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Do you know a Guelph Lake kid - or were you one yourself? Since 1982, the Guelph Lake Nature Centre has offered curriculum-based, hands-on outdoor education programs to more than 600,000 people from Guelph, Wellington County and beyond. These programs are vital to shaping our environmental values and kids' sense of wonder in the world.
The current Centre, located on Conservation Road, was once a single family home. Every year, up to six classes per day visit; with so many people coming through our doors, the building has reached the end of its useable lifespan. Demand for programs is higher than the current Centre can accommodate.
The new Centre will be located within Guelph Lake Park, less than one kilometer away. It will do more than just provide a purpose-built place for kids to learn: it will offer our entire community a new environmental hub for active living and nature programs. With the City of Guelph expanding rapidly, Guelph Lake is no longer far away - it's at your doorstep!
The Centre will include four purpose-built learning areas which may be expanded to accommodate larger groups, multi-purpose space for park visitors and community groups to gather, a room to care for resident animals and indoor-outdoor learning spaces for people of all ages - all with a beautiful view of Guelph Lake. In addition to 20,000 students per year, about 200,000 park visitors can make use of this unique space. The Centre is anticipated to open in fall 2020.
The support of many generous supporters and volunteers is leading us to great success!
"Guelph Lake is such a huge part of our community and our family. It's exciting to see so many community leaders step up and help support the Grand River Conservation Foundation in building this new facility." - Susan Frasson, Honourary Campaign Chair Family
What's Happening at the Site?
Throughout 2019 and 2020, teams of volunteers are blazing a new 850-metre trail in the forest area that will be only steps away from the future Centre. The trail will feature nodes such as a frog pond, forest play area and water features for visitors and students to pause and learn from.
Students enrolled in Conestoga's College's Heavy Construction Equipment Operation program participated in building the road access, bus turnaround and parking lot for the new centre as their year-end project. Watch the video to see big changes!
Want to hold a fund raiser for the Centre? We can help. Or Make a contribution today!
For more information about recognition options, including naming opportunities for donors of $25,000 or more, please contact us.
Volunteers have played a big role in getting the Centre's learning grounds ready - get involved! Opportunities at other GRCA locations are also available.
The Guelph Lake Nature Centre offers a wide array of Adventure Day Camps for children and young adults looking to connect with nature in fun and exciting ways. Check out our day camps or other outreach programs at the Centre, such as environmental birthday parties!