“Great day of learning in nature!”
“Thank you so much for a wonderful day. We were impressed at how well run everything is. Our kiddos enjoyed their time and our parent volunteers are interested in going back for yoga. ”
Students delight, holding - observing an earthworm in the Jk/Sk program Nature Walk.
At Willow Park Ecology Centre (WPEC), environmental education is at the heart of everything we do whether its for fieldtrip students or summer campers! This spring, we welcomed nearby Peel and Halton Board schools. At our Get to Know Nearby Nature School Programs science topics included; how plants grow and the role of pollinators, pond life and the value of ponds, and our role in sustainability. Some focused on energy sources, biodiversity, and ravine ecology and habitats.
Our experienced educators provided a welcoming and fun field trip for students and their chaperons. Students asked many questions while engaged in activities that ultimately developed their deeper understanding of how ecosystems function to create a healthy planet. The WPEC field trip program is created to build curiosity, confidence and a sense of responsibility to care for the environment while having fun, playing-in and learning to be safe-in, the magical outdoor space along Silver Creek.
All student “pond detectives” spy critters above and in water bins (with magnifiers).
Our commitment to nature-based learning continued into the summer with our Kids’ Nature Discovery Camps. Everyday makes summer both educational and fun by design, fostering curiosity, learning and connection to the environment. During our first two July weeks, 37 campers experienced activities that engaged them in playfully caring for nature and discovering all kinds of local fauna and flora, and their habitats.
During the well planned activities they don’t even notice that we are teaching them about topics of sustainability and renewable energy, local ecology and (Norval) history and even biodiversity. They are too busy playing with new friends and exploring.
Returning campers, Kaya and Emilia developed their friendship at WPEC camps! They drew WPEC maps, building their map reading skills.
Our friendly small group settings support improved mental and physical health, and confidence from achieving age appropriate tasks for self, and to help others.
Campers enjoy a balance of themed learning, nature exploration, science experiments, crafts and nature-based games, which are led by our experienced staff and volunteers. After outdoor activities, campers move inside to the neighbouring St. George Syriac Orthodox Church hall to cool down and enjoy creative activities (e.g. painting, drawing, colouring, card and other games). A wonderful way to decompress after an exciting day outdoors before heading home nice and calm and reflective after a fun-filled physically-busy day of outdoor programming.
Campers make solar ovens to learn about the Sun’s wonderful energy and create their own sweet snacks. 2026.7
