What We Provide

At Earth Tracks Outdoor School and Wilderness Canoe Trips we specialize in nature-based mentoring for people of all ages and skill levels. Our school has been in operation for over 10 years and we pride ourselves in being a leader in the field of outdoor education for both children and adults in Ontario.  We utilize the 8 Shields mentoring model of nature connection which helps our students build deep relationships with nature. Our skill set is diverse and expansive, allowing us to offer experiences that create a deep and powerful connection to the natural world.  Earth Tracks is located near the Town of Durham in Grey County, Ontario.  We also travel extensively across Ontario to offer classes and workshops.  Our schedule is always being updated as new classes and trips are designed and offered and we move through the seasons.

The Earth Tracks Tree has five main Branches:

• The Outdoor School
• Nature-Based Learning for Children/Youth
• One-on-One Mentoring & Coaching
• Wilderness Canoe Trips
• Speaking Engagements/Presentations

Earth Tracks Outdoor School

Our classes, workshops, and apprenticeship programs offer students the chance to immerse themselves in the skills being taught and gain valuable hands-on experience with each subject.  Each class is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge with each topic upon which a lifetime of learning is built, and more advanced classes are continually developed as increasing numbers of students complete our current programs and search for the next step in their learning journey.

Many students have remarked that ‘they will never look at nature in the same way again’ and ‘My life has changed in a deep and meaningful way…’.  It is our goal, through everything that we teach, to help people develop the skills to live a life of connection to the earth, themselves, and community.  By learning and ‘living’ these skills we gain valuable experience and wisdom that is much-needed in the modern world.

We also offer long-term training in the form of two Apprenticeship programs (Wild Plants; Wildlife Tracking) that focus on learning and embodying the skills to become a competent (currently uncertified) Tracker and Plant Practitioner (foraging, herbalist, and utilitarian uses of plants). As of 2016, we are continuing to develop advanced long-term study programs and internships.  These programs are designed to allow students of our current Wild Plants Apprenticeship and Wildlife Tracking Apprenticeship programs to continue to advance their growth in each field as it relates to Tracking, Knowledge, and Use of Plants, and how to mentor others on this journey.

Nature-Based Learning

We offer many nature connection programs for youth, both locally in Grey County as well as across Ontario for a number of groups and organizations.  We have worked with elementary, high school, university, and homeschool students as well as private organizations such as scout groups and nature clubs, and one-on-one mentoring with individuals.

These programs introduce nature awareness and experiential knowledge of plants, mammals, birds, wildlife tracking, and wilderness living skills.  We encourage participants to have fun and play safe while nurturing their connection to nature and enabling each individual to feel at home outdoors.  For more information, visit our Youth Programs page.

One-on-One Mentoring & Coaching

We are available to work with individuals and organizations to provide one-on-one mentoring and coaching programs that will fit your specific goals.  We design this unique experience to fit your needs, and the mentoring or coaching can be done in-person, over the phone or through video conference.

If you are an individual who would like to deepen your skills and understanding of a certain subject area that we specialize in, or perhaps you run an organization or nature-based school or business that would like support and coaching in how to deepen your (or your staff’s) mentoring and teaching skills, Earth Tracks can help with this.  We have worked with a number of individuals and organizations over the years, helping to bring them further along their journey of nature connection, and helping them to add depth to their programs and offerings.

Wilderness Canoe Trips

Earth Tracks offers a variety of wilderness canoe trips typically ranging from 2 to 14 days in length that explore many of the natural areas of central and northern Ontario.  Our naturalist-guided adventures allow participants to enjoy the beauty of Ontario while learning wilderness skills and information about the local flora and fauna.

Our canoe trips are open to people of all backgrounds and experience levels. Each canoeing experience includes spectacular wildlife viewing, delicious meals cooked over the fire, and the chance to safely experience the Canadian wilderness.  Our adventures are all-inclusive providing you with everything needed to experience the natural world by canoe.  For more information on all of our trips you can visit our canoe trips page or feel free to contact us directly.

Earth Tracks is also available to plan custom canoe trips that will meet the needs and goals of your individual group of family or friends, and help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Speaking Engagements/Presentations

Over the years we have travelled and presented at many different outdoor adventure shows, colleges and universities, naturalists clubs, conservation organizations, and more.  These talks and presentations have included topics such as

• Edible and Medicinal Plants
• Ethical Wild Crafting
• Herbalism
• Wildlife Tracking and Nature Observation
• Wilderness Survival/Bushcraft
• Bird Language and Awareness
• Nature Connection and Mentoring
• Wilderness Canoe Trips

We can work with your individual group or organization in delivering one of these informative and educational presentations that meets your needs and goals.  We also offer wildlife/property consultation in learning about the ecology of the flora and fauna found on your land and how you can play a positive role in its management.  We can develop plans on how to enhance the health of your property and help to create a more balanced environment.

If you are interested in any of our programs and classes or have any further questions please contact us.