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rare ECO Centre

A Transformation for the Benefit of Our Community,
Our Environment, Our Health.

A place of teaching, a gathering and sharing of ideas.

The Every Child Outdoors (ECO) program at rare provides programs for students from JK to Ph.D. and does so in a way that is unique – it starts with the work of key scientists, is hands-on and inquiry-based and takes full advantage of the special, local landscape found at rare.

1840s Slit Barn prior to being transformed into the rare ECO Centre. Photo by Greg Pautler.
The Slit Barn underwent a renovation that began in 2012. Since then, it – along with the adjacent Resource House – has become the hub of research and educational activities. Photo by Louise Harnett.

To fulfill the vision of Every Child Outdoors, we must Open the Door to Environmental Education – literally! An historic homestead, including an 1840s limestone Slit Barn – one of only a few remaining in Ontario – and its companion farmhouse, known as the Resource House, have been renovated so we can offer our programs year-round to the greatest number of students possible.

Recently completed, the rare ECO Centre has become a hub of activity, hosting programs aimed at youth, New Canadians, and visiting researchers, and providing a space for community groups to gather in.


We still need your help to outfit the rare ECO Centre with the furnishings and science-based equipment that encourage young explorers to get up close and personal with nature. Providing equipment such as butterfly guides and nets, digital calipers, soil identification kits, microscopes, water chemistry kits, and more supports our educators to further develop our Chain of Learning. Please join us in creating environmental stewards of the future!

Click here to donate and to be part of this all important transformation for the betterment of our community!

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