The Nature School at Claremont – Pickering

The Nature School at Claremont takes place primarily outside at Claremont Nature Centre‘s 160-hectare property in Durham Region.

The pristine Duffins Creek runs through the property, which is flanked by valley slopes of mixed woodland and open meadows.

Students will have use of Claremont’s panabode cedar log building, which features a spacious lounge, wood-burning fireplace, dining area, and classroom.

Register for The Nature School at Claremont

Meet Our Team

The Nature School Staff Bios

Adrian O’Driscoll, Senior Manager, Community Outreach & Education Adrian O’Driscoll is an experienced administrative professional working with environmental professionals, teachers, and educators in developing and delivering environmental educational programs and experiences for students and families. Adrian has worked with TRCA for 25 years and is currently Senior Manager, Community Outreach & Education, managing the Peel Community Learning team and Kortright Centre for Conservation, in addition to overseeing the education teams and programming operating out of Claireville Conservation Area. Adrian has four children, enjoys canoeing, skiing, and hiking, and is the principal for The Nature School.

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Robert Wallis, Supervisor, Community Outreach & Education, TRCA Robert Wallis oversees the administration and operations of TRCA’s suite of Nature Schools located at the Toronto Zoo, Kortright Centre, Claireville, and Claremont Nature Centre. Robert has experience developing and delivering educational and outdoor-based programs and designing and administering assessment tools for student learning to a variety of grades. He chaired a number of working groups and committees related to outdoor recreation and education, collaborating with numerous environmental partners and stakeholders, was the Principal and Education and Curriculum Manager for over 10 years with Outward Bound, where he operated an inspected private school, has taught within the TDSB as an occasional teacher, and has been a Program Director and Education Coordinator/Instructor with Outward Bound, among other roles. Robert has his Bachelor of Education, is a certified teacher, has a Bachelor of Science, has a Master of Science and has a PhD in Genetics from Oxford University.

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Ian Rodhouse, Supervisor, Community Outreach & Education, Claremont Nature Centre, TRCA Ian Rodhouse is a passionate educator, program leader, and advocate for outdoor and experiential education, dedicated to connecting learners with the natural world through hands-on, meaningful experiences. With more than two decades of experience in education, Ian has built his career around the belief that some of the most powerful lessons happen beyond classroom walls. His approach to teaching emphasizes environmental stewardship, leadership development, and experiential learning. Ian has designed and facilitated countless outdoor programs, guiding students to build confidence, resilience, and collaboration skills through activities such as wilderness expeditions, team-building initiatives, environmental projects, and place-based learning experiences. Throughout his career, Ian has worked in both formal and informal education settings, including schools, outdoor education centres, and community programs. He is widely recognized for creating inclusive, learner-centered environments that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth. His philosophy centres on giving students authentic opportunities to engage with their surroundings, fostering not only academic understanding but also a deep respect for nature and community. Committed to lifelong learning himself, Ian continues to explore new ways to blend education, adventure, and environmental awareness. Whether leading a group through a forest trail, facilitating reflection by a campfire, or helping schools design outdoor programs, Ian’s work is guided by one core belief: learning in the outdoors empowers individuals to better understand themselves, their communities, and the world around them.

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Sherri Owen, Teacher, The Nature School We are very pleased to have Sherri Owen on the team as Teacher for the Nature School this year. Sherri has been a teacher and outdoor instructor for over 20 years, working at Kawartha Highlands Outdoor Education Centrea and TRCA’s Lake St. George Field Centre, as well as teaching with Peel District School Board and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Sherri was also the recipient of the annual national educator award from the Canadian Wildlife Federation in 2019 and brings this wealth of knowledge, passion and experience to the role.

Cancellation Policy

A non-refundable deposit is due upon registration.

If you wish to cancel your child’s registration prior to the scheduled end date of the school program, we require 30 days written notice by email to vservices@trca.ca. Fees will be pro-rated and charged for the notice period and the deposit will be forfeited. If you wish to re-enroll your child after cancelling, a new deposit will be due.

There are no refunds for school days missed or not participating in school activities.

If tuition fees are paid monthly, the non-refundable deposit due upon registration will be used to offset the last month of the scheduled school program.

Minimum registration numbers are required in order for The Nature School to operate. In the event The Nature School must cancel due to low registration numbers a full refund for the cancelled days will be issued.

View Our Other Nature School Locations

Claireville

Kortright

Toronto Zoo

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