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Foley Mountain Conservation
Area
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Hike: How animals survive in Winter
(gr: 1,2,4,6 - Winter)
To understand the changes that occur in daily and seasonal cycles
and how these changes affect the characteristics, behaviour and
location of animals. We will discuss as well, food supplies, temperature
changes, hibernation and weather conditions. The hike is taken
on a trail that has been packed down for easy walking and lunch
is in a heated building. Duration 1.5 hours For Grades 4 and 6,
the hike can be experienced on snowshoes, and lunch cooked over
an open fire. (snowshoes not provided) Duration: 3 hours
Tree Identification
(gr: 1,3,6,7 -spring, summer, fall)
Whether it's patterns of living things or traits that remain constant
as things grow, leaf shapes play a large part in both identification
and classification. We also identify the different parts of trees
used to produce specific products: not only today, but also how
native Canadians and pioneers depended on trees for their very
survival.For older children, there is the option of using classification
keys to identify trees independently. n.b. free study guide offered
with program.
Orienteering
(gr: 3 and up - spring, summer)
Participants discover what a compass is and learn how to use it
correctly, then take off in pairs into the woods for a hands-on,
success-oriented adventure. This is their chance to put into practical
use the concepts learned in the study of magnetism. Also helpful
for all those studying the basics of maps, as well. A beginner's
course for Grade 3, a larger test course for Grades 4-6, and a
survival trek through an ice-storm-damaged woods for the Grade
7 and 8's that has tree identification as an option.
Geology and Rocks
(gr: 3,4,7, high school - all year)
While on the scenic lookout, Spy Rock, we explore the last billion
years of geological history in the area. Then, on our hands and
knees, we discover the characteristics of rocks and trace how,
through succession, these rocks are turned into soil. We then
look at a variety of rocks and minerals to see and feel their
characteristics and discuss their uses. We also look at some fossils.
Finally, we walk a trail to observe some rock and geological incidents.n.b.
free study guide offered with program.
Forest and Field Ecology and Field
Succession
(gr: 3,4,7 - spring, summer, fall)
We start off by classifying plants according to their characteristics.
Then we study the major parts of plants and their functions. Moving
from a field to a forest, we explore how their growth is affected
by changes in environmental conditions. We also trace the journey
made by plants, trees, mammals, birds and climate as a field becomes
a woods. Finally, using interesting techniques and instruments,
we compare the way plants satisfy their needs in these different
habitats, and gain an understanding of the interaction of biotic
and abiotic factors. (Air and soil temperature, wind, humidity,
soil types, plants and animals)n.b. free study guide offered with
program.
Insect Study
(gr: 1,2,4,6,7 - spring, summer fall)
A program to identify and classify the characteristics of both
insects and other creatures captured by the students. Specimens
will be studied through two kinds of magnifiers. Participants
will discover arthropod classifications; different kinds of life
cycles; compare how different species use the environment to satisfy
their needs; and the role of the food chain. n.b. free study guide
offered with program.
Hike: Awakening to Spring
(gr: 1,2,4,6 - spring)
We will explore the adaptation and preparation for seasonal changes
that animals and plants go through at this time of awakening.
Included in the discussion are wildflowers, pollination, nesting
and the special circumstances of young animals. We will also examine
with older children the way animals satisfy their basic needs
in specific habitats. n.b. free study guide offered with program.
Pond Study
(gr: 1,2,4,6,7 - spring, summer, fall)
A program to explore how animals eat, move, and generally use
their environment to meet their basic needs. We will classify
their characteristics, compare different life cycles and describe
the role of producers, consumers and decomposers in the food chain,
and their affect on the habitat. We will show the transfer of
energy within the food web and discuss the affects of weakening
parts of the web.n.b. free study guide offered with program.
Hike: How animals prepare for Winter
(gr: 1,2,4,6 - fall)
This is an exploration of how changes in the seasonal cycles,
such as temperature and lack of food affect the characteristics,
behaviour and even the location of animals. With the older grades,
we discover how animals have specifically adapted to an eastern
Ontario forest, as well as how they must prepare to meet their
most basic needs in this most difficult season. Included are detailed
discussions of hibernation, stasis and migration. n.b. free study
guide offered with program.
Family Learning Hikes
(all members of the family - summer)
During the summer months every Wednesday and Saturday there will
be a Family Learning Hike. Each hike explores an unique aspect
of Foley Mountain
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