The Nature Centre at Scanlon Creek Conservation Area has served to introduce thousands of kids from across York Region and Simcoe County to environmental and outdoor programs, over the past 30 years.
Built out of three repurposed portables, the centre includes washrooms, two classrooms and a mini-museum – but there’s no denying that the building is reaching the end of its lifespan, or that it’s woefully inadequate for today’s teaching techniques or the large crowds that attend some of Scanlon’s more popular programs.
The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) is currently working on plans to replace and redevelop the nature centre. Using ‘green technology’ to create a ‘net zero’ building – with green roof, solar panels, geo-thermal heating – the proposed state-of-the-art education and multi-use facility will help “connect watershed residents to the natural world.”
The Connect Campaign, raising funds for the new centre, is still in its early stages, seeking corporate sponsorship; a public launch is slated to begin in the spring. But the project already has the enthusiastic support of staff at the LSRCA and Scanlon Creek, who have launched their own Connect-Ed fundraising campaign.
Seventeen staffers – including LSRCA Chief Administrative Officer Mike Walters – hope to raise a total of $10,000 by asking for sponsorships for a camp-out at Scanlon Creek Conservation Area. Similar to Out from the Cold and the Camp Out to end Youth Homelessness, they'll spend the night outdoors at Scanlon, in mid September.
“Staff have set a target, just because we recognize the value of this,” said Walters.
The fundraiser is being called ‘Roughing it for a Reason’ - the reason being to ensure “our kids have access to the best outdoor education experiences possible.”
And they will be roughing it. “I get a sleeping bag and ground sheet,” said Walters, “and I’m praying it doesn’t rain.”
For more information or to support a staffer, click here.
