Rouge Valley Conservation Centre
1749 Meadowvale Road M1B 5W8 Toronto, ON, Canada

Why is Giving Tuesday so important? The work that is undertaken as a result has deep personal meaning to those involved, building true stewardship of local places supporting local priorities of the people and communities who live nearby which provides local benefits. Donate to Rouge Valley Conservation Centre visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/39305 #givingtuesday

https://www.toronto.ca//rouge-park-bridges-transportation/ The Rouge Park Bridges have cultural, architectural and historical significance to Scarborough. The Kirkham's Bridge a sister bridge to the Maxwell's Bridge has already been lost, deemed too costly to maintain once it no longer served as the main conduit support system to the Zoo's water infrastructure. It is also import to highlight the fact that the Rouge Bridges have helped to maintain the ecology of the park. Th...ey limit traffic volumes and speed through the park which helps to limit the overall road mortality that is experienced on the roads. One can hope that the bridges will be maintained and will be enhanced for both pedestrian and cycling traffic, and continue to act as a bit of a throttle to the vehicular traffic in the Park. In any case we hope that you let the city know your thoughts about the Bridges of the Park. See more

Why is understanding the Park's Ecosystems so important? Well other than the Parks legal obligation to maintain or restore the ecological integrity, composition and abundance of native species and its biological communities, without this understanding management decisions become much less informed. That's why the Rouge Valley Foundation continues to improve our understanding of the state of the Park and its ecosystem. Here is an example of this year’s work. Foundation biologi...sts were out conducting endangered species surveys this spring and summer. One of the species we are most concerned about is the Wood Thrush. Wood Thrush have been a threatened species in Canada since 2012, and is "protected" under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. This summer we found this individual in a 55.4 ha patch of forested habitat. But why does the 55.4 size matter? Well studies have shown that less than half (46%) of wood thrush nests were successful in forest patches less then 80 ha in size, while in large continuous forests, 86% of nests were successful. This is due to a number of factors which we won't get into here. However, despite finding this individual singing in a territory of suitable habitat, we suspect this male did not successfully reproduce. Knowing these points what do you think would happen to this species if the Parking lot nearby was expanded, and there was a related increase in human activity within this portion of the Park? Would a proposal like this maintain or improve ecological integrity, and increase the habitat availability / quality to Wood Thrush? Keeping an eye on the Park and understanding its components becomes a critical aspect of making good decisions about ecological integrity. See more

What a wonderful summer! So happy to have the kids in person this year for summer camp.

It would be awesome if people began to learn the purpose of switchbacked trails. Hiking along switchbacks are good for the natural environment and the ecosystems around them. For example, straight trails erode more quickly and more efficiently than switchbacks do. When a path erodes, water works away and degrades the environment of the plants that grow adjacent to them. It also has a corresponding impact on some of the other animals using that same habitat. Over time, this pr...ocess will ruin the trail and eat away at the hill the trail runs along. Switchbacks, on the other hand, are specifically designed to mitigate and reduce the effects of erosion. When a trail is designed with deep curves in multiple spots along the trail, water must travel more slowly downward greatly reducing erosion. The result is that switchback trails last much longer and are more stable than their straight counterparts. This helps to maintain not only the integrity of the trail itself, but also the ecological integrity of the area around it. Most trails should be planned with switchbacks in mind, to make sure the trails are as nature-friendly as possible.

Ease your way back into summer camp this summer. While the first three weeks of camp have an online component you are also able to book a semi private or private afternoon hike to learn about our theme/topic areas with a very personalized session. You also get a short lesson, crafts and games to do with us online away from the summer heat. Drop us a line and left us know what you are interested in. The in person summer camp for late July and August is filling up fast, as space is limited.

Summer day camp registration now open. For details visit http://rvcc.ca/Rouge_Valley_Conservation_Centre_Summer_Day_

Learn about and get to monitor our local ecosystems.

Position: Seasonal Wildlife Technician Type: Full time seasonal position (May 25 Sept 3, 2021); approx. 35 hours/week Salary Range: $14.25/hour; must be eligible for Canada Summer Jobs funding... Location: 1749 Meadowvale Road, Toronto, Ontario M1B 5W8 How to Apply: Send resume and cover letter to [email protected] Scope of work 1) Assist with the implementation and development of new and existing monitoring and research programs/projects Lead and coordinate existing monitoring and research programs. Including but not limited to Forest Salamander Monitoring, Caterpillar Counts, Bumblee Bee Surveys and Nest Monitoring, Moth and Bat Surveys, Road Ecology Surveys, Round Goby distribution and movement, Brook Trout habitat restoration and Redside Dace ecology. 2) Coordination, planning and management Assist with the coordination and management of volunteers and community members looking to engage in research and monitoring projects. Help to manage equipment, ensuring equipment is in working order and making repairs and calibrations as required. Please note: due to COVID-19 we most likely will not be engaging the public to take part 3) Data and Information Management Assist with the collection and organization of primary and secondary data, including AQ/QC and analysis. 4) Communication Develop and oversee materials including content for the web and/or printed materials. 5) Assist with Educational Programming Assist with educational programming at the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre Knowledge and Experience: Minimum 3-4 years post-secondary education in environmental science, environmental studies, planning or environmental management. A graduate degree will be considered an asset. Knowledge of monitoring and research protocols, as well as a fairly wide range of local flora and fauna; Demonstrated knowledge of terrestrial and aquatic ecology, ecosystem management, as well as relevant planning policy and legislation; An understanding of socio ecological systems, and ecosystem management in the context of broader urban sustainability issues, as well as ecological integrity. Demonstrated ability to conduct outdoor monitoring and research and/or educational nature hikes. Excellent organizational skills and task management capabilities. Excellent verbal / written communication skills, visual communications experience considered a definite asset. Demonstrated ability to think both critically and strategically. Computer skills and the ability to quickly learn basic software packages including Microsoft Office and GIS. Minimum 1 years of experience related to major tasks.

Position: Seasonal Environmental Education Assistant/Summer Day Camp Counsellor Type: Full time seasonal position (May 25 Sept 3, 2021); approx. 35 hours/week Salary Range: $14.25/hour; must be eligible for Canada Summer Jobs funding...Continue reading

We are hiring! Students and recent grads, join us this summer as a Wildlife Technician or Educational Assistant. Must qualify for Canada Summer Jobs funding. Email us for more information info(at)rvcc.ca

Join us this Saturday March 13 for our Virtual Owl Prowl Wondering what might be active in the late days of winter? Join us as we investigate the owls of the Rouge in this virtual presentation. In addition to learning about the different owl species, we'll also discuss how owls see at night, how they fly so silently and how they hunt with all that snow on the ground. Looking to be a little creative? You can also join us for an owl craft as we make our own great horned owl. Th...is is a great activity for ages 5+. You must RSVP to attend this virtual event. Please email us at [email protected] to sign up. Make sure to include your name and number of people in your group (please indicate if you have any kids in your group). If you would like to join us for the craft, please indicate the number of people who will be participating. You will be given a list of craft materials required when you register. A Zoom link will be emailed to you in your confirmation email. Please make sure that you download the Zoom app before the event. Virtual Presentation Date and Time: Saturday March 13, 2021 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm Owl Craft Date and Time: Saturday March 13, 2021 from 4:00pm - 5:00pm Cost: Free but donations are always appreciated

Losing our way on the Road to Mongolia. When did our relationship with nature change? For many years people lived along side nature, while not always being the best stewards of the land as can be seen in this airphoto from Markham (minus most of the forests), there always seemed to be a healthy respect for it. This brings me to a story I have been told by many people in Markham. For many years there was a tree in a portion of Elgin Mills road which everyone had to drive aroun...d including my father, grandfather and great grandfather. The tree was important enough to the community that the road was actually built around it. One has to wonder if this would ever happen today? Would the new GTA West Highway or a Metrolinx route ever move their infrastructure around a tree to protect it, or would it simply be removed and compensated for late? This tree on the road to Mongolia was an American Elm and was at least 200 years old, however the Dutch Elm Disease put an end to this natural wonder, which had attained a height of 25.6 m and a trunk of 5.5 m in circumference. For years, a section of the enormous tree trunk was featured in the front yard of the Markham Museum, placed there after the elm was cut down by a hydro crew in 1973. Can you spot the tree in this 1954 photo? If you have a family photo of the actual tree we would love to see it. #nature #conservation #urbanforest #infrastructure #RoadEcology See more

Looking for a fun way to get the kids outside and learn about our local birds? Come try our self guided bird activity. Email [email protected] to get our birding for beginners information sheets and bird challenge. Bird is the word. @BirdsCanada_ON @BirdsCanada @Team_eBird

Here at the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre 2020 has meant shifting our programs online and providing limited in-person programs and activities at a distance. It's also meant that we've been able to meet new friends in Ottawa, Waterloo, and Brampton as our online programs allowed us to connect and provide programs for those further away, in addition to those in need. Challenges with in-person programs provided opportunities for parents to join their children with us as we e...xplored the Rouge and learned about the local plants, animals and habitats. And while we are looking forward to 2021 we need your support this #GivingTuesday(December 1). While we have risen to the challenges of online and in-person programs at a distance, 2020 has taken a toll on our fundraising and ability to do more. This is where YOU come in. With your help, we can continue to provide programs for school and community groups, weekend children's programs, March Break and Summer Day Camps as well as educational events for the public and ecological research and monitoring programs. To donate to us (Rouge Valley Foundation), go to canadahelps.org/en/giv3/39305 where you will be redirected to #GivingTuesdayCA powered by CanadaHelps to make your donation. No donation is too small & all donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!

UPDATE - we still have time slots this Friday Nov 20 if you would like to come and pick up a bird box to make at home or build here. It takes 30-45 minutes to build. When you are done you can go for a walk on the trails and complete our scavenger hunt. Registration details below... Looking for something to do this PA Day? Join us on Friday November 20 and build a bird house to take home and put up in your backyard or give as a gift this holiday season and support the Rouge Va...lley Conservation Centre. We supply all the tools and materials, you supply the love. Help make a new home for a bird family, and increase the diversity of life in your neighbourhood. Watch the family grow, see the chicks get fed and take their first flight. Dates: Friday November 20 Time slots: 9:30 am - 10:30 am 12 pm - 1 pm 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Cost: $30 per bird box Location: Rouge Valley Conservation Centre, 1749 Meadowvale Road, Toronto Please note that all participants will be required to wear a face mask during this event. Participants will be building the bird boxes outside and 1 hour will be allotted per booking in order to accommodate everyone and to allow for the proper cleaning of spaces and materials. To register for a time slot, email [email protected] with your name, contact information and number of people in your family that will be participating. All participants in one booking should be from the same household. Please register by Thursday November 19 at 5pm for November 20th bookings. Space is limited to a maximum of 2 families per time slot. A take home kit is also available if you prefer to build your bird house at home.

Looking for something to do this PA Day? Join us on Friday November 13 and Friday November 20 and build a bird house to take home and put up in your backyard or give as a gift this holiday season. We supply all the tools and materials, you supply the love. Help make a new home for a bird family, and increase the diversity of life in your neighbourhood. Watch the family grow, see the chicks get fed and take their first flight. ... Dates: Friday November 13 and Friday November 20 Time slots: 9:30 am - 10:30 am 10:45 am - 11:45 am 12 pm - 1 pm 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Cost: $30 per bird box Location: Rouge Valley Conservation Centre, 1749 Meadowvale Road, Toronto Please note that all participants will be required to wear a face mask during this event. Participants will be building the bird boxes outside and 1 hour will be allotted per booking in order to accommodate everyone and to allow for the proper cleaning of spaces and materials. To register for a time slot, email [email protected] with your name, contact information and number of people in your family that will be participating. All participants in one booking should be from the same household. Please register by Thursday November 12 at 5pm for November 13th bookings and by Thursday November 19 at 5pm for November 20th bookings. Space is limited to a maximum of 2 families per time slot. A take home kit is also available if you prefer to build your bird house at home.

Due to the pandemic we've had to adjust our Halloween plans. Unfortunately our Haunted House will not be running this year but we have put together a fun outdoor Halloween Scavenger Hunt for the kids. Solve our clues and get a treat! Kids, wear your costume and take a photo at our Halloween display. Dates and Times: Friday Oct 30 from 3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Saturday Oct 31 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.... CANCELLED due to weather - Monday Nov 2 - Tuesday Nov 3rd Wednesday Nov 4 from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. call to register 416-282-8265 Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per person Rouge Valley Conservation Centre 1749 Meadowvale Road Toronto, ON M1B 5W8 www.rvcc.ca For more information email [email protected] or call 416-282-8265

Register now for our NEW Fall programs for children. After school and Young Explorers (ages 3-4) programs still available. For details see our latest email... https://mailchi.mp/f030138bc/new-fall-programs-for-children