Adult Learning

Learning is a lifelong endeavour. For adult learners, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) offers a wide variety of opportunities, including professional development for educators, sustainability training, newcomer programs, and workshops for amateur and professional naturalists alike.

Professional Development for Teachers

TRCA is pleased to offer a variety of professional development services for teachers and other community educators. Our programs include:

Monarch Teacher Network of Canada:

This program represents a growing collective of educators and nature enthusiasts who teach and inspire people to connect with nature through hands-on training, practical resources, and professional development workshops.

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butterfly lands on woman's nose at Monarch Teacher Network event

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Certification:

Join us for a day of developing and fine-tuning your orienteering skills at Lake St. George Field Centre.

Teachers will be introduced to basic map and compass terminology and skills through a combination of a presentation, hands-on learning, and outdoor challenges, while gaining an appreciation for the importance of maps and compasses in their daily lives.

teachers use GPS device during orienteering workshop at Lake St George Field Centre

Teachers will become familiar with handheld GPS devices, and will use them to navigate around the local property and compete in a friendly geocaching challenge. Resources will be provided to assist teachers in creating their own map, compass and GPS courses.

CONTACT: Ian Rodhouse | ian.rodhouse@trca.ca

Introduction to Safe Paddling:

This Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayaking Association (ORCKA) course is offered through the certified staff at Lake St. George Field Centre.

CONTACT: Ian Rodhouse | ian.rodhouse@trca.ca

canoeing at Lake St George Field Centre

We can also work directly with you to design and customize our diverse range of education programs to meet your needs.

Our TRCA Education Centres provide natural and cultural spaces to explore topics and skills that may otherwise not be possible in a school setting.

Our professional development services include:

  • Delivery of full or half-day workshops, training sessions and Summer Institute programs at TRCA education centres
  • Hosting of professional development workshops, training sessions and Summer Institute programs at TRCA education centres
  • Delivery of full or half-day workshops, training sessions and Summer Institute programs at School Board facilities and other training centres

Interested in finding out how TRCA Education and Training can support your professional development needs?

Please contact Vicky An at vicky.an@trca.ca or (437) 880-1991.

Nature Workshops & Courses for Adults

adult learners take part in nature workshop at Kortright Centre

TRCA’s Kortright Centre for Conservation caters to adult learners looking to acquire new skills in a fun and hands-on environment. Offerings include:

  • Adult courses, all taught by experts in the field, designed to provide hands-on training that will allow you to apply your knowledge. LEARN MORE.
  • Adult workshops designed for both amateur and professional naturalists. LEARN MORE.
  • Beginner Naturalist Program, a series of workshops offering an opportunity to develop skills and build connections to the natural world. LEARN MORE.
  • Take Your Kids Outside, a series of workshops that teach valuable skills for taking children outdoors and engaging in meaningful curiosity based activities. LEARN MORE.

VISIT KORTRIGHT ONLINE

Programs for New Canadians

new Canadian on nature walk

Are you a new Canadian interesting in getting to know the local natural environment? Let us be your guide.

Working in collaboration with community partners, TRCA has developed innovative strategies and programs designed to help newcomers engage with the environment. Our programs reduce the linguistic, cultural and economic barriers that have traditionally limited participation.

ESL Programs:

Our ESL program offerings engage newcomers to Canada through in-class environmental educational programs at English-language learning centres and outdoor field trips.

BROWSE ESL PROGRAMS

students in ESL class

Bridge Training:

Professional Access into Employment PAIE logo

Professional Access into Employment (PAIE) is an innovative bridge training program funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

PAIE is designed to help internationally-trained environmental professionals launch their careers in Engineering, Geoscience, Environmental Science and Planning here in Canada.

The nine-month program program equips participants with an understanding of the local labour market, and supports them as they seek to secure employment and gain the Canadian experience required for professional licensing and certification.

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PAIE program participants on field trip to Frenchmans Bay

Leadership and Team Building Retreats

Corporate Retreats at Albion Hills Field Centre:

TRCA’s Albion Hills Field Centre offers customized corporate retreats designed to deliver just the right combination of work and outdoor fun in the beautiful rolling hills of Caledon.

Our experienced facilitation partners will work alongside your team, skillfully guiding them through a process that allows for transformation and growth.

adult learning group snowshoeing at Albion Hills Field Centre

Located in a spectacular natural setting just 45 minutes from Toronto, in a spacious cedar and granite chalet-style building, Albion Hills Field Centre is an idyllic location to bring your team together.

Albion Hills Field Centre offers both day and overnight retreats.

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Training for Sustainability Professionals

STEP solar energy workshop at Kortright Centre for Conservation

The Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) offers a wide variety of workshops and certification programs at the Kortright Centre, for both professionals and homeowners. Offerings include in-class training as well as online courses and webinars.

These programs cover disciplines such as:

  • Water
  • Sustainable Design & Construction
  • Monitoring
  • Renewable Energy
  • Sustainable Living

BROWSE PROGRAMS