EDUCATION SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS NEW – OCT 2024

School Field Trip Programs

MEADOW DETECTIVES

SOILS IN THE CITY

MEADOW HABITATS

HUMAN IMPACTS ON NATURAL SPACES

CUSTOM PROGRAMS


MEADOW DETECTIVES
Grades 1-3
Available year-round

a Common Milkweed plant about to flower seen through a magnifying glass

Students will become detectives as they explore The Meadoway to identify plant species, animal clues, and more!

Depending on in-the-moment observations during nature exploration, concepts covered may include animal and plant life cycles, seasonal behaviours, and what people can do to protect wildlife habitats.

Let us know what related topics you’re covering in class and we will reinforce and complement your lessons during the field trip!


SOILS IN THE CITY
Grade 3
Available spring, summer, and fall

a tractor tills soil in The Meadoway

Students will learn about soil components, conduct a filtration experiment, and discover how native meadow plants encourage healthy soil ecosystems.

They will also discover the significance of native meadow plant roots for allowing soil to provide homes for wildlife.


MEADOW HABITATS FOR A BIODIVERSE TORONTO
Grades 4-6
Available year-round

a variety of native plant species and pollinators flourish in The Meadoway

This program provides a unique opportunity for students to better understand urban wildlife who live in their neighbourhoods and would enhance any unit plan focused on biodiversity or habitats.

Students will learn about meadow habitats, how naturally occurring meadows may differ from this restored meadow situated in a hydro corridor, as well as the diversity life in the city and positive impacts people can have on local ecological health.


HUMAN IMPACTS ON NATURAL SPACES
Grades 9 to 12
Available spring, summer, and fall

TRCA staff collecting a native meadow plant seed head with hand pruners while standing in a meadow of flowering yellow goldenrod

Students will experience a positive human impact story of meadow restoration in front of their eyes.

During this restoration tour of The Meadoway, project challenges will also be covered, like invasive species, which present a concern for ecosystem biodiversity and health.

Students will learn to identify on-site invasive species, as well as the roles humans may play in the spread of invasive species and in protecting against them.

Meadow restoration management strategies, like seed harvesting, will also be discussed. If season and species management conditions align, invasive species removal, or seed collecting may be included in the program.


CUSTOM PROGRAMS
Grades K-12

wildflowers bloom in The Meadoway

Bring your students to The Meadoway for a simple nature walk, habitat exploration, restoration tour, or other program content that aligns with what you’re teaching in the classroom!

We’d love to share the wonders of The Meadoway with you and your group!

Custom Programs are available year-round.

To develop a customized experience for your class, please contact raja.raudsepp@trca.ca.

FIELD TRIP PROGRAM BOOKING DETAILS

school group on field trip to The Meadoway

For Booking Assistance
Call Raja Raudsepp at (647) 505-9960 or email raja.raudsepp@trca.ca.

Program Costs
Flat fees for up to 30 students
Half-day visit: $280 + HST (if applicable)
Additional students (up to 5): $9.35 per student
Time: Two hours – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
(Times can be adjusted to accommodate student lunch hours)

If your school is within a Neighbourhood Improvement Area and costs are a barrier, please contact us.

Transportation
The Meadoway is 16 km long and is TTC accessible. Groups are welcome to arrive by foot, by TTC, or by school bus. Field trip location details can be determined based on school proximity to various sites within The Meadoway. A map of the entire Meadoway space can be found here.

PLEASE NOTE: Given the nature of The Meadoway space, there is no running water on site and washrooms are not always available. If your school is within walking distance, this may not be an issue. If your school is not close enough to easily walk, please call (647) 505-9960 to discuss the best options.

Virtual Programs

We are excited to offer Virtual Field Trips and Presentations for classes that can’t make it out to The Meadoway, but would still like to learn about this unique project!

Every Meadoway virtual program includes an introduction to what The Meadoway is all about, followed by grade-relevant topics. Virtual programs are curriculum connected.

TRCA educator leads virtual education livestream program from The Meadoway

Virtual Field Trips (Grades K-6)

Coming to you directly from The Meadoway! Includes an interactive exploration of the space.

  • Kindergarten: Nature Discovery*
  • Grade 1: Seasonal Adaptations
  • Grade 2: Searching for Animal Evidence
  • Grade 3: Plants – Above Ground and Below
  • Grade 4: Healthy Habitats
  • Grade 6: Biodiversity Investigation

*Offered as two 30-minute sessions for two back-to-back classes.

Virtual Presentations (Grades 7-12)

Slideshow-style presentations sharing comprehensive Meadoway content.

  • Grade 7: Ecosystem Interactions
  • Grade 8: Water Movement in a Healthy Meadow
  • Grade 10: Terrestrial Ecosystem Sustainability
  • Grade 11: Meadow Restoration and Environmental Challenges

Virtual Program Booking Details

Program length: 1 hour – including time for a question and answer period
Program cost for one class: $280 + HST (if applicable)

Please contact Raja Raudsepp for pricing details if presenting to multiple classes simultaneously.

To request available booking dates or for more information, please contact Raja ,