Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centrehttps://www.shawwoods.ca/Thu, 12 Dec 2024 7:06:19 -0500en-us<![CDATA[St Michael's]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-michael-s/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-michael-s/Thu, 12 Dec 2024 7:06:19 -0500<![CDATA[St. John Bosco]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-john-bosco/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-john-bosco/Wed, 11 Dec 2024 7:17:24 -0500<![CDATA[Art Helps ]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/ov-caos/art-helps-connecting-with-natural-materials/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/ov-caos/art-helps-connecting-with-natural-materials/Mon, 09 Dec 2024 7:40:23 -0500<![CDATA[Walter Zadow]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/walter-zadow/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/walter-zadow/Mon, 09 Dec 2024 7:32:10 -0500<![CDATA[Cobden District Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/cdps/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/cdps/Tue, 03 Dec 2024 2:40:49 -0500<![CDATA[Highview Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/highview-public-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/highview-public-school/Fri, 29 Nov 2024 8:30:26 -0500<![CDATA[AJ Charbonneau PS]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/aj-charbonneau-ps/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/aj-charbonneau-ps/Tue, 26 Nov 2024 9:44:13 -0500<![CDATA[Centre scolaire catholique Jeanne-Lajoie, pavillon élémentaire]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/cecce/centre-scolaire-catholique-jeanne-lajoie-pavillon-l-mentaire/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/cecce/centre-scolaire-catholique-jeanne-lajoie-pavillon-l-mentaire/Tue, 26 Nov 2024 9:19:51 -0500<![CDATA[Maple Syrup]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/maple-syrup/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/maple-syrup/Sun, 24 Nov 2024 8:44:55 -0500Come join us for a fun filled, day-long celebration of maple syrup! Students will have the opportunity to tour our sugar bush and learn about the steps involved in making maple syrup. They will actively participate in collecting sap from the trees and enjoy a sweet taffy treat at the sugar shack. A variety of fun maple-themed games and activities will round out the day, as well as a rest by the campfire for some storytelling and fire bread. The long, rich history of maple sugar and maple syrup will be shared throughout the day.

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Availability: March - early April, depending on conditions

NEW! This year we're using a lottery system to assign dates for our Maple Syrup program. Read more about the lottery, and submit your registration, on this form.

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<![CDATA[Junior]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/register/junior/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/register/junior/Sun, 24 Nov 2024 8:23:58 -0500Program Descriptions | Program Calendar ]]><![CDATA[Primary]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/register/primary/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/register/primary/Sun, 24 Nov 2024 8:19:32 -0500Program Descriptions | Program Calendar ]]><![CDATA[Bishop Smith]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/bishop-smith/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/bishop-smith/Sun, 24 Nov 2024 5:01:42 -0500<![CDATA[St Mary's]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-mary-s/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-mary-s/Thu, 14 Nov 2024 4:25:14 -0500<![CDATA[Board of Directors 2024/25]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/about/board-of-directors/https://www.shawwoods.ca/about/board-of-directors/Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:46:28 -0500

Position Title

Volunteer's Name

Occupation

Director at Large

Peter Arbour

Forestry Professor, Algonquin College

Co-Chair, Site Committee

Fred Blackstein

Volunteer (P.Eng.)

Co-Chair, SWOEC

Steve Boland

CET, Retired

Renfrew County Rep.

James Brose

Mayor- North Algona Wilberforce

Chair Education Committee

Carol Campbell

Teacher, Retired

RCDSB Rep.

Emilee Clarke

Teacher

Chair, Trails Committee

John A. Collins

Physician, Retired

Chair, Risk Management

Dean Johnson

Forestry Consultant

Director at Large

Frank Knaapen

Forestry Prof., Retired

Secretary-Treasurer

Sandy Lesco

Volunteer

Host Township Rep.

Jane Reiche Schoenfeldt

Councillor, North Algona Wilberforce

ADVISOR-County of Renfrew

Lacey Rose

County Forester

Co-Chair, SWOEC

Dana Shaw

Lumberman

Shaw Family Rep.

Herbert W. Shaw

Lawyer, Retired

RCCDSB Rep.

Damian Solar

Teacher

CEPEO (FSB) Rep.

Collette Stitt

Trustee

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<![CDATA[Stay Tuned Event]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/stay-tuned-event/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/stay-tuned-event/Wed, 13 Nov 2024 8:59:56 -0500<![CDATA[Not Available]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/n-a/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/n-a/Wed, 13 Nov 2024 8:56:11 -0500<![CDATA[Program Descriptions]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/Tue, 12 Nov 2024 2:09:28 -0500All programming at Shaw Woods is connected to expectations from the Ontario Curriculum. We strive to provide engaging, hands-on experiences in the outdoors for all of our students, regardless of their age or abilities. We are able to modify most of our programs to suit specific the needs of your students. 

Click on any of the links on the right to learn more about our current program selection. You are welcome to connect with us at shawwoods.edu@gmail.com if you have questions or would like further details.

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<![CDATA[Education]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/Mon, 11 Nov 2024 2:29:57 -0500Primary Junior Intermediate Secondary


We are looking forward to a busy winter and spring at Shaw Woods, now that the county's student transport issues have been resolved!

For our partners in RCDSB, RCCDSB, and CEPEO schools, please use the booking forms found on this website to book your trip. You may want to read over the information on the "Planning Your Visit" page to help you prepare for the day.

For our non-Board clients, such as Girl Guides, Scouts, 4H, and other youth groups, please connect with our secretary MK at shawwoods.edu@gmail.com and she will send you our non-partner booking form for you and provide you with program cost details.

Thank you all for your continued support of the amazing outdoor education programs offered by Shaw Woods!

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<![CDATA[Planning Your Visit]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/planning-your-visit/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/planning-your-visit/Mon, 11 Nov 2024 2:25:05 -0500We are so happy you're considering booking a visit to Shaw Woods with your class! We strive to create amazing outdoor learning experiences for you and your students. We hope the following tips will assist you with your planning. If you have any questions, please contact us - we’re happy to help!
 

Equity and Inclusivity

Students (and adult supervisors) of ALL abilities are welcome at Shaw Woods! Please contact our staff as soon as possible if you have someone in your group who requires accommodations to make their day successful. We have an all-terrain wheelchair available on site for use as needed. We are happy to discuss ways we can modify our programming to suit the needs of your group.
 

Health and Safety

In order for us to best meet the needs of program participants, it is essential that we are aware of any physical, behavioural or health concerns in advance. Epi pens, asthma inhalers or other life-saving medications need to be carried by the person who needs them at all times while on site. SWOEC follows Renfrew County Health Unit and School Board COVID-19 protocols.
 

Clothing

We want your experience at the Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre to be positive, educational and fun! The following is a list of suggestions to help you prepare for a day at our facility. Having these items packed will allow more flexibility with changing conditions. Programs are run outdoors in all types of weather. Proper clothing will promote a more comfortable and enjoyable day.
 

What to wear for your day at Shaw Woods:

  • Dress seasonally and pack in anticipation of changing weather conditions.
  • Pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended at all times of the year to help prevent scrapes and insect bites.
  • Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots are ideal footwear! Flip flops and sandals are NOT advised due to uneven terrain on trails and presence of poison ivy on site.
  • For wet/rainy days: waterproof coat, rubber boots, and splash pants if possible.
  • For winter months: dress in layers, including winter boots, snow pants, winter coat, hat, mitts and scarf. Pack extra socks and mitts/gloves if possible as these items often get wet.
  • Additional items to consider include a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, a bug jacket or insect repellant as needed.

Messages to reinforce with students/parents: Shaw Woods can become EXTREMELY muddy in the early spring. We strongly recommend waterproof boots at these times. Boots are always required in the winter months. In May and June we have a LOT of biting insects. Ticks are a concern from April through to October. All trip participants need to dress appropriately for the conditions the day of their trip. If a student arrives dressed in a way that will compromise their safety, they will not be permitted to participate in the program. For example, we cannot send students on a winter program in deep snow with running shoes on.
 

Supervision Ratio

Shaw Woods follows the OPHEA guidelines for risk management and supervision ratios for outdoor education activities. Shaw Woods staff are not to be included in the supervision ratio. Adult volunteers need to understand their role as additional supervisors and that they may not always be with their own child, depending on the needs of the program. Adult supervisors may not bring other children who are not part of the class participating in the program as their responsibility is to assist in supervising the students.
 

Nutrition

We ask all visitors to bring a healthy morning snack and lunch. Any waste generated is “boomeranged” home. There is no potable water on site, so bring plenty of drinks from home.
 

Additional Information

  • We are an outdoor facility, and all participants need to be prepared to spend the duration of their visit outside, at all times of the year!
  • We do have a small heated Shanty which we use for programming during inclement weather. The Shanty is also available as a warming station for students during winter programs.
  • We have a Pine Pavilion where the students can enjoy lunch at our 9 m long picnic table.
  • Our washrooms are outhouses, located between the Pine Pavilion and parking area. Hand sanitizer is available on site. With the exception of one outhouse near the Sugar Shack, there are no washrooms located along SWOEC trails.
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<![CDATA[Champlain Discovery]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/champlain-discovery/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/champlain-discovery/Mon, 04 Nov 2024 5:18:40 -0500<![CDATA[Algonquin Pembroke]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/algonquin-college/algonquin-pembroke/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/algonquin-college/algonquin-pembroke/Mon, 04 Nov 2024 2:21:41 -0500<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-francis-of-assisi/offsite-6019.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-francis-of-assisi/offsite-6019.htmlThu, 24 Oct 2024 11:41:28 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/palmer-rapids/offsite-1666.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/palmer-rapids/offsite-1666.htmlThu, 24 Oct 2024 11:39:27 -0400<![CDATA[Palmer Rapids]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/palmer-rapids/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/palmer-rapids/Thu, 24 Oct 2024 11:38:58 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/our-lady-of-lourdes/offsite-9009.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/our-lady-of-lourdes/offsite-9009.htmlTue, 15 Oct 2024 6:09:06 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/herman-street-ps/offsite-481.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/herman-street-ps/offsite-481.htmlTue, 08 Oct 2024 6:52:47 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/champlain-discovery/offsite-1498.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/champlain-discovery/offsite-1498.htmlFri, 27 Sep 2024 5:34:45 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/rockwood-public-school/offsite-7779.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/rockwood-public-school/offsite-7779.htmlTue, 24 Sep 2024 7:04:22 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-andrew-s/offsite-5251.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-andrew-s/offsite-5251.htmlMon, 23 Sep 2024 6:13:10 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/cdps/offsite-579.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/cdps/offsite-579.htmlMon, 23 Sep 2024 6:01:18 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/admaston-public/offsite-9256.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/admaston-public/offsite-9256.htmlMon, 23 Sep 2024 10:02:29 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-james/offsite-6320.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-james/offsite-6320.htmlMon, 23 Sep 2024 9:51:11 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/eganville-district-public-school/offsite-3720.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/eganville-district-public-school/offsite-3720.htmlMon, 23 Sep 2024 9:22:39 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-joseph/offsite-6624.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-joseph/offsite-6624.htmlThu, 19 Sep 2024 12:09:08 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/mcnab-public-school/offsite-199.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/mcnab-public-school/offsite-199.htmlWed, 18 Sep 2024 7:23:26 -0400<![CDATA[St Joseph]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-joseph/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-joseph/Wed, 18 Sep 2024 7:23:51 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-john-bosco/offsite-3484.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-john-bosco/offsite-3484.htmlWed, 18 Sep 2024 7:20:53 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/highview-public-school/offsite-1669.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/highview-public-school/offsite-1669.htmlWed, 18 Sep 2024 7:11:09 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/bishop-smith/offsite-1343.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/bishop-smith/offsite-1343.htmlMon, 16 Sep 2024 4:16:43 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/walter-zadow/offsite-2259.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/walter-zadow/offsite-2259.htmlMon, 16 Sep 2024 8:18:47 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/mackenzie-community-school/offsite-435.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/mackenzie-community-school/offsite-435.htmlMon, 16 Sep 2024 8:05:13 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/george-vanier/offsite-2858.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/george-vanier/offsite-2858.htmlFri, 13 Sep 2024 6:02:04 -0400<![CDATA[George Vanier]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/george-vanier/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/george-vanier/Fri, 13 Sep 2024 6:01:23 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/whitney-public-school/offsite-3809.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/whitney-public-school/offsite-3809.htmlFri, 13 Sep 2024 8:17:58 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/madawaska-valley-elementary/offsite-2990.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/madawaska-valley-elementary/offsite-2990.htmlFri, 13 Sep 2024 8:04:47 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-michael-s/offsite-7932.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-michael-s/offsite-7932.htmlFri, 13 Sep 2024 7:46:10 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/killaloe-public-school/offsite-6553.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/killaloe-public-school/offsite-6553.htmlWed, 11 Sep 2024 2:00:08 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/aj-charbonneau-ps/offsite-4608.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/aj-charbonneau-ps/offsite-4608.htmlWed, 11 Sep 2024 1:42:46 -0400<![CDATA[St Andrew's]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-andrew-s/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-andrew-s/Mon, 09 Sep 2024 7:09:14 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/beachburg-ps/offsite-3766.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/beachburg-ps/offsite-3766.htmlMon, 09 Sep 2024 6:57:36 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/opeongo/offsite-5357.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/opeongo/offsite-5357.htmlMon, 09 Sep 2024 6:51:28 -0400<![CDATA[Opeongo]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/opeongo/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/opeongo/Mon, 09 Sep 2024 6:50:48 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/valour/offsite-6042.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/valour/offsite-6042.htmlMon, 09 Sep 2024 6:27:46 -0400<![CDATA[Offsite]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/holy-name/offsite-9184.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/holy-name/offsite-9184.htmlMon, 09 Sep 2024 10:43:49 -0400<![CDATA[Madawaska Valley Elementary]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/madawaska-valley-elementary/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/madawaska-valley-elementary/Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:29:24 -0400<![CDATA[Unavailable]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/unavailable/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/unavailable/Fri, 06 Sep 2024 6:49:28 -0400<![CDATA[St John XXIII]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-john-xxiii/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-john-xxiii/Fri, 06 Sep 2024 6:47:14 -0400<![CDATA[CECCE]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/cecce/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/cecce/Fri, 06 Sep 2024 6:45:01 -0400<![CDATA[Toy Bus]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/crc-renfrew-county/toy-bus/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/crc-renfrew-county/toy-bus/Fri, 06 Sep 2024 6:40:35 -0400<![CDATA[Secondary]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/register/secondary/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/register/secondary/Fri, 30 Aug 2024 3:10:07 -0400Program Descriptions | Program Calendar ]]><![CDATA[Intermediate]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/register/intermediate/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/register/intermediate/Fri, 30 Aug 2024 3:09:53 -0400Program Descriptions | Program Calendar ]]><![CDATA[Home]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/home/https://www.shawwoods.ca/home/Sun, 28 Jul 2024 1:18:18 -0400

Our Mission: To foster an ethic of responsible environmental stewardship, by providing educational programming and self-directed learning to educational groups, community organizations and the public at large. In conjunction with the foregoing, to teach sustainable forestry practices which manage the social, economic and ecological values provided by forests.


Welcome to Shaw Woods! We hope you enjoy your visit. Please remember:

  • Maps and Trail Guides can be downloaded from our website to help you learn more about our beautiful property.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Please pick up after your pet.
  • Garbage and container recycling bins are located near the Shanty. Help us keep our forest tidy!
  • The washrooms near the Shanty are availble for public use!

If you are planning an event at Shaw Woods you must contact our office administrator, MK Jones (shawwoods.edu@gmail.com) to confirm details and check availability.

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<![CDATA[Education Program Registration]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/register/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/register/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 2:12:34 -0400

Primary Junior Intermediate Secondary

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<![CDATA[Volunteer]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/volunteer/https://www.shawwoods.ca/volunteer/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:28:45 -0400We welcome volunteers who wish to support our activities. In particular, we could use help with our "Adopt a Trail" program. Volunteers walk their adopted trail on a schedule of their choice and identify any necessary maintenance and/or safety issues.

Volunteers conduct minor (hand tool) work and identify any chainsaw requirements to be done by certified professionals.

For further information please contact the Chair of our Trails Committee, John Collins.

Email: johnalicollins@gmail.com

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<![CDATA[About]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/about/https://www.shawwoods.ca/about/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:25:58 -0400

Mission Statement:
To foster an ethic of responsible environmental stewardship, by providing educational programming and self-directed learning to educational groups, community organizations and the public at large. In conjunction with the foregoing, to teach sustainable forestry practices which manage the social, economic and ecological values provided by forests.


We support the concept of maintaining undisturbed forest areas as living examples of old growth forest available for the study and appreciation of their unique cultural and scientific values.

  • The Shaw Woods OEC is a registered charitable, not for profit organization managed by a board of directors.

  • The Shaw Woods OEC was incorporated in 2010.

  • The property has been in the Shaw family since 1847.

  • For over a century, the site included a working farm with a water powered saw mill and grist mill.

  • The site includes 50 hectares of old-growth forest and 160 hectares of wetlands and mixed forest.

  • The 14 km network of trails is maintained by a team of volunteers.

  • Trail Guides and Maps are available online for everyone to enjoy.

  • The site is open year around, dawn to dusk.

  • Some trails are occasionally closed for special events.

  • There is no charge for parking or access to the site.

  • Cell reception is available over much of the site.

  • We offer Outdoor Education programs to visiting school groups from throughout Renfrew County.

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<![CDATA[Motus Wildlife Tracking]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/research/motus-wildlife-tracking/https://www.shawwoods.ca/research/motus-wildlife-tracking/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:23:33 -0400The Motus Wildlife Tracking System (Motus) is an international collaborative research network that uses coordinated automated radio telemetry to facilitate research and education on the ecology and conservation of migratory animals. Motus is a program of Birds Canada in partnership with collaborating researchers and organizations.

Shaw Woods is proud to host a Motus tracking station - it's located at the edge of the Pine Pavilion! Visit the Motus website to learn more about this long-term study, and to find the current list of species that have been detected at the Shaw Woods station.

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<![CDATA[Research]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/research/https://www.shawwoods.ca/research/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:22:50 -0400The unique topography and diverse habitats of the Shaw Woods offer researchers an exceptional location for research projects. Permission, in writing, is required for anyone wishing to conduct research or undertake similar activities on the property.

If you are interested in conducting research at the Shaw Woods contact Fred Blackstein, Co-Chair. fblackstein@live.com

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<![CDATA[Support]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/support/https://www.shawwoods.ca/support/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:22:24 -0400Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!

Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre Inc is a registered charity.  Donations are tax deductible.

To donate by cheque:
Make cheque payable to "Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre".

Mail to:
Sandy Lesco
515 Gardner Cres.
Petawawa, ON
K8H 0C4 

Include your return address for tax receipt.

Our volunteers have contributed thousands of hours developing this unique centre.
Your financial donation supports this important project.

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<![CDATA[Maps and Visitor Guides]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/maps-and-visitor-guides/https://www.shawwoods.ca/maps-and-visitor-guides/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:21:40 -0400If you are planning a visit to the Shaw Woods print copies of our visitor guides or maps.
Printing your own guide helps us control printing costs.

If you are planning an outing for a large group or club, please check our Group Use Policy.

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<![CDATA[Calendar]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:20:59 -0400This calendar shows all the education programs and other community activities happening at Shaw Woods!


Shaw Woods Outdoor Education programs are available to classes in the following school boards:

Renfrew County District School Board,  Renfrew County Catholic School Board,  CEPEO

Visit our registration page to book your class trip today!

We have some ability to offer facilitated weekend programming to organized youth groups such as Girl Guides, Scouts, 4H, etc.! Booking fees apply. Please connect with our office administrator, MK, for more information.


We welcome community groups and organizations to come use our beautiful site and facililties for special events.

All groups using our site need to book through MK to avoid site use conflicts. 

Our wonderful Office Administrator, MK, can be reached at shawwoods.edu@gmail.com

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<![CDATA[Fantastic Forest Forts (new!)]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/fantastic-forest-forts-new/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/fantastic-forest-forts-new/Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:15:55 -0400Bring your imagination and come ready to play! In this open-ended construction activity, young students will be invited to explore the concept of "home" by building their own forts in the forest. Teamwork, safety and creativity will be emphasized and encouraged throughout the program. We can't wait to see what your students create!

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3
Availability - all year

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<![CDATA[Retirement Party]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/retirement-party/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/retirement-party/Thu, 16 May 2024 9:47:12 -0400<![CDATA[Private Event]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/private-event/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/private-event/Thu, 16 May 2024 9:46:26 -0400<![CDATA[Renfrew Chapter]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/ontario-woodlot-association/renfrew-chapter/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/ontario-woodlot-association/renfrew-chapter/Mon, 13 May 2024 7:36:38 -0400<![CDATA[Beachburg PS]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/beachburg-ps/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/beachburg-ps/Fri, 03 May 2024 1:31:21 -0400<![CDATA[Ecole Equinox]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/cepeo/ecole-equinox/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/cepeo/ecole-equinox/Fri, 03 May 2024 12:15:22 -0400<![CDATA[Renfrew Collegiate Intermediate]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/rci/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/rci/Fri, 26 Apr 2024 9:05:00 -0400<![CDATA[Board Meeting]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/board-meeting/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/board-meeting/Sun, 21 Apr 2024 4:56:33 -0400<![CDATA[SWOEC AGM]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/swoec-agm/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/swoec-agm/Sun, 21 Apr 2024 4:55:45 -0400<![CDATA[Activity]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/shsm/activity/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/shsm/activity/Sun, 21 Apr 2024 11:06:54 -0400<![CDATA[SWOEC Educators Admin Day]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/swoec-educators-admin-day/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/swoec-educators-admin-day/Thu, 18 Apr 2024 9:04:25 -0400<![CDATA[Renfrew Collegiate Institute]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/renfrew-county-institute/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/renfrew-county-institute/Wed, 10 Apr 2024 5:26:13 -0400<![CDATA[Eganville District Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/eganville-district-public-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/eganville-district-public-school/Wed, 10 Apr 2024 10:51:16 -0400<![CDATA[Our Lady of Lourdes]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/our-lady-of-lourdes/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/our-lady-of-lourdes/Mon, 08 Apr 2024 6:52:50 -0400<![CDATA[Queen Elizabeth Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/queen-elizabeth-public-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/queen-elizabeth-public-school/Tue, 02 Apr 2024 7:54:18 -0400<![CDATA[Valour]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/valour/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/valour/Wed, 27 Mar 2024 1:56:39 -0400<![CDATA[CAPC Stroller Walk]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/capc-stroller-walk/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/capc-stroller-walk/Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:49:28 -0400<![CDATA[Contact]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/contact/https://www.shawwoods.ca/contact/Mon, 25 Mar 2024 7:50:44 -0400 shawwoods.edu@gmail.com

   ShawWoodsOEC

shaw_woods_oec

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<![CDATA[Pineview Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/pine-view-public-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/pine-view-public-school/Sat, 23 Mar 2024 3:06:34 -0400<![CDATA[SHSM]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/shsm/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/shsm/Sat, 23 Mar 2024 12:49:36 -0400<![CDATA[Homeschool]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/inspire-co-op/homeschool/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/inspire-co-op/homeschool/Sat, 23 Mar 2024 12:23:05 -0400<![CDATA[Central Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/central-public-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/central-public-school/Thu, 21 Mar 2024 5:42:22 -0400<![CDATA[Rockwood Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/rockwood-public-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/rockwood-public-school/Wed, 20 Mar 2024 7:01:24 -0400<![CDATA[Arnprior District HS]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/arnprior-district-hs/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/arnprior-district-hs/Mon, 18 Mar 2024 6:44:46 -0400<![CDATA[St Anthony's]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-anthony-s/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-anthony-s/Mon, 18 Mar 2024 6:43:47 -0400<![CDATA[Dr Wilbert Keon School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/wqsb/dr-wilbert-keon-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/wqsb/dr-wilbert-keon-school/Mon, 18 Mar 2024 5:21:16 -0400<![CDATA[Palmer Rapids Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/palmer-rapids-public-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/palmer-rapids-public-school/Mon, 18 Mar 2024 4:03:15 -0400<![CDATA[Outdoor Day]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/non-profit-org/inuuqatigiit/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/non-profit-org/inuuqatigiit/Fri, 01 Mar 2024 5:40:04 -0500<![CDATA[Inuuqatigiit]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/non-profit-org/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/non-profit-org/Fri, 01 Mar 2024 5:39:42 -0500<![CDATA[Herman Street PS]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/herman-street-ps/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/herman-street-ps/Thu, 29 Feb 2024 6:50:24 -0500<![CDATA[St Francis of Assisi]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-francis-of-assisi/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-francis-of-assisi/Fri, 23 Feb 2024 6:16:44 -0500<![CDATA[Easter Egg Hunt]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/north-algona-wilberforce/easter-egg-hunt/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/north-algona-wilberforce/easter-egg-hunt/Fri, 23 Feb 2024 6:08:27 -0500<![CDATA[PA Day]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/pa-day/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/pa-day/Sun, 18 Feb 2024 9:13:39 -0500<![CDATA[Shaw Woods Visit]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/laurentian-valley-50-fit-and-feisty/shaw-woods-visit/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/laurentian-valley-50-fit-and-feisty/shaw-woods-visit/Tue, 23 Jan 2024 8:02:55 -0500<![CDATA[Laurentian Valley 50+ Fit and Feisty]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/laurentian-valley-50-fit-and-feisty/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/laurentian-valley-50-fit-and-feisty/Tue, 23 Jan 2024 8:00:23 -0500<![CDATA[Girl Guides]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/girl-guides/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/girl-guides/Sat, 20 Jan 2024 1:12:12 -0500<![CDATA[4H Club]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/renfrew-county/4h-club/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/renfrew-county/4h-club/Sat, 13 Jan 2024 7:03:48 -0500<![CDATA[Our Lady of Fatima]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/our-lady-of-fatima/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/our-lady-of-fatima/Tue, 09 Jan 2024 2:09:13 -0500<![CDATA[Outreach Visit]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/outreach-visit/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/outreach-visit/Fri, 05 Jan 2024 6:36:06 -0500<![CDATA[Admaston Public]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/admaston-public/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/admaston-public/Thu, 07 Dec 2023 8:37:44 -0500<![CDATA[Inuit Games Alternate Date]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/inuit-games-alternate-date/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/inuit-games-alternate-date/Sat, 25 Nov 2023 8:11:13 -0500<![CDATA[Inuit Games]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/inuit-games/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/inuit-games/Sat, 25 Nov 2023 8:10:45 -0500<![CDATA[Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/mashkiwizii-manido-foundation/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/mashkiwizii-manido-foundation/Wed, 22 Nov 2023 4:48:01 -0500<![CDATA[Outdoor Day]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/snowshoe/outdoor-day/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/snowshoe/outdoor-day/Wed, 22 Nov 2023 4:33:48 -0500<![CDATA[Holiday]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/holiday/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/holiday/Thu, 02 Nov 2023 7:45:47 -0400<![CDATA[Paramedic Recertification]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rc-paramedics/paramedic-recertification/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rc-paramedics/paramedic-recertification/Mon, 23 Oct 2023 6:41:12 -0400<![CDATA[Inspire Co-op]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/inspire-co-op/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/inspire-co-op/Tue, 17 Oct 2023 7:08:41 -0400<![CDATA[Aquatic Studies]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/aquatic-studies/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/aquatic-studies/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 5:46:35 -0400Wetlands are extremely important and fragile habitats that play a critical role in the ecosystem. In this secondary program, students will survey the Snake River (or Shaw Pond, depending on water conditions) for benthic macroinvertebrates, and learn how to calculate the biotic index of the water body based on the organisms observed. They will also calculate the flow rate of the river and learn about basic water chemistry tests that help determine the health of the river.

Grades: 7, 8, Secondary
Availability: September, October, May, June

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<![CDATA[Fire Skills]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/fire-skills/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/fire-skills/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 5:45:22 -0400Fire making is an essential survival skill for anyone who spends time outdoors. In this program, students will work in teams to lay and light a small fire. Proper fuel harvesting, fire safety, and environmental impacts will all be emphasized as part of the lesson. Depending on the skill level of the group, students may also be challenged to try boiling a pot of water, roasting a marshmallow, or burning through a string, “Survivor”-style!

Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Secondary
Availability: December - April (must have snow on the ground)

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<![CDATA[Forestry Management]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/forestry-management/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/forestry-management/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 5:42:29 -0400In this intensive, all day program, secondary students will learn the basics of sustainable forestry management. Through a series of hands-on investigations, they will discover the ecological, economic and social values of forestry. Students will be introduced to a variety of forest assessment techniques including tree identification, tree coring, measuring height and DBH of a tree to determine tree volume, and also evaluating the health of a tree and a forest stand.

Grades: Secondary
Availability: Sept-Nov, Apr-June

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<![CDATA[Geocaching]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/geocaching/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/geocaching/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 5:28:07 -0400Geocaching is a world-wide digital treasure hunt and we want your students to know how to play! Come learn how to use a GPS unit and the science behind how they work. Hunt for waypoints, hidden clues, and if you’re lucky, uncover a sweet treasure to share!

Grades: 7, 8, Secondary
Availability: All year

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<![CDATA[Wilderness Survival]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/wilderness-survival/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/wilderness-survival/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 5:12:50 -0400In this all-day winter program, students will be challenged to learn some key survival skills to help them in case they ever find themselves lost or stranded in the outdoors. A combination of our shelter building and fire skills programs, the goal of the day is for students to build their skills for spending time outdoors safely and confidently. It is essential that students come dressed to spend significant time in deep snow. Extra socks, mitts and other winter layers will help participants be successful.

Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Secondary
Availability: December - April (must have snow on the ground)

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<![CDATA[Winter Games]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/winter-games/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/winter-games/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 4:58:01 -0400Celebrate winter with your students by introducing them to a variety of traditional games from the Algonquin, Cree, Dene, and Haudenosaunee First Nations. Come ready to play in full winter gear! Snow pants, extra mitts and extra socks are highly recommended for this program!

Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Availability: December - early March, depending on conditions

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<![CDATA[Animal Tracking]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/animal-tracking/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/animal-tracking/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 4:54:14 -0400In this winter program, students will learn how to identify the signs that animals leave as they travel through the forest environment. We will explore the woods for tracks, trails, scat, and other signs of wildlife activity. Using an inquiry lens, students will learn how to read and interpret the stories left by the animals who call Shaw Woods home.

Grades: 4, 5, 6
Availability: December-March

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<![CDATA[Tree ID]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/tree-id/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/tree-id/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 4:52:39 -0400In this all-day program, students will learn about the forest - and the trees! Part of the day will be spent on an immersive hike through the forest to discover the basics of forest ecology and how the trees shape the environment around them. The rest of the day will be an interactive tree identification workshop where students learn how to use a dichotomous key to identify a variety of tree species, then test their knowledge on a Tree ID hike.

Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Availability: Sept-Nov, Apr-June

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<![CDATA[Leadership and Teambuilding]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/leadership-and-teambuilding/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/leadership-and-teambuilding/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 4:50:21 -0400Working cooperatively in a group setting is an essential learning skill for all students. In this highly interactive program, students will build their self-confidence and work together as they tackle progressively more challenging cooperative tasks. Depending on the needs of your students, we will emphasize specific social-emotional learning skills such as empathy, positive talk, turn taking, and mutual respect. In addition, high school groups completing this program will focus on the qualities of effective leadership and individual and group goal setting. The leadership program can be offered as a full day program and tailored to suit your class. Please contact us for more information.

Grades: Teambuilding is for Grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8;
Leradership is for Secondary students
Availability: Sept-Nov, Apr-June

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<![CDATA[Shelter Building]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/shelter-building/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/shelter-building/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 4:47:13 -0400Learning how to build an emergency shelter is a life skill for those who spend time outdoors. In this program, students will learn basic techniques to keep themselves warm and dry in an emergency and will work in teams to build an effective shelter, using success criteria to guide them. Proper resource gathering, structural design and safety will be emphasized.

Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Secondary
Availability: All year

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<![CDATA[Navigation 101]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/navigation-101/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/navigation-101/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 4:45:22 -0400Come and learn basic navigation skills. Using a compass and the natural world, we will test various conventional and natural navigation techniques. Students will try their hand at laying a trail for others to follow, or complete a scavenger hunt that requires their new navigational skills to master.

Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Secondary
Availability: Sept-Nov, Apr-June

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<![CDATA[Guided Hike]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/guided-hike/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/guided-hike/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 4:43:10 -0400Explore the many different ecosystems that make Shaw Woods such a special place. Using an inquiry based approach that can be tailored to your class, we will lead them through a hands-on, active investigation of our forests. Students will play games and use various tools to experience the forest in a new way and will come away with new questions to extend their learning back at school!

Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Secondary
Availability: Sept-Nov, Apr-June

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<![CDATA[Ephemeral Nature Art]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/ephemeral-nature-art/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/ephemeral-nature-art/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 4:36:13 -0400Students will be introduced to the inspiring work of British artist Andy Goldsworthy, who works with natural materials to construct temporary artworks in outdoor wild spaces. Students will then work in groups to explore the Shaw Woods property, choose a special spot and create their own ephemeral nature-based art. The students will have an opportunity to share their artworks with their classmates in a “gallery walk” at the end of the program. Teachers are encouraged to take photos to document their students’ artistic process, for future use back at school.

Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Availability: All year (but best in the fall!)

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<![CDATA[Biodiversity and Invasive Species Hike]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/biodiversity-and-invasive-species-hike/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/biodiversity-and-invasive-species-hike/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 4:33:48 -0400On this interactive hike, students will learn about the difference between native and introduced species that are present at Shaw Woods. We will discuss the characteristics of invasive introduced species and the impact some of these invasives are having in our local environment. Students will also have the opportunity to compare the biodiversity present in different habitats on the property, and discuss why the presence of a diversity of habitats makes Shaw Woods so special and aids in the forest’s resilience.

Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Availability: Sept-Nov, Apr-June

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<![CDATA[Winter Fun Day]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/winter-fun-day/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/winter-fun-day/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 3:47:51 -0400Come play all day in the snow with us and discover Shaw Woods at its finest! Strap on a pair of snowshoes and try your hand at relay racing, chasing “ptarmigans” and exploring our winter woods. Rotate through fun activity stations near the Pavilion, including traditional indigenous winter games, exploring the science of snowflakes, feeding the birds, warming up by the campfire, and of course enjoying a sweet winter treat. Winter is fun for everyone at Shaw Woods! It might be a good idea to pack extra socks, mitts, and winter layers for this program.

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3
Availability: December - early March, depending on conditions

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<![CDATA[It's a Bug's Life]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/it-s-a-bug-s-life/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/it-s-a-bug-s-life/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 3:31:22 -0400Children’s “bug” hunting skills are put to work as they search for some local insect species in a hands-on forest exploration area in the Shaw Woods! Students will use insect collecting tools and techniques, while practicing respectful ways of handling bugs. Get a bug’s eye view of some additional specimens at the Creature Feature Table!

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3
Availability: Sept-Oct, May-June

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<![CDATA[Snowshoe Hike]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/snowshoe-hike/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/snowshoe-hike/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 3:29:07 -0400Embark on a winter adventure with your class! Students will explore our forest on snowshoes and learn a little about winter ecology along the way. We will also try out some fun and challenging snowshoe games to demonstrate our newfound "bigfoot" skills.

Grades: All of them!
Availability: December-March, as long as we have snow!

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<![CDATA[Touch The Earth]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/touch-the-earth/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/touch-the-earth/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 3:28:09 -0400Explore Shaw Woods with all your senses! Students will participate in a variety of sensory activities that will increase their awareness of and sensitivity to the natural world around us. This program is designed to be an immersive exploration of our forests and will be of particular benefit to those students who have infrequent contact with natural spaces.

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3
Availability: Sept-Nov, April-June

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<![CDATA[Wetland Wonders]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/wetland-wonders/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/wetland-wonders/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 3:27:10 -0400Wetlands are extremely important and fragile habitats that play a critical role in the ecosystem. In this program we will discuss the various functions of wetlands and investigate the biodiversity present in the Shaw Pond. Conditions permitting, we will sample the pond for aquatic macroinvertebrates and learn how to identify them using a dichotomous key. Students may also hike to the wetland and explore the edge of the Snake River to learn about the diversity of wet habitats on our property.

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Availability: Sept-Oct, May-June

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<![CDATA[Digging Into the Roots of Soil]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/digging-into-the-roots-of-soil/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/digging-into-the-roots-of-soil/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 2:57:52 -0400

Students will explore the relationship between plant communities and the soils they grow in. We will sample and compare soils from different areas on the Shaw Woods property and discuss how the variations in the soils determine what plants can grow in them. Students will get to try their hand at making their own soil samples and explore the role of soils in filtering and storing groundwater.

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3

Availability: Sept-Nov, Apr-June

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<![CDATA[Bird Investigators]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/bird-investigators/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/bird-investigators/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 2:57:07 -0400Begin a life-long hobby in the great outdoors! Birding is a great way to connect children to nature and leads to numerous opportunities for inquiry. In this program students will investigate the physical characteristics of birds and their adaptations through games, activities and a short birding hike.

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3
Availability: All year

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<![CDATA[A Plant And Me]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/a-plant-and-me/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/a-plant-and-me/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 2:56:28 -0400Students will learn how to identify the various parts of a plant and their functions, and what a plant needs in order to grow. Through games and inquiry, students will be introduced to some of the plant species that call Shaw Woods home. We will explore the Old Growth forest and discuss the variety of plant life that makes it such a special environment. Students will also have the opportunity to do a little bit of planting and take home their very own mini wildflower garden!

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3
Availability: Fall, Spring

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<![CDATA[Shaw Woods Visit]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/pembroke-active-living-centre/shaw-woods-visit/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/pembroke-active-living-centre/shaw-woods-visit/Tue, 03 Oct 2023 5:50:10 -0400<![CDATA[Pembroke 50+ Active Living Centre]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/pembroke-active-living-centre/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/pembroke-active-living-centre/Tue, 03 Oct 2023 5:47:57 -0400<![CDATA[Mackenzie Community School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/mackenzie-community-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/mackenzie-community-school/Tue, 03 Oct 2023 5:31:42 -0400<![CDATA[Holy Name]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/holy-name/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/holy-name/Tue, 26 Sep 2023 4:55:59 -0400<![CDATA[Team Building Event]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/team-building-event/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/team-building-event/Fri, 22 Sep 2023 9:33:39 -0400<![CDATA[Animal Antics]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/animal-antics/https://www.shawwoods.ca/education/programs/animal-antics/Wed, 20 Sep 2023 9:53:32 -0400Learn about the needs and characteristics of a wide variety of animals that call Shaw Woods home. We may examine animal pelts, search for salamanders, examine insects, play active games, and explore the diversity of habitats present on the property. This active program will fill your students with questions and curiosities about our animal friends.

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3
Availability: All year

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<![CDATA[Killaloe Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/killaloe-public-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/killaloe-public-school/Tue, 12 Sep 2023 8:28:24 -0400<![CDATA[Volunteer Orientation]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/volunteer-orientation/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/volunteer-orientation/Tue, 12 Sep 2023 7:53:24 -0400<![CDATA[Sustaining Sponsor Visit]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/sustaining-sponsor-visit/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/sustaining-sponsor-visit/Tue, 05 Sep 2023 6:55:31 -0400<![CDATA[St James]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-james/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-james/Fri, 01 Sep 2023 4:29:24 -0400<![CDATA[SWOEC ]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-volunteer-orientation/Sun, 27 Aug 2023 8:10:00 -0400<![CDATA[Kitchissippi-Ottawa Valley]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/the-council-of-canadians/kitchissippi-ottawa-valley/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/the-council-of-canadians/kitchissippi-ottawa-valley/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 3:03:03 -0400<![CDATA[The Council of Canadians]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/the-council-of-canadians/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/the-council-of-canadians/Sun, 04 Jun 2023 8:51:56 -0400<![CDATA[Tree Song Workshop]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/ov-caos/tree-song-workshop/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/ov-caos/tree-song-workshop/Sat, 03 Jun 2023 10:12:41 -0400<![CDATA[OV-CAOS]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/ov-caos/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/ov-caos/Sat, 03 Jun 2023 10:09:28 -0400<![CDATA[Eldertrekking]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/eganville-district-seniors/eldertrekking/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/eganville-district-seniors/eldertrekking/Thu, 01 Jun 2023 9:25:25 -0400<![CDATA[Eganville & District Seniors]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/eganville-district-seniors/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/eganville-district-seniors/Thu, 01 Jun 2023 9:22:26 -0400<![CDATA[Cathedral Catholic School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/cathedral-catholic-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/cathedral-catholic-school/Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:35:10 -0400<![CDATA[McNab Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/mcnab-public-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/mcnab-public-school/Wed, 12 Apr 2023 5:52:09 -0400<![CDATA[Ontario Woodlot Association]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/ontario-woodlot-association/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/ontario-woodlot-association/Wed, 29 Mar 2023 7:37:45 -0400<![CDATA[WQSB]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/wqsb/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/wqsb/Thu, 16 Mar 2023 8:32:28 -0400<![CDATA[North Algona Wilberforce ]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/north-algona-wilberforce/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/north-algona-wilberforce/Mon, 06 Mar 2023 4:46:29 -0500<![CDATA[Available]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/available/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/available/Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:59:09 -0500<![CDATA[SWOEC Board Meeting]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-board-meeting/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/swoec-board-meeting/Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:54:14 -0500<![CDATA[Renfrew County]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/renfrew-county/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/renfrew-county/Thu, 16 Feb 2023 4:51:58 -0500<![CDATA[nigig-ki-win-gamik-society]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/snowshoe/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/snowshoe/Fri, 10 Feb 2023 8:13:54 -0500<![CDATA[Game On!]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/game-on/game-on/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/game-on/game-on/Mon, 30 Jan 2023 9:30:23 -0500<![CDATA[St Thomas The Apostle]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-thomas-the-apostle/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/st-thomas-the-apostle/Sat, 28 Jan 2023 12:03:15 -0500<![CDATA[TDCS Walk & Talk]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/tdcs-walk-talk/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/tdcs-walk-talk/Thu, 27 Oct 2022 6:04:12 -0400<![CDATA[SHSM]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm/Mon, 19 Sep 2022 1:51:44 -0400<![CDATA[Outdoors Club ADHS]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/outdoors-club-adhs/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/outdoors-club-adhs/Tue, 13 Sep 2022 7:07:06 -0400<![CDATA[CRC Renfrew County]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/crc-renfrew-county/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/crc-renfrew-county/Sat, 10 Sep 2022 10:12:18 -0400<![CDATA[RC Paramedics]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rc-paramedics/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rc-paramedics/Wed, 24 Aug 2022 7:49:43 -0400<![CDATA[RCDSB Summer Camp]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/rcdsb-summer-camp/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/rcdsb-summer-camp/Fri, 01 Jul 2022 6:24:56 -0400<![CDATA[Indigenous Students Program]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/indigenous-students-program/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/indigenous-students-program/Thu, 02 Jun 2022 2:56:48 -0400<![CDATA[Our Lady of Grace]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/our-lady-of-grace/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/our-lady-of-grace/Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:54:18 -0400<![CDATA[Whitney Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/whitney-public-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/whitney-public-school/Mon, 07 Mar 2022 8:13:04 -0500<![CDATA[Paramedic Training]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rc-paramedics/paramedic-training/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rc-paramedics/paramedic-training/Wed, 15 Dec 2021 6:06:37 -0500<![CDATA[CRC Killaloe]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/game-on/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/game-on/Thu, 25 Nov 2021 7:15:29 -0500<![CDATA[East Side]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/maps-and-visitor-guides/east-side/https://www.shawwoods.ca/maps-and-visitor-guides/east-side/Wed, 10 Nov 2021 2:50:13 -0500These trails will take you along the Snake River, Dore Scarp and Shaws Pond. From at op the scenic lookout in times of low water, it is still possible to see the river channel as it was before the dam was built in the eighteenth century to create the millpond. The landscapes and diversity of life forms found here stand in sharp contrast to the hardwood forest spreading out before you to the southwest. Pre-1900 forest fire regimes and more recent logging has influenced the forests growing today.

However, as you will soon learn, there are numerous connections linking the natural, geological, and human histories of the land along both sides of the waterway. We hope you enjoy your journey back in time!
 

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<![CDATA[West Side]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/maps-and-visitor-guides/west-side/https://www.shawwoods.ca/maps-and-visitor-guides/west-side/Wed, 10 Nov 2021 11:49:01 -0500You are about to step into a rare and ancient forest. In many ways, it is not unlike what the first European explorers to eastern North America would have encountered. Some clues to recognizing this as an ‘Old Growth Forest’ are obvious while others are more subtle. See how many of these characte ristics you can identify on your walk:

  • High-branched, large diameter trees
  • Multilayered canopy
  • Pit and mound topography
  • Nurse logs and cavity trees
  • Lack of pioneer tree species
  • Absence of sawn stumps
     
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<![CDATA[Sherwood Public School]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/sherwood-public-school/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/sherwood-public-school/Wed, 06 Oct 2021 11:07:50 -0400<![CDATA[Unavailable]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/unavailable/unavailable-7730.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/unavailable/unavailable-7730.htmlSat, 25 Sep 2021 11:02:28 -0400<![CDATA[FCS Renfrew @Pavillion]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/fcs-renfrew/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/fcs-renfrew/Tue, 14 Sep 2021 7:26:24 -0400<![CDATA[Event 1]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/private-event/1544.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/private-event/1544.htmlSat, 28 Aug 2021 12:10:38 -0400<![CDATA[CIF]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/cif/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/cif/Sat, 28 Aug 2021 10:54:23 -0400<![CDATA[Roseburg]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/roseburg/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/roseburg/Sat, 28 Aug 2021 10:49:32 -0400<![CDATA[RTO Meeting]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rto/rto-meeting/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rto/rto-meeting/Sat, 28 Aug 2021 10:48:32 -0400<![CDATA[RTO Meeting]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rto/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rto/Sat, 28 Aug 2021 10:43:48 -0400<![CDATA[Self-Guided Story Walk 'The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do' by Ashley Spires! ]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/bonnechere-union-public-library-story-walk-the-thing-lou-couldn-t-do-by-ashley-spires/story-walk-the-thing-lou-couldn-t-do-by-ashley-spires/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/bonnechere-union-public-library-story-walk-the-thing-lou-couldn-t-do-by-ashley-spires/story-walk-the-thing-lou-couldn-t-do-by-ashley-spires/Tue, 15 Jun 2021 9:28:00 -0400<![CDATA[Bonnechere Union Public Library]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/bonnechere-union-public-library-story-walk-the-thing-lou-couldn-t-do-by-ashley-spires/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/bonnechere-union-public-library-story-walk-the-thing-lou-couldn-t-do-by-ashley-spires/Tue, 15 Jun 2021 9:25:41 -0400<![CDATA[Cancellation Policy]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/about/policies/cancellation-policy/https://www.shawwoods.ca/about/policies/cancellation-policy/Mon, 25 May 2020 11:10:06 -0400Please read through our cancellation policy BEFORE submitting your booking request.

Shaw Woods is an outdoor education centre and our programmes run four seasons a year in all weather conditions. Please refer to the appropriate clothing guide and general information that is attached to your registration form.

Once your booking request has been submitted and confirmed by our staff, your date, programmes chosen and student numbers will be reserved for your group(s) or class. Our booking calendar will now state “booked”.

Due to staffing requirements and interest by other schools, we require a MINIMUM of two weeks notice to accommodate any change in date or student numbers.

Specialized programme options (GPS Green check, Forestry Management) that include outside, or specialized Human Resources and/or course material, require a MINIMUM of FOUR WEEKS notice for change of date or student numbers. CHANGES made after this period will result in your Board’s allotted student days to be debited accordingly.

The only exceptions to this policy are: last minute bus cancellations or extreme weather conditions as mutually agreed upon between the school principal and Shaw Woods.

If changes are requested in a timely manner, or are the result of either bus cancellations or extreme weather conditions, our Office Administrator (MK Jones at shawwoods.edu@gmail.com) will gladly rebook your day.

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<![CDATA[Pembroke Area Field Naturalists Owl Prowl]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/pembroke-area-field-naturalists/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/pembroke-area-field-naturalists/Wed, 18 Mar 2020 6:21:28 -0400<![CDATA[RCCDSB Arctic Games]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/rccdsb/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/rccdsb/Thu, 12 Mar 2020 8:02:34 -0400<![CDATA[RCCDSB]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rccdsb/Thu, 12 Mar 2020 8:00:18 -0400<![CDATA[MARCH BREAK]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/march-break/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/march-break/Sun, 12 Jan 2020 1:27:01 -0500<![CDATA[Valour]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/valour/9054.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/valour/9054.htmlTue, 03 Dec 2019 7:46:04 -0500<![CDATA[Unavailable]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/unavailable/unavailable-428.htmlhttps://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/unavailable/unavailable-428.htmlSun, 10 Nov 2019 7:38:04 -0500<![CDATA[Event]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/event/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/event/Tue, 17 Sep 2019 9:08:33 -0400<![CDATA[1st Pembroke Guide Pathfinder Unit]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/1st-pembroke-guide-pathfinder-unit/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/1st-pembroke-guide-pathfinder-unit/Fri, 13 Sep 2019 12:53:29 -0400<![CDATA[ ]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/unavailable/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/unavailable/Tue, 10 Sep 2019 7:32:58 -0400<![CDATA[Unavailable]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/unavailable/Tue, 10 Sep 2019 7:23:42 -0400<![CDATA[Forest Symposium]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/forest-symposium/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/forest-symposium/Thu, 05 Sep 2019 5:55:24 -0400<![CDATA[Event]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/event/Thu, 05 Sep 2019 5:54:52 -0400<![CDATA[ Algonquin Woodroffe]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/algonquin-college/algonquin-woodroffe/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/algonquin-college/algonquin-woodroffe/Thu, 05 Sep 2019 5:50:40 -0400<![CDATA[Algonquin College]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/algonquin-college/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/algonquin-college/Thu, 05 Sep 2019 5:50:12 -0400<![CDATA[CEPEO]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/cepeo/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/cepeo/Thu, 05 Sep 2019 5:43:12 -0400<![CDATA[RCDSB]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/https://www.shawwoods.ca/calendar/rcdsb/Thu, 22 Aug 2019 6:31:22 -0400<![CDATA[Old Growth Forest Research]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/research/old-growth-forest-research/https://www.shawwoods.ca/research/old-growth-forest-research/Tue, 26 Sep 2017 2:14:51 -0400Our project is to quantify the features of Ontario's tolerant hardwood old-growth forests.  Old-growth features include vertical and horizontal complexity, large (over 60 cm dbh) and very large (over 90 cm dbh) trees, an abundance of standing dead trees, down woody debris, and pit and mound topology from trees tipping over.  These features are important to a variety of wildlife from amphibians and fungi on the forest floor to upper canopy birds and everything in between.  Old-growth features have never been quantified for Ontario sites before.  With the limited number of tolerant hardwood old-growth sites in Ontario, the measurements in Shaw Woods will greatly contribute to the data set.

We will be comparing old-growth with managed and unmanaged tolerant hardwood stands and discussing methods one can do to accelerate the development of old-growth features in managed stands using a technique called structural complexity enhancement (SCE).  SCE has been shown to accelerate the development of old-growth features, increase biodiversity, and increase the storage of carbon in comparison to traditional hardwood management.

I will be presenting the results along with my colleague Ken Elliot as the keynote speaker at the Trenton Woodlot Conference in November.

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<![CDATA[Policies]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/about/policies/https://www.shawwoods.ca/about/policies/Mon, 25 Sep 2017 10:01:48 -0400<![CDATA[Native Plants ]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/research/native-plants/https://www.shawwoods.ca/research/native-plants/Mon, 25 Sep 2017 9:30:57 -0400These images have been taken from: Forest Plants of Central Ontario, Lone Pine, 1st Edition, 1996. The species have been specifically chosen to highlight the diversity of native plants along this trail; when the Grade 11 Biology class /studied along the trail, they grew to learn of these plants specific identifying features, medical uses, and whether they were edible vs. poisonous. Another amazing resource we used is Edible & Medicinal Plants of Canada, Lone Pine, New Edition, 2014. The goal was to have the students gain a better appreciation for the natural world through connecting to their studies in the classroom to the forest setting. They could feel, smell, and in some cases, taste the plants we introduced them to. It became a outdoor-experiential opportunity for everyone who participated. A special thank you to volunteer, Grant Dobson, for allowing the students to start their studies at his property. We always want to give a big thank you to all volunteers that make this centre run. 

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<![CDATA[Eastern Red-backed Salamander Study 2017]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/research/eastern-red-backed-salamander-study-2017/https://www.shawwoods.ca/research/eastern-red-backed-salamander-study-2017/Tue, 30 May 2017 5:20:23 -0400Our Eastern Red-backed Salamander Study is well underway at Shaw Woods this spring! Each week we have been collecting data that indicates the health of the Red-backed Salamander population in our local area. This data will add to the SPARC-net project that is being conducted through PennState University. For more information please click on this link: http://seansterrett.wixsite.com/sparcnet

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<![CDATA[Site Location]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/maps-and-visitor-guides/site-location/https://www.shawwoods.ca/maps-and-visitor-guides/site-location/Mon, 05 Dec 2016 11:21:15 -0500<![CDATA[The Shaws of Lake Dore]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/about/the-shaws-of-lake-dore/https://www.shawwoods.ca/about/the-shaws-of-lake-dore/Fri, 25 Nov 2016 2:13:39 -0500A brief history …

John Shaw, originally from Inverness, Scotland, his wife, the former Barbara Thompson and their two-year-old son John II arrived here by canoe from Bytown (Ottawa) in 1847. Barbara was a niece of Ann Crichton, wife of the Hon. Thomas McKay, who built many locks along the Rideau Canal and his home Rideau Hall, now home to Canada’s Governors General. John Shaw was McKay’s miller and he and Barbara were married at Rideau Hall.

Upper Canada was quite a remote destination in those days with only a few families living in the united townships of Wilberforce, Grattan and Frazer (sic). Drawn by the potential water power of the Snake River, a sawmill and three-story gristmill were quickly established. By 1851 seven people were employed and the young enterprise had begun a long history, making it now the longest established family-owned lumber business in Canada. Fifth generation John 5th and Dana Shaw carry on the business today.

The Shaw’s first house was a simple 1 ½-story log structure. A mixed farm produced a variety of products to be sold or traded for help running the mills across the road. Several of the Shaws served as postmaster for the Lake Dore hamlet. John Shaw ll, known as “Honest John”, was at one time reeve and treasurer of Wilberforce Township and served on County Council in 1880. Local farmers from miles around would draw logs to be sawn and grain to be milled. In 19th century Renfrew County it was not uncommon to carry 35 kg. bags of grain for many miles and return home later that day with the ground flour. You can see two of the original grist stones, shipped from Scotland and used in the mill, at the Shaws Pond dam-site.

Several ‘day books’ from this time period tabulate the business’s local commerce, and every year (or two) the accounts would be settled. Trading of goods and services such as with the “Desjardin Steam Carriage, Sleigh and Waggon Factory” was established. The Shaws provided sawn basswood lumber, a lightweight and easily worked component for sleighs and carriages, and the Pembroke company supplied manufactured items for the Lake Dore company’s operations. At year’s end the party with accounts receivable had the dollar amount listed with the antiquated accounting term ‘favor’.

In 1942 the company, now operated by Herb and Len Shaw, sons of John ll, relocated to Pembroke to be closer to business interests. Their stately frame home, with its impressive stone fences and gardens was removed when the Bulger Road was widened. In the early 1950’s the farm fields were reforested with pine by Herb’s sons, John and Donald Shaw.

In the 1970’s the National Museum of Natural Sciences and the Nature Conservancy of Canada became interested in the property’s natural heritage value, and in partnership with the Shaw family established the Shaw Woods Nature Preserve. With uncommon plant species, centuries-old trees and animals as diverse as lynx and bald eagle, the woods have welcomed visitors from far and wide for decades. Over the years many scientific journals have contained reference to research conducted here, taking special advantage of the virtually untouched living laboratory. Currently, Algonquin College, the University of Guelph and the Great Lakes Forestry Centre all have field research projects.

Recently, a local not-for-profit charitable organization (SWOEC) was formed to provide for enhanced interpretive and educational opportunities. Their mandate is to foster an ethic of responsible environmental stewardship and highlight sound forest management practice, (a legacy of the Shaw owners down through the years) while at the same time respecting and protecting reserves such as this one for generations to come.......We hope you enjoy your visit.


by Grant Dobson and Mernie James, with Lana Shaw, Lisa Shaw-Verhoek and Lisbeth Shaw-Cullen

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<![CDATA[Events]]>https://www.shawwoods.ca/events/https://www.shawwoods.ca/events/Fri, 25 Nov 2016 1:02:20 -0500