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 day and night curriculum connected to outdoor learning at 3 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. Duffins offers an outdoor eating area, and firepit. Programming at Duffins makes use of the creek itself as well as an extensive trail network and diverse terrain features. General Programs
Signature Programs
Visit Duffins CreekContact OEE@ddsb.ca for more information. Duffins Creek is located at 2500 Concession Rd 7 in Pickering, ON. |
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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 frogs, snakes and turtles. The Main Site also boasts wheelchair-accessible trails leading to a 260 metre-long riverside boardwalk from which visitors can view waterfowl, beavers and other wetland species. Programming at this site is focused on wetland ecosystems and their conservation. General Programs
Signature Programs
Pheasant Pen“The Pen” is located 1.5km 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. General Programs
Signature Programs
Visit NonquonContact OEE@ddsb.ca for more information.
Information for parentsIf your child is attending a field trip at Nonquon wetland, please read our packing list and additional information resource to help prepare for the trip. |
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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 within the centre’s fenced compound then venture out into the forest under the supervision of experienced Outdoor Educators to expand their learning and experience all the land has to offer. General Programs
Signature Programs
Visit Durham ForestContact OEE@ddsb.ca for more information. Durham Forest is located at 3821 Concession Rd. 7, Goodwood, ON. Information for parentsIf your child is taking a class trip to Durham Forest, review our Frequently Asked Questions and the packing list to help prepare. Community useDurham Forest Environmental Centre is available for not-for-profit groups to rent on weekends during the school year. We can accommodate up to 30 people. For details on fees, program options, and booking, please call 905-666-6310. |
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Summer Day Camp |
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Durham Forest Environmental Education Centre is gearing up for another summer full of fun, learning, and adventure. 2024 Summer Camp information arriving in the spring of 2024For more information, contact: Durham Forest Camp Director 2023 Resources: |
DDSB Staff: Please LOG IN to the Spark Portal in order to access programs and booking information.
