WREN Programs

 Wonderful Wetlands (Wetland Community Study)

Curriculum Connections with grades 4 to 12

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

Discover the different types of wetlands and their importance in the watershed system. See the many species of animal and plants that depend on them. Explore a cedar bog and a fen at Sulphur Spring Conservation Area, or walk the boardwalks at Bognor Marsh. Learn all there is to know about these unique ecosystems. You will also learn about acid rain and development and its impact on wetland resources.

 Focus on Forests (Forest Community Study)

Curriculum Connections with grades 2 to 7

Dates:

• September to November
• January to mid-February
• May to June

Study two different forest communities in one visit! Discover the differences between coniferous and deciduous trees. Learn about succession and the interdependence of all things found in the forest.

 Meadow Madness

Curriculum Connections with grades 2 to 7

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

Explore a meadow and compare this community to that of the forest. You will learn about predator/prey relationships; producers, consumers and decomposers. Field studies and role-playing games included.

 Find Your Own Way (Orienteering)

Curriculum Connections with grades 5, 6, 7 and 8

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

Want a natural way to learn about the use of the compass and map to find their way on site? There are Orienteering courses set up at various Conservation Areas for this program. This offers your students the opportunity to use project (trail markers) and/or compass orienteering skills learned through this program.

 GPS / Geocaching

Curriculum Connections with grades 5 to 12

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

Students learn about Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in this program. They learn how we use GPS in our everyday lives to help locate places on earth using satellites and much more. We will use our new found skills and technology to find hidden markers on the property. We use hand-held GPS units to do this. We will also introduce students to the growing past-time of geocaching.

 H.O.M.E.S. – Exploring the Great Lakes

Curriculum Connections with grades 7 to 12

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

We live close to a Great Lake but very little time is ever spent on learning about it or the other 4. We dive into this amazing geographical feature of North America. We look at its importance for commerce, resources and development. We will also see how we can help protect this valuable resource for generations to come

 Nitty Gritty Dirt Stand

Curriculum Connections with grades 3 and 7

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

We will investigate soil and include experiments in the following areas:

• Temperature
• Compaction
• Percolation
• Animal/Plant life

We will also take a close look at the soil profile.

 Sedimental Journey

Curriculum Connections with grades 3, 4, 7 and 8

Dates:

• September to November
• January to mid-February
• May to June

Students discover for themselves the differences between rocks and minerals and their various uses. A hands-on program featuring many experiments with samples from far and wide.

 Watershed Study

Curriculum Connections with grades 7 to 12

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

What is a watershed? Explore the dynamic Saugeen River watershed; where the water comes from, where it goes. We will explore the many uses of the water along the way and how people affect the water quality on its journey.

 Flood Forecasting 101

Curriculum Connections with grades 5 to 12

Dates:

• September to November
• January to April

We use three primary sources of information to predict where and when floods will happen. These are weather, ground conditions and water levels. We will look at how all these help us get a better picture of what is to come. Students will make some simple weather measuring instruments. They will also take some flow samples at a local watercourse.

• streambed profiles
• calculation of velocity and volume of the water in the stream

 Let it Snow!

Curriculum Connections with grades 1 and 2

Dates: January to February

Use snow catchers to get a close-up look at ice crystals. Identify them and discover how they formed. This program includes:

• looking at the composition of snow
• insulating factors
• snow profiles
• water content experiments.

 Make Your Own Predictions-Weather Folklore

Curriculum Connections with grades 7 to 10

Dates:

• September to November
• January to February
• May to June

Will it rain tomorrow? What will happen when the temperature drops tonight? First, participants will make some simple weather-measuring instruments. They will also learn about methods used to help predict the weather. Next, we will explore some folklore sayings and discover which ones are facts. Finally, participants will investigate how weather relates to nature.

 The Big Chill (Preparing for Winter)

Curriculum Connections with grades 1 to 8

Dates:

• September to November
• January to February

How do plants and animals prepare themselves for winter? Find out what hibernates, what is dormant and what is active during winter. Your students will do some role-playing for this program.

Birds of a Feather (Winter Birds)

Curriculum Connections with grades 2 to 6

Dates: January to February

We will be using the "S" system to identify birds: size, shape, sound, site, special features and season. Then, find out what birds are eating and how you can help them survive. The program also covers the use and care of binoculars and the making of birdfeeders.

Boots, Bubbles and Bugs (Pond and Stream Study) 

Curriculum Connections with grades 2 to 12

Dates:

• September to October
• May to June

Allan Park and Bognor Marsh offer two different types of aquatic study. They show still and fast-moving waters. So first, discover what lives in and around the water at both types. Then depending on your needs, we can focus on:

• adaptations, interdependence or classification of these critters or
• how to rate water quality using indicator species

Celebrating Spring (SVCA) (Spring Stations)

Curriculum Connections with grades K to 3

Dates: May to June

This popular spring program is for primary divisions for groups of 20 to 120. We will break up into smaller groups to tour Sulphur Spring Conservation Area. We will investigate the following:

• mallards and Canada geese
• rainbow trout
• forests
• predator enclosures
• games and more!

Fishy Business 

Curriculum Connections with grades 4 to 8

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

Discover fish adaptations, identification and the perils of living in the water. This program includes investigations into:

• local freshwater species of fish
• playing the acid rain game
• role-playing salmon survival activity

Fur Coat Anyone? (Mammals in Winter)

Curriculum Connections with grades 1 - 7

Dates: January to March

Winter offers us a unique chance to track local populations of mammals. Discover some of the adaptations mammals have made to survive the winter. We will also provide some role-play games and activities in this program.

Going, Going, Gone? (Species at Risk)

Curriculum Connections with grades 2 to 10

Dates:

• September to November
• January to mid-February
• May to June

Each year the Government of Canada adds new animals and plants to Canada's Species at Risk list. Find out the difference in Grey-Bruce between endangered, threatened, extinct, extirpated species. We will also learn about down-listed and vulnerable species. Learn how they made their way onto the list and what we can do to help them survive.

Kill or Be Killed (Instincts for Survival)

Curriculum Connections with grades 4 to 9

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

Environmental educators worldwide have adapted Frank Glew's "Instincts for Survival" Game for use. Students soon discover the meaning of a food chain through role-playing herbivores, carnivores and omnivores in a wetland ecosystem. Elements, disease and humans also take part in this game; wreaking havoc with the students' attempts to survive.

The Mini Beasts (Insect Study)

Curriculum Connections with grades 2 to 6

Dates:

• September to October
• May to June

Discover the difference between insects, spiders and other invertebrates. Learn about the adaptations of these mini-beasts to where they live and how they find food. Students make their own collecting containers and take part in a mini-beast safari.

My What Big Teeth You Have

Curriculum Connections with grades 4 to 8

Dates:

• September to November
• January to mid-February
• May to June

Discover what adaptations predators have that make them fit to hunt for food. Of course, they need more than sharp teeth for this task. We will examine some predators' teeth in this program. We will also play some predator/prey relationship games to emphasize skills.

Sense of Wonder

Curriculum Connections with grades 4 to 8

Dates:

• September to November
• January to mid-February
• May to June

How do animals use their five senses? What animal has the best eyesight or the best sense of smell? You will find the answers to these questions and take part in some tracking skills using your senses.

Space Invaders

Curriculum Connections with grades 2 to 12

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

We are being invaded by aliens, not from outer space but animals and plants that come from other places. First, find out the havoc these invasive species are wreaking on our natural environment. Then, you will learn what you can do to keep them out of your backyard.

Winging It (Waterfowl Study)

Curriculum Connections with grades 1 to 6

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

Sulphur Spring and Bognor Marsh play host to many migratory and resident waterfowl. Find out about their special adaptations and habits and watch the families grow. You may even learn some goose language.

 Tree-mendous Trees

Curriculum Connections with grades 3, 6 and 7

Dates:

• September to November
• January to mid-February
• May to June

Trees are a valuable resource. Learn how a tree grows, the different parts of a tree, tree needs, tree identification, how to age a tree and more. Investigations, games and activities help reveal the amazing world of trees.

 Managing for Tomorrow

Curriculum Connections with grades 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12

Dates:

• September to November
• January to mid-February
• May to June

Find out how Conservation Authorities manage forests on their properties, and why. Learn the different methods of:

• harvesting trees
• tree identification
• tree needs for survival
• tree diseases
• and much more.

 Environmental Games

Curriculum Connections with grades 1 to 6

Dates:

• September to November
• January to mid-February
• May to June

Through games, students learn a variety of concepts. These include our natural resources and how all things found in nature depend on each other. There are a variety of themes available to complement classroom studies.

Frozen Dead Lemming (Inuit Games)

Curriculum Connections with grades 1 to 8

Dates: January to February

Long, dark, northern winters encouraged Indigenous and Inuit people to invent many games. These games helped to sharpen hunting skills of their people. This program has games of observation, strength and quick reflexes. This will help your student pass their winter months too! Try your skills at "Frozen Dead Lemming" and more!

Going, Going Gone? (Species at Risk)

Curriculum Connections with grades 2 to 10

Dates:

• September to November
• January to mid-February
• May to June

Each year the Government of Canada adds new animals and plants to Canada's Species at Risk list. Find out the difference in Grey-Bruce between endangered, threatened, extinct, extirpated species. We will also learn about down-listed and vulnerable species. Learn how they made their way onto the list and what we can do to help them survive.

Our Fragile Environment

Curriculum Connections with grades 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12

Dates:

• September to November
• January to mid-February
• May to June

Much of our focus lately is toward studying and saving far off rainforests and jungles. All the while amazing discoveries are still made in our own area. Find out about some of the unique flora and fauna threatened in Grey and Bruce Counties. Things like:

• insect eating plants
• rare orchids
• species at risk

Sense of Wonder

Curriculum Connections with grades 2 to 8

Dates:

• September to November
• January to mid-February
• May to June

How do animals use their five senses? What animal has the best eyesight or the best sense of smell? You will find the answers to these questions and take part in some tracking skills using your senses.

Snowshoeing 

Curriculum Connections with grades K to 8

Dates: January to mid-February

The people of the First Nations knew how to get around in deep snow, do you? Learn what snowshoes are made of and how people have adapted them to suit their environment and lifestyles. Try on a pair of snowshoes and learn the basics; how to fall, how to get up, how to turn, how to walk and how to run. We conclude with a walk on the trails to see if we can find any animals that have "built-in" snowshoes.

Space Invaders 

Curriculum Connections with grades 2 to 12 

Dates:

• September to November
• May to June

We are being invaded by aliens, not from outer space but animals and plants that come from other places. First, find out the havoc these invasive species are wreaking on our natural environment. Then, you will learn what you can do to keep them out of your backyard.

Winter Survival 

Curriculum Connections with grades 4 to 8

Dates: January to mid-February

What should you do if you get lost during a winter hike or if the car breaks down? This program includes basic skills for survival in winter. This includes building a quinzhee (snow shelter) and a fire in the woods. We will investigate basic needs such as food, water and shelter. We will also discover edible wilds, distress signals, search and rescue methods. Finally, we will outline what you should take with you to ensure safety.