Secondary School Program Offerings
The High Park Nature Centre offers a wide range of high quality curriculum-based outdoor environmental education and stewardship education programs to classroom teachers and their students.
Booking Instructions
Educational programs can be booked at any time by calling the High Park Nature Centre at (416) 392-1748 ext. 2 or by e-mailing at naturecentre@highpark.org.
Please send a detailed message including your name, school, contact phone number, grade, class size, proposed dates and choice of program. We will confirm our availability by phone and then also by writing. Please note the dates of your availability for each program, both by season and by date.
| Savannah Stewards | Spring and Fall |
| Discover the remnant tracts of black oak savannah that have been sheltered from urbanization within the High Park’s boundaries for 135 years. Participants will learn about past park management practices that nearly destroyed the savannah and the many pressures threatening the long-term health of the ecosystem. The need for on-going, community-based environmental stewardship of the park’s natural areas will be emphasized and students will contribute to restoration efforts by planting native wildflowers and grasses to restore this unique habitat. | |
| Buckthorn Busters | September - November |
| Learn to identify several invasive species that outcompete native vegetation and affecting the ecological balance in High Park’s endangered black oak savannah. Participants will meet common and glossy buckthorn, the wickedest weeds in the woods, and learn why “busting” buckthorn shrubs – in favour of native plants and animals – is critical to the future of the savannah. The development and delivery of the “Buckthorn Busters” is sponsored by the Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program. *Buckthorn will be cut and stacked for later disposal by students. Tools, work gloves and safety glasses will be provided but we ask that students please wear protective clothing (sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves). |
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| Orienteering | Fall, Winter and Spring |
| Exercise minds and bodies while discovering the wonders of urban nature in Toronto’s crowning jewel, High Park. Using a topographic map, a compass and a bag of simple tools, students will follow an orienteering course through woodland, wetland and oak savannah habitats. Participants will gain valuable teamwork skills while completing group challenges that highlight the park’s diverse natural systems. * Please ensure that students are prepared and dressed for outdoor programming. |
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| Snowshoeing | Winter |
| Explore the winter wonders of High Park while discovering the ancient art of snowshoeing. Learn the history of snowshoeing, learn basic techniques and then go on an ecology-themed snowshoe hike. Choose one theme for your class hike: Winter Birds, Trees and Plants or Snow Science. This program will run only when ample snow is available. | |
| Times | |
| Two-hour morning program: | 9:30 – 11:30am |
| Two-hour afternoon program: | 12:30 – 2:30pm |
| Note: We can be somewhat flexible with start and end times to accommodate bus schedules. | |
| Make a Day of It! | Book a full day of programming by selecting 2 half-day programs at the Nature Centre. Or book a half-day at the Nature Centre and a half-day program at one of our partner sites in the park, Colborne Lodge or the High Park Children’s Garden and receive a $0.50 discount per student at each site. Please inquire at the time of your initial booking. |
| Fall 2011 Fees | |
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| Half-day program fee: | $7.50 per student A minimum fee of $90.00 applies to all groups for half-day programs. |
| Full-day program fee: | $13.00 per student A minimum charge of $156.00 applies to all groups for full-day programs. |
| High Park through the Seasons” 3-part program fee: | $19.50 per student |
| The $19.50 per student fee must be paid for ALL students in your class, we do not charge on a per student basis for this program regardless of individual absences on the day of the trip. Your class must attend one program in the fall, one in the winter and one in the spring to qualify for the discounted rate, otherwise the full fee of $7.50 per student will be charged. |
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| Please bring cash or a cheque made payable to “High Park Nature Centre” on the day of your visit. | |
Location
Programs take place at the High Park Nature Centre, located on the eastern perimeter of the park at Parkside Drive and Indian Valley Crescent for most programs. High Park Zoo Tour programs take place at the Zoo, and groups receive special instructions about where to meet.
Cancellation Policy
Please be advised that seven days notice is necessary for cancellations and two days notice to reschedule. An invoice for 50% of the originally booked group fee will be issued for any late cancellation or rescheduling.
Programs will proceed rain or shine. Please remind all participants to dress appropriately for the weather as we will be outdoors for most of the activities. Programs may need to be rescheduled in the case of severe inclement weather such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, snowstorms or high winds over 35 km per hour. We also advise wearing long pants, closed toed shoes and socks to protect against poison ivy. If you have any questions please call our office at 416-392-1748 ext. 2.
Acknowledgments
The High Park Nature Centre would like to thank our programming partners, the Greater Toronto Hawk Watch, the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry Department and the High Park Zoo staff, for their on-going support and outstanding instructors.
We would also like to thank High Park Initiatives for their fundraising efforts to help cover the cost of operating our education programs. Please consider becoming a member of High Park Initiatives or making a donation to the Nature Centre program. For more information call 416-392-1748 ext. 2
