The Project lands offer a beautiful and peaceful setting for forest hikes, education, spiritual renewal and nature connection. Through our education programs and diverse range of volunteer experiences there are many ways to gain skills and knowledge in ecology, reforestation, stream rehabilitation and natural approaches to invasive plant species control. Whether you are an individual, school or community group or a local business the Old-Growth Forest Project provides opportunities to get involved and impact positive change to the surrounding environment through our:
School programs
Our programs entitled ‘Care for Our Common Home’ have been developed in collaboration with classroom teachers, environmental, indigenous and spiritual educators. Programs are typically half-day and are targeted to Junior, Intermediate, and Secondary level students. They cover both expectations from the Ontario curriculum and encompasses the four key foundational indigenous values for environmental sustainability: Respect, Relationship, Reciprocity, and Responsibility. It is our belief that this positive, hands-on learning experience will be a memorable one that nurtures students’ journey to becoming future environmental stewards by:
- Getting students outside and being active in healthy landscapes
- Celebrating, protecting and restoring ecosystems
- Nurturing their relationship and connection to natural world in fun ways
- Providing skills and knowledge in environmental stewardship
- Building community and a sense of common good.
If we approach nature and the environment without this openness to awe and wonder, if we no longer speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our relationship with the world, our attitude will be that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on their immediate needs. (Laudato si’ 11)
To book a visit, please sign up here using the School Program Sign-Up Form. For more information contact Martin Tamlyn at OGF_manager@ignatiusguelph.ca or call 519-824-1250 ext. 519-998-6212.
Fees – The cost for programming is $9 per student with a minimum cost for a visit of $200. The recommended maximum number of students is 50.
Busing – It is the responsibility of the school to book buses required for that day. Details regarding pick up and drop off times and location will be included in your confirmation email.
Accessibility – Program activities that take place at the education pavilion, teaching gardens and new forest meadow areas are accessible. Please note that forest-based activities where we lead the interactive hikes along river trails and pathways are not paved, and accessible only with assistance. Our programs can be adjusted to fit the needs of each class that attend. We will do our best to accommodate students and staff with accessibility requirements.
Community workshops and events
During the growing season we may offer a number of weekend events that provide opportunities to engage, restore, learn and celebrate nature. Be sure to check out upcoming workshops, community workdays, and events under the “Events” tab above.
Volunteer opportunities
We are always grateful for help restoring and taking care of the land. Whether you or your group want to gain experience in restoration, make positive impact on the environment or to gain voluntary hours we would be happy to hear from you. If you are interested in volunteering please complete our volunteer application form.
Trails
There are over 5 km’s of hiking trail that meander through a diverse range of natural areas. Our stream crossings and boardwalks allow the trails to be open all year. To respect other trail users, wildlife (ground-nesting birds, water-fowl and small mammals) and to protect young establishing plants, DOGS MUST REMAIN ON LEASH AT ALL TIMES.