leave a detailed message including your name, group name, size of group, proposed dates and choice of program. We will confirm by phone and then also in writing. Note the dates of availability for each program.
Cancellation
A minimum of seven days notice is required for cancellation to allow us time to contact groups from our waiting list. If the CRCA is notified of the cancellation fewer than seven days in advance of the scheduled visit, a cancellation fee of $50.00 will be charged.
Education staff will contact you by 8:00 a.m. if we need to adapt the program in case of inclement weather or cancel due to severe weather. There will be no charge for a cancellation made due to severe weather conditions. Please dress in comfortable, weather appropriate clothing.
If you have any questions please call our office at (613) 546-4228 ext. 251 or toll-free 1-877-956-CRCA (2722) ext. 251.
Make a Day of It
Combine your program with other great activities for a terrific day in the outdoors. Or do your own education program. Our education staff would be pleased to make suggestions about what you can do with your class. Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area has a variety of habitats including wetland, field and forest.
There are also great recreation facilities including picnic areas and a 14 km trail system which is groomed for cross-country skiing during the winter. Our outdoor ice rink can also be booked for a winter fun day. There are two warming huts, a bonfire pit and privies located beside the rink. The entrance fee for school groups to use our facilities is $3.00 per person.
You must make a group booking to use our facilities by calling (613) 546-4228 ext. 222 or toll-free 1-877-956-CRCA (2722) ext. 222. To book an education program, please call (613) 546-4228 ext. 251or toll-free 1-877-956-CRCA (2722) ext. 251.
Program Dates
Fall – September 16 to November 29, 2019
Winter – January 13 to February 26, 2020
Maple Madness – March 2 to April 3, 2020 (not available during March Break)
Spring – April 6 to June 19, 2020
Program Descriptions
Offered at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area in Kingston.
Wilderness Connection Hikes (all seasons) – through sensory and interactive activities adult learners have an opportunity to de-stress and become comfortable with and aware of the plants and animals discovered in the wilds of Ontario.
Maple Sugar Bush Visit (March 2 to 27, $2 extra) – Learn all about the making of maple syrup from it’s discovery to modern day (visit does not include pancakes).
Cross-country Ski Lessons (winter) – Introduce your adult learners to the joy of cross-country skiing on groomed ski trails suitable for all levels. Ski rental is $10 per person.
Snowshoe Excursion (winter) – Introduce your adult learners to the great Canadian experience of snowshoeing through wetlands, fields, and forests. Snowshoe rental is $7 per person.
Forest Therapy Walks (all seasons) – Forest Therapy is a mindful, healing and connective practice inspired by the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-Yoku” which translates into “forest bathing”. Visit our forest therapy page for program details, cost and registration instructions.