Outdoor and Environmental Education
Durham District School Board (DDSB) encourages learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Outdoor and Environmental Education programs promote environmental responsibility by providing experiential learning in the natural environment.
Outdoor education centres
DDSB offers grades 2-12 outdoor learning programs at 4 educational centres in Durham Region.
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Duffins Creek Environmental Education Centre |
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This site hosts a diverse range of natural habitats, which are home to a variety of plant and animal species. This is an excellent choice to showcase the importance of the Durham Region’s watersheds. There is also an Archery Range where our NASP certified instructors introduce students to the sport of archery. Duffins offers outdoor eating areas and firepits. Outdoor Learning programs at Duffins make use of creeks, forests and wetlands as well as an extensive trail network and diverse terrain features. General Programs
Signature Programs
Accessibility Notes
Visit Duffins Creek
Contact OEE@ddsb.ca for more information. |
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Nonquon Environmental Education Centre |
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Situated in the Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Reserve, this site provides easy access to the Nonquon River and the provincially significant wetlands. There are indoor teaching spaces, washroom facilities and outdoor eating areas with fire pits and an accessible bathroom featuring an elevating change table. Classrooms are home to live animal specimens such as snakes and turtles. The Main Site also boasts a wheelchair-accessible 260 metre-long riverside boardwalk from which visitors can view waterfowl, beavers and other wetland plant and animal species. Outdoor Learning programs at this site are focused on wetland ecosystems and their conservation. General Programs
Signature Programs
Accessibility Notes
Visit Nonquon
Contact OEE@ddsb.ca for more information. |
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Pheasant Pen |
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“The Pen” is located 1.5 km north of Nonquon’s Main Site. It lies within the Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Reserve but differs in its terrain. Higher and dryer than Nonquon, the Pheasant Pen exemplifies the transition from aquatic to terrestrial ecozone. This site has facilities with indoor teaching space, accessible washroom facilities and outdoor eating area with a firepit. There is an extensive trail system with opportunities for students to explore forest, field and wetland habitats and observe signs of beaver activity. There is also an Archery Range where our NASP certified instructors introduce students to the sport of Archery. General Programs
Signature Programs
Accessibility Notes
Visit Pheasant Pen
Contact OEE@ddsb.ca for more information. |
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Durham Forest Environmental Education Centre |
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Durham Forest sits on the peak of the Oak Ridges Moraine. The centre itself lies within vast stands of mature pine plantations and stands of mixed hardwoods. This site has indoor teaching areas, washroom facilities and outdoor eating areas with firepits. Students begin near the classroom buildings and then venture out to explore the forest under the supervision of experienced Outdoor Educators to expand their learning, make connections to nature and experience the rich biodiversity that the forest supports. General Programs
Signature Programs
Accessibility Notes
Visit Durham Forest
Contact OEE@ddsb.ca for more information. |
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Summer Day Camp |
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July 2 - August 23, 2024: Eight One-Week Sessions, Monday to Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Operated by the Durham District School Board the Durham Forest Environmental Education Centre facility is located just south of the town of Uxbridge, in a wonderful camp-like setting. Each week of camp will feature outdoor and experiential learning activities designed to inspire, educate and reconnect your child to the world around them. Review the Camp Brochure which highlights each week and join us for another summer full of fun, learning and adventure! To complete the registration process, online payment may be made by credit card (Mastercard, Visa or American Express) through SchoolCash Online. Registration will close on Friday, June 28, 2024. We are limited to 30 spots per camp, register early to avoid disappointment. Please email durhamforest@ddsb.ca if you have any questions. Resources:
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Durham Forest Environmental Education Centre is gearing up for another summer full of fun, learning, and adventure for 7-12 year olds.DDSB Staff: Please LOG IN to the Spark Portal in order to access programs and booking information.
