Claireville Conservation Area is an 540 hectare natural landscape with beautiful wetlands, valleys, forests, grasslands, and the west branch of the Humber River. While Claireville is located in Brampton, it straddles Mississauga, Toronto and Vaughan.
We offer a variety of nature-based educational programs for children, families, students and teachers that embrace outdoor learning, play-based learning, and inquiry.
About Us
The Etobicoke Field Studies Centre was built in 1993 by the Toronto District School Board (then called the Etobicoke District School Board) and was used as an outdoor education centre by the board until recently.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) decided to expand its education programming to the outdoor centre at Claireville in 2021, offering Summer Camps and Nature School programs.
WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?
Community Events
Little Saplings Parent & Tot Program
Little Saplings is recommended for children ages 1 to 5.
In this program, youngsters will explore a new nature theme each week. The format allows for consistent structure with flexible content. Parent or caregiver participation is required.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Circle Time with nature-themed songs and stories
- New nature themes explored each week
- Connect with other young families
- Get outdoors and learn about the natural world
Late Winter 2026 Program
Dates: Sundays, February 8 to March 8, 2026*
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $95.00 per child
*No program on Family Day Weekend
Early Spring 2026 Program
Dates: Sundays, April 12 to May 3, 2026
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $95.00 per child
Late Spring 2026 Program
Dates: Sundays, May 24 to June 14, 2026
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $95.00 per child
Programs for Community Groups
Cost: $273.00 per 30 participants
To book community group programs, please contact cheryl.patten@trca.ca.
Choose from one of the following programs:
Amazing Animals
Animals are amazing!
This program is designed to introduce participants to the amazing characteristics and adaptations of animals.
Participants will learn the differences and similarities between mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. They will also investigate several habitats outdoors and actively participate through games and hands-on activities.
Appreciation of Nature
Let’s get exploring!
This program introduces young participants to nature in a gentle, enjoyable way through activities, games, observation, and play. Participants will be immersed in nature and encouraged to use their senses, including smell, touch, sight, and sound, to explore the natural world around them.
Exploring the forest and fields of Claireville Conservation Area will help participants to develop an interest and appreciation of the natural world. Each season offers new experiences outdoors.
Ages 3-5
Art in Nature
Get your creative juices flowing!
Claireville Conservation Area is the perfect setting for participants to explore the world of ephemeral art: art made directly on the land using available natural objects.
Participants will explore the natural landscapes, collect found materials, and use this setting to inspire their artistic creations!
Ages 4-12
Forest School for Child Care Centres
Play is learning!
This inquiry-based, two-hour program is specifically designed for Early Years Child Care Centers. Children interact with the natural environment through stationed activities that can include loose parts, creative play, shelter building, mud kitchen, whittling wood, fire, knots, making woodland crafts, and sharing stories.
This child-led approach to learning is exploratory, inquiry based, fun and unhurried.
Ages 2-5
GPS and Geocaching
This program teaches participants about the sport of geocaching. This is a universally available activity for those who have a GPS device (specific unit, phone, or tablet).
Participants will explore the history of navigation and GPS technology, learn how to use a GPS unit, and then will head out onto the trails to find geocaches placed at Claireville using our GPS units!
Ages 12-17
Growth and Change in Plants
Explore the world of plants!
In this program, participants will observe a wide variety of native and non-native plants in their natural environment and learn about what plants need to survive and how they support our ecosystems.
Participants will participate in hands-on activities, where they will explore plant life cycles, season changes in plants and explore different habitats that showcase a wide variety of plant populations here in Claireville.
Habitats and Communities
Claireville Conservation Area is a great place to explore habitat!
This program introduces the concept of a natural community and the abioitc and biotic factors that control the number of and type of plants and animals that live within it.
Participants will discover the major groups (consumers, producers, decomposers) within the food web of Southern Ontario and how they interact to function as a whole.
Participants will also investigate the physical and behavioural adaptations of plants and animals that ensure their survival in their specific habitats through hands on activities and games.
Ages 6-10
Insects Exploration
Insects are incredible!
This program studies the insects that can be found in the meadows and forests at Claireville. Participants will learn about insect life cycles, habitats, and/or biodiversity depending on grade level.
Participants will also learn about the importance of invertebrates through discussion, hands-on field collecting, and fun active games and activities.
Ages 4-12
Instincts for Survival
A fun interactive game of predator and prey!
This program immerses participants into the lives of animals living in the forest. Participants become carnivores, omnivores, or herbivores in an exciting and active simulation game.
Through a fun hands-on experience, participants will explore predator-prey relationships, food chains and energy pyramids.
Ages 6-12
Mapping and Orienteering
Get ready for adventure!
In this active program, participants are introduced to the basic features found on most maps. Participants will learn and practice map and orienteering skills such as:
- Reading a map
- Orientating maps in the correct direction
- Operating a compass
- Following a map route
Starting with a small practice course to hone their skills, participants will then work in teams to find their way to a series of control points.
Ages 8-12
Nature Walk
Get ready to explore!
An adventure in nature provides so many mental and physical benefits. This seasonally adjusted program focuses on the flora and fauna of Claireville Conservation Area, using mounted specimens, skulls, furs, and other teaching aids. Participants will learn through games and hands-on activities.
Teachers can request a specific topic to be discussed during their program, or we will follow the natural curiosity of your participants to lead activities.
All Ages
Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
It’s alive!
Participants will investigate the characteristics and basic needs of all living things, including humans, through the use of games, activities, and educational props.
Participants will learn to identify groups of animals and plants, using features they can distinguish through sight, sound, and touch, and will gain an understanding of the differences between living and non-living things.
Ages 5-7
Owl Prowl
Hoot and howl on an owl prowl!
Take a walk through owl territory, where participants will learn about owls through games, calls, and exploration!
Participants will also have an opportunity to dissect and examine sterilized owl pellets, matching bone remnants to bone charts to determine the owl’s diet.
Ages 5-12
Teambuilding
This special program allows participants to develop group skills such as working together, sharing ideas, trust, problem solving, patience and leadership.
Through a series of cooperative games and challenges, participants will work in small groups to successfully accomplish the task while learning the value of effective communication and leadership.
Ages 12-17
Wilderness Survival Skills
Learn how to survive in the wilderness!
Working in teams, participants will build shelters and fires to help keep their teammates warm!
Participants will end the program with a warm fire and a discussion of how to stay safe in the elements.
Ages 8-17
Wild Winter
Discover the wonders of winter wildlife!
Participants will spend the first part of the day learning all about animal adaptations, exploring skulls and furs and making bird feeders.
Then, we will head out on the trails to look for signs of animals (tracks), feed the birds, and play games to help participants understand the importance of local wildlife.
This program is all about embracing winter by learning and having fun!
Ages 5-9
Home School Program at Claireville
Claireville Conservation Area is pleased to offer programs specifically designed to compliment the unique scheduling and curriculum requirements of home schooled students.
This program combines team-building, outdoor learning, and hands-on experimentation with a curiosity-driven curriculum led by student wonder and interest.
Centered around a new theme each week – including Wilderness Survival, Animal Tracking, Mapping and Orienteering, Naturalist Skills and ID, and more – the program offers students the opportunity to meet new friends and be immersed in a hands-on learning experience.
The Home School program at Claireville is suitable for children ages 4-12; parents will remain with the program.
Children under 4 are welcome to attend with their older registered siblings free of charge. However, parents will be responsible for their younger children and must remain with the program.
Winter 2026 Program
In the Winter home school session, students will explore the wonders of nature in a snowy landscape. They’ll learn how animals adapt to the cold, investigate tracks in the snow, experiment with ice and insulation, and discover the beauty and resilience of nature in winter. Warm layers and a sense of adventure are encouraged!
Dates: Wednesdays, January 21 to March 11, 2026
Hours: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $189.00 per child
Spring 2026 Program
In our Spring session of home school, students will explore the excitement of nature waking up and embracing the offerings of spring. They’ll search for signs of new growth, study animal and insect activity, learn about local plants and habitats, and experience the changing landscape through interactive, nature-based activities.
Dates: Wednesdays, April 22 to June 10, 2026
Hours: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $189.00 per child
Kids’ Birthday Parties
Connect with nature at your child’s next birthday party. Bugs, bees, birds … or a little bit of everything!
To book birthday parties, please contact cheryl.patten@trca.ca.
Choose from one of the following themes:
Amazing Animals
Imagine you are a squirrel, a deer, or a rabbit. How would you survive in the forest? Play active games that show how animals manage to hide, find food, use camouflage, and communicate with each other.
Orienteering
Explore the forest and meadow of Claireville Conservation area while you read a map and find points on the property. Learn how to use a compass, and become an expert as you navigate around the space.
Owl Prowl
Become an owl explorer for the day! Keep your eyes and ears open for our feathery friends as you hike though owl territory. Learn to “hoot like an owl” and dissect owl pellets to see what owls have been eating.
Snowshoeing
Explore the winter beauty of the forest! Go looking for winter animal clues, follow animal tracks, and hike in snowshoes!
Wilderness Survival
Become an expert in the outdoors! Learn how to build fires and shelters in order to survive in the wilderness.
DETAILS:
- Price: $360.00* + tax for a group of up to 20 participants
- Our themed parties are designed for children from four to 12 years of age.
- Available Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Parties are three hours in length (1.5 hour guided program and 1.5 hour for food, cake and presents).
- All parties are led by Claireville education staff and include a themed hike through the forest and nature games.
- Indoor space included.
- Every party has an outdoor component. For your comfort, we recommend that you dress for the weather on the day of your visit and that participants wear closed-toed, flat-soled footwear (such as running shoes).
*Fees are subject to change.
Corporate Teambuilding
Take a break from your regular work environment and plan your next corporate outing at Claireville Conservation Area.
Get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air as you connect with your team surrounded by Claireville’s beautiful wetlands, valleys, forests, and grasslands
TRCA’s expertise in leading outdoor excursions means you’re in good hands when you book your corporate function at Claireville.
To book corporate teambuilding programs, please contact cheryl.patten@trca.ca.
Choose from one of the programs below or contact us about a customized program.
Geocaching
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Number of Participants: 20 to 30
Season: Offered all year
Cost: $26.25 per person
Take part in the popular activity of geocaching: a high-tech scavenger hunt using GPS units! First, participants will learn how to use the GPS units and how to navigate a map. Next, in small teams, participants will walk just over 1-2 km of beautiful trails to find hidden treasures. This program can be adapted to be a fun, camaraderie-building competition.
Teambuilding Games
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Number of Participants: 20 to 30
Season: Offered all year
Cost: $26.25 per person
Establish positive group dynamics through physical and mental challenges that require group collaboration. Each challenge is designed to improve interpersonal skills and help participants to overcome barriers to personal and group growth. Our activities will help to build leadership, communication, creative problem-solving and positive group decision-making.
Wilderness Survival
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Number of Participants: 20 to 30
Season: Offered all year
Cost: $26.25 per person
Learn fire building safety and techniques and then put your skills and wits to the test. Learn different traditional (non-lighter/match) fire starting methods and try one of these methods out yourself. Unleash your competitive side as you work with your team to compete against other teams to burn through the string first.
Meet Our Staff
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Cheryl Patten, Supervisor, Community Outreach and Education, TRCA Cheryl Patten is an Ontario Certified Teacher who connected to TRCA right after teacher’s college. She worked as part of the Peel Outreach and Education Team, developing and delivering school programs, prior to joining the Claireville Team. Cheryl’s connection to and interest in the outdoors began as a child through overnight camp, camping trips with her family, and mucking around in her local creek with friends. These small local adventures led to bigger adventures, exploring many parts of Canada by canoe or on foot. In her free time, Cheryl likes to spend time with her two young children, exploring by canoe, foot, and bike. In the wintertime, you can find her sliding around on the local ski hills. |
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Ken MacGillivray, Teacher, The Nature School, OCT Ken grew up in Etobicoke but spent his childhood weekends and summers at his family’s cottage on Lake Huron on the Bruce Peninsula. He went to York University to become a teacher, and then to Humber College for a Certificate of Outdoor Education. Ken briefly worked at a museum near his cottage, then at a YMCA camp in a National Park. Finally, he worked for two years as a primary school teacher at a reserve in Northwestern Ontario. Ken started his time with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) as an environmental educator at the Kortright Centre for Conservation, and he has been working for TRCA ever since. Ken enjoys camping, hiking, canoeing and birdwatching, and he still spends a lot of time at his family’s cottage. He also has a passion for conservation and volunteers with the Canadian Chestnut Council. |
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Betty de Groot, Educator, The Nature Preschool Betty de Groot’s love for nature began on the farm where she grew up, in rural Bolton. As a child she knew she wanted to be a teacher, and she was educated in the Trent-Queens Concurrent Education program. Betty spent 31 years teaching elementary school children in Toronto, Brampton and Caledon. She especially enjoyed her kindergarteners, whose love for nature and sense of wonder never ceased. Betty was also a leader of her schools’ Eco Team. For 21 years, she learned and shared with her various enthusiastic members what it means to value our precious home, the Earth. From community clean-ups, to bike rodeos, to butterfly garden building, the experience led her and the students to know the beauty and joy of being outdoors. Betty looks forward to welcoming all children in outdoor settings to explore, and challenge themselves and experience wonder in nature. |
Questions?
Please contact cheryl.patten@trca.ca.