Bring your group out to the C.M. Wilson Learning Centre
21799 Fargo Road, Chatham-Kent, Ontario
Community Groups!
Spend the day with us at C.M. Wilson Conservation Area and add something special to your day or get-together! Enjoy unique learning opportunities that can be tailored towards your groups’ goals and interests.
For information and/or to book:
Complete our group booking form for C.M. Wilson Learning Centre and email it to [email protected] to provide us with the information we will need to start your booking process and we will be in touch.
Program Cost
One Program
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- $8 per participant
- Minimum fee is $120 for 15 participants or less
Two Programs
- 3.5 to 4 hours, includes a lunch break
- $16 per participant (community groups)
- Minimum fee is $240 for 15 participants or less
Tax is not charged on any of our standard education programs.
Program Options
Our programs are developed to be engaging and interactive. If you would like to make an adaptation to one of our programs to focus on the particular needs or interests of your group, please discuss this with us during your booking process — we are happy to coordinate with you!
Program Options
Our programs are developed to be engaging and interactive and they also meet with curriculum requirements and Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education. If you would like to make an adaptation to one of our programs to focus on the particular needs or interests of your class, please discuss this with us during your booking process — we are happy to coordinate with you!
1) Sensational Seasons – Outdoors
Year-Round
Join us on a hike down one of our beautiful trails to discover the sights, sounds, and textures of nature. Learn how animals and plants adapt to the changing seasons through hands-on discovery and experiments.
2) Petals, Leaves, and Seeds – Outdoors
Spring, Fall
Who needs plants? We all do! Learn how trees and flowers grow and change through the seasons. Go on a wildflower hike or search for seeds.
3) Wetlands 1 – Outdoors
Spring, Fall
Spot frogs and turtles! Learn how wetland creatures are adapted to life in and around water. Use dip nets to search for tadpoles, fish and aquatic insects at the marsh.
4) Incredible Insects 1 – Outdoors
Spring, Fall
Use sweep nets to look for insects in forest, field and wetland habitats. Note the diversity of insects and their adaptations to live in their environments.
5) Soil Ecology – Outdoors
Spring, Fall
Unlock the secrets beneath your feet! Dive into a world of earthy wonders and learn the vital role soil plays in our ecosystem.
6) Wetlands 2 – Outdoors
Spring, Fall
Spot frogs and turtles! Learn how wetland creatures are adapted to life in and around water. Use dip nets to search for tadpoles, fish and aquatic insects at the marsh.
7) Incredible Insects – Outdoors
Spring, Fall
Discover the fascinating world of insects! Dive into their incredible lives, habitats, and importance in our ecosystem through interactive learning experiences.
8) Forest Ecology 1 – Outdoors
Year-Round
Can’t see the forest for the trees? Find out how trees fit into the ecosystem. Discover the importance of trees. Count tree rings and learn to identify common trees.
9) Wetlands 3 – Outdoors
Spring, Fall
Discover different types of wetlands and their importance to humans and the environment. Use dip nets to search for aquatic creatures and discover how they live.
10) Forest Ecology 2 – Outdoors
Year-Round
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of forests. Explore diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts while gaining a deeper appreciation for these vital natural treasures.
11) Soil and Water Quality 1 – Outdoors
Spring, Fall
Highlighting the intricate relationship between soil and water quality, designed to empower participants with hands-on experience and essential knowledge.
12) Soil and Water Quality 2 – Outdoors
Spring, Fall
An educational program focused on soil and water quality, tailored to empower older participants with hands-on experiences and essential knowledge for resource preservation.
13) Storytelling – Outdoors
Year-Round
Storytelling is an important component of Indigenous culture. Stories preserve language and culture, help people to develop a better understanding of the world around them, and foster deeper connections to the land, animals, and people.
14) Environmental Relationships – Outdoors
Year-Round
In order to be stewards of the land, a person must be in a healthy, balanced relationship to it. Good relations with the land require time, reciprocity, and dedication so that they may understand what the land provides them and what they can do in return During this guided hike students will be encouraged to use their senses to explore the forest and learn how Traditional Ecological Knowledge inspires positive relationships with the living and non-living world around us.
15) Seven Grandfathers – Outdoors
Year-Round
The Seven Grandfather Teachings were given by spirit to the Anishinaabeg, and have been carried through all generations despite colonization. These teachings ensure the quality of the land and provide the people with a peaceful, harmonious, balanced existence. Truth, humility, respect, love, honesty, bravery, and wisdom; discuss these teachings with our Indigenous Community Educator to continue growing in your responsibilities within your environmental community.
16) Plant Walk – Outdoors
Late Spring through Fall
Take a guided walk through C.M. Wilson Conservation Area to identify different plant species, their uses, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and their names in Anishinaabemowin. The purpose of this activity is to connect people to nature and learn the services provided by native plant life.