Last Fall, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority’s (NVCA) Wonderful Wetlands program received the 2nd annual Dufferin Community Foundation Environment Fund Grant. We’re excited to update you on the incredible impact this program had on close to 200 local students.
Wonderful Wetlands helps elementary school students explore watersheds, wetlands, and environmental conservation through interactive models, scientific experiments, active discussion, and hands-on learning experiences. The program educates students about the importance of wetlands and empowers them to take action in protecting the environment.
The NVCA used the $2,000 Environment Fund to bring this engaging, curriculum-linked environmental programming directly into a Dufferin County school – completely free of charge for participating students.
“Reaching children in this area can be challenging, as they are located closer to other centres, and travelling to the Tiffin Centre for Conservation can be a significant distance for many schools and families,” said Naomi Saunders, OCT and Manager of Environmental Education at NVCA.
Over several days in October 2025, 8 classes with approximately 200 students from JK to Grade 6 from Mono-Amaranth Public School participated in a variety of engaging educational experiences led by educators from the Tiffin Centre. Students learned about Endangered Species, Growth and Change in Animals, and about Discovering Nature, even in urban areas. While each program had a focus on wetlands, all programs were different and tailored to the curriculum for the various grades participating.
To further deepen the experience, teachers were provided with persuasive writing resources designed to help students advocate for causes they care about (such as green spaces and environmental protection). This supported both science and language curriculum goals, helping students connect environmental awareness with communication and critical thinking skills.
The Environment Fund is a “forever fund” of Dufferin Community Foundation, providing grants to local environmental and conservation charities each year.
Saunders had a message for the donors to this fund: “Thank you so much for investing in the learning of youth in the southwest corner of our watershed.”
The NVCA is a public agency dedicated to preserving a healthy environment through programs that protect, conserve, and enhance water, wetlands, forests, and lands throughout the watershed region.
The Dufferin Community Foundation is honoured to support their work in delivering environmental education directly to local students. Through programs like Wonderful Wetlands, young people are gaining the knowledge, curiosity, and confidence needed to become future stewards of the environment. We were very touched to receive a thank you card, shown above.
Together, we are helping the next generation learn not only about nature — but how to protect it.
