Heartland Forest Nature Experience WHERE LEARNING COMES

Heartland Forest Nature Experience
8215 Heartland Forest Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2H 0L5
www.heartlandforest.org
905.356.7384
Vision
To inspire and enrich the lives of people of all abilities through inclusive program offerings and hands on exploration. We are committed to community engagement and environmental stewardship for future generations. Mission
To provide an interactive nature experience for all that builds lifelong connections with nature through dynamic and inspiring programs. With a goal of preservation and sustainability we engage the hearts and minds of our staff, volunteers and visitors. Overview
Located within the urban boundary of Niagara Falls, Heartland Forest is a wonderful example of a Carolinian Forest including seasonal wetlands. It is a joy to see all ages and abilities learn and grow while enjoying the facilities. In 2004 the first accessible trails were laid -­‐ two kilometers meandering through the beautiful Carolinian forest. The following year a wheelchair accessible tree house was built complete with a 114 foot ramp. Next a fishing pond, followed by a merry-­‐go-­‐round, swing and nature-­‐themed miniature golf course -­‐ each unique in their design and function and suitable for wheelchair and scooter accessibility. Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the government of Canada provided $1.65 million to assist Heartland Forest in building a Nature Centre. Out of the 355 applications received across Canada, five were selected -­‐ Heartland Forest being one of them. In June of 2013 we celebrated the realization of this dream come true. The new 14,000 square foot Nature Centre provides year-­‐round access and programming and fulfills Heartland's desire to be seen as a leading example of accessibility, an active lifestyle and environmental stewardship RECREATION & COMMUNITY USE Heartland Forest is a community resource, open to the public year round from 8 a.m. to dusk -­‐ free of charge. Schools, group homes for the developmentally and intellectually disabled as well as senior residences bring busloads to visit. Scouting and Guiding groups use the tree house, the local astronomy club has free public stargazing nights and the pavilion area is used for group and family picnics. Dog owners can bring their pets. Parents can take their children for a walk or push a stroller through the woods on the wide, easy-­‐ access paths and teach them about nature using the informative signage. People and seniors who use mobility devices can park close to the entrance to the woods and lose themselves in nature without worrying about encountering roots, rocks, curbs and steps. FOREST DISCOVERY ENVIROMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM From adventure day camps to school and community bookings to signature events, our Environmental Education program has over 4,800 children attend annually. WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM Since our inception, Heartland Forest's Volunteer Maintenance Team has nurtured an environment where youth and adults of all abilities have worked alongside each other. This provides families with dependent adults increased options for meaningful work and social engagement. Our wood shop opened in 2014 and our team of WHERE LEARNING COMES Naturally!
Heartland Forest Nature Experience
Grant Request
retired woodworkers provide adapted programming for adults with aquired brain injury and intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is rewarding! WHERE LEARNING COMES
Naturally!