Outdoor Education
York Region offers a number of outdoor education programs designed for clubs, community groups and schools to connect people with nature and inspire action.
Author James Raffan once said, “Learning about nature is no substitute for learning in nature.”
Adopt-a-Stream Program
Through the York Region Adopt-a-Stream program, school and community groups can help restore forest cover and habitat in-and-around streams near Regional roads.
Activities include:
- Tree and shrub planting
- Litter pickup
- A classroom visit upon request
Adopt-a-Stream program volunteer hours count toward the Ministry of Education’s required secondary school community service hours in Ontario.
We supply:
- Planting and restoration instruction and guidance
- Trees and shrubs for planting
- Safety vests, gloves and shovels
- On-site safety instructions for working around busy roads, water and uneven ground
Group responsibilities:
- Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and sturdy footwear on the day of the planting
- Group leaders are responsible for participant organization and ensuring safety standards are met
- Upon registration, a COVID-19 screening questionnaire will be required for all volunteers
Cost
This program is provided at no cost. If transportation is required for schools, registered charities or non-profit organizations, the cost may be subsidized by York Region if indicated in the comments section of the application form.
Registration
Planting takes place between:
- April and June (spring planting season)
- September and November (fall planting season)
To register or learn more about the program, please fill out an application form. You will be contacted by the program coordinator.
Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre
The Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre is located in the Hollidge Tract in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. It features a classroom and a boardroom which are used for many York Region programs such as guided forest walks and Nature’s Classroom.
Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre is not accepting bookings until further notice
Facility Benefits
This unique and inspirational building, the Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre, is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Platinum certified and in 2018 became the first in Canada and twenty-first building worldwide to successfully become Living Certified under the Living Building Challenge. The Living Building Challenge is a program of the International Living Future Institute and is comprised of seven performance areas; site, water, energy, health, materials, equity and beauty. Some of the innovative features of the building include:
- All wood construction including cross-laminated timbers
- All new wood material used in the building is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified
- Through the use of solar panels, LED light fixtures, heat pumps, radiant heating and triple-glazed windows, the building will generate more energy than it uses
- The building’s canopy gathers rain water and snow melt to service bathroom facilities
- All of the water used comes from the site and is treated and discharged on-site, resulting in net-zero water use
- Much of the building materials were sourced from local manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions
Envirothon
York Region Envirothon is an interactive, hands-on, outdoor environmental education program for youth in grades 9 to 12 and is part of the Ontario and North American Envirothons.
- Learn more by watching Forests Ontario’s video Envirothon: Growing Tomorrow’s Green Leaders
In April 2024, 12 teams participated in the York Region Envirothon Competition at the Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Milliken Mills High School in the City of Markham placed first, Stouffville District Secondary School in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and St. Augustine Catholic High School in the City of Markham tied for second, and Bayview Secondary School in the City of Richmond Hill placed third.
Milliken Mills High School received a commemorative plaque and moved on to compete in the Ontario Envirothon Competition held at the University of Waterloo in May. They were one of 17 teams from eight Regions across Ontario and received the Envirothon Spirit award by bringing lots of enthusiasm to the competition. Well done!
If you’re interested in participating in the 2025 York Regional Envirothon follow us on social @YorkRegionGovt on Facebook, X and Instagram for details
Free Study Guides and Webinars - Great for Any Classroom
Study Guides and webinars are available to help prepare students for their local competition and the Ontario Envirothon Championship.
Study guides and webinars can also be used by teachers for high school lessons to introduce key ecological concepts like soil profiles, forest management, water quality assessment and much more.
Partners
The York Region Envirothon is held in partnership with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, the York Region District School Board, York Catholic District School Board, Forests Ontario and Ontario Envirothon.
Resources
Forest Walks and Events
Joining a guided walk or participating in an event is a great way to learn about the Forest. Or if you would like to explore the Forest on your own, download some Nature Activities. Learn more at york.ca/ForestEvents
Nature's Classroom
Tree Bee
WE HAVE A WINNER!
A special shout out to Glen Shields Public School in the City of Vaughan for placing first in the 2024 York Region Tree Bee competition. Congratulations also to Beckett Farm Public School in the City of Markham and St. Jerome Catholic Elementary School in the Town of Aurora for tying for second, and Milliken Mills Public School in the City of Markham and St. Brendan Catholic Elementary School in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville tying for third.
Forests Canada’s York Region Tree Bee is designed to spark curiosity among students aged 9 to 12, and nurture their passion for learning about trees, forests and the environment. Visit Forests Canada Tree Bee for more information.
If you’re interested in participating in the 2025 York Tree Bee follow us on social @YorkRegionGovt on Facebook, X and Instagram for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tree Bee?
Tree Bee is a free, web friendly tool which introduces users to trees in their backyards and communities. Through online resources, schools, families and budding forest enthusiasts are empowered to head outdoors and become familiar with local trees. In York Region Tree Bee also includes a friendly tree identification and forest awareness competition for students in Grades 4, 5 and 6.
Who is eligible to participate in the York Region Tree Bee?
Students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 (ages 9 to 12) are eligible to participate in the York Region Tree Bee. Participants must either live in York Region, or belong to a school, community group or club located in York Region.
Why should I register my class for Tree Bee?
Tree Bee is a free, interdisciplinary program that can enrich any subject! Whether you are teaching history, math, music, science or even physical education, our Tree Bee resources can help you to engage your students in impactful, place-based learning while meeting Ontario curriculum expectations.
When will the 2025 York Region Tree Bee take place?
The 2025 York Region Tree Bee will take place in fall. The best way to be notified about the 2025 York Region Tree Bee is by following @yorkregiongovt on Facebook, X or Instagram.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please email Forests Canada at @email with any additional questions.
Related Resources
- Environment Resources
- ID Your Trees at Treebee.ca
- Focus on Forests Program for Teachers from Forests Ontario
- Trees Are Good Education Resources for Teachers
- Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority - Conservation Education for Teachers
- Tree Canada – Greening Canada’s School Grounds
- Evergreen School Ground Greening Opportunities
- The Canadian Biodiversity Institute – School Grounds Institute
- ACER - Association for Canadian Educational Resources
- TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
- Town of Richmond Hill's Lake Wilcox Park — Self-guided Tree Tour
- Visit your local municipality for parks and recreational programs