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
Registration for the 2024 York Region Tree Bee is now closed.
The virtual competition will be held on Monday, November 18 to Sunday, November 24, 2024. The winner will be announced by December 10, 2024 on York Region and Forests Ontario’s social media channels.
Forests Ontario’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. Learn more at Forests Ontario Tree Bee
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is there a registration deadline?
Yes! In order to participate in the testing component of the York Region Tree Bee, groups must register no later than 10 a.m. (ET) on November 15, 2024. If you wish to receive Tree Bee resource materials after this deadline, please email Forests Ontario at @email
How many people can participate per class or organization?
Teams must be made up of a minimum of two participants to a maximum of 28. Team breakdown is at the discretion of the Tree Bee Teacher/Coach. In the event of multiple teams per class/group, one test per team will be accepted, up to a maximum of five tests per group. The class/group’s overall score will be determined by test average.
When and where will the York Region Tree Bee be held?
The York Region Tree Bee test will be accessible via Google Forms starting at 9 a.m. (ET) on November 18, 2024 and close at 9 p.m. (ET) on November 24. If your group requires a Word version of the test, please connect with Forests Ontario for more details. It is estimated the test will take, on average, between 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Are participants allowed to use resource materials when completing the Tree Bee test?
Yes, participants may complete the Tree Bee test with the aid of resource materials.
How can my class or group prepare for the York Region Tree Bee competition?
Your group is encouraged to prepare for the York Region Tree Bee using a provided Tree Bee Resource kit, online tools and practice tests. Resources will be shared following registration and through the Tree Bee home page The Hive. You are encouraged to share your groups preparation journey on social media using the hashtag #TreeBee2024.
How is the winning team determined?
While Tree Bee is a friendly competition focused on connecting youth with trees and forests, we want to celebrate participants who excel. As such the winning team is determined using testing scores. For groups with multiple teams score will be determined by test average.
When and how will the winner be announced?
The winner of the York Region Tree Bee will be announced by December 10, 2024 on York Region and Forests Ontario’s social media channels. Teams receiving a prize pack will also be contacted via email to confirm shipping details.
What does the winning team receive?
The first-place team will have their school or group name engraved on the Tree Bee plaque alongside past winners and will get to display the plaque at their organization for the remainder of the school year. The winners will also receive a prize pack including a $150 gift card.
What do the runner-up teams receive?
Second and third placed teams will receive a digital certificate and fun environmental themed prizes from York Region. Additionally, the second place team will receive a $100 gift card and the third place team will receive a $50 gift card.
What happens if there is a tie?
In the event of a tie for first, second or third place, teams will be entered into a draw for one of three prize packs. Prize packs are prepared for a maximum of 28 people per class or group.
Does every team who participates receive something?
Yes, all participants will receive a digital participant certificate and, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the York Regional Forest and the 10th anniversary of the York Region Tree Bee, all participants that complete testing will also receive a York Region Forestry swag bag.
I still have questions, who can I contact for more information?
Please connect with Forests Ontario at @email for additional information.
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
The York Regional Forest is Celebrating 100 Years
This year the York Regional Forest turns 100! Celebrate its growing legacy and discover all it has to offer with free activities and events for all to enjoy.
