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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 1 of 13

Kids examine a new nest box at the GRCA's Laurel Creek Nature Centre. The facility houses two classrooms, an outdoor deck and a large gathering space dubbed the discovery room. Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 2 of 13

The GRCA's Laurel Creek Nature Centre sees 15,000 visitors come through its doors each year, while an estimated 50,000 kids and teens participate in the GRCA's programs every year. Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 3 of 13

Turtle time! A Laurel Creek Nature Centre visitor gets a close look at one of the reptiles from the surrounding environment. Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 4 of 13

Canoeing lessons and expeditions are one of the many activities hosted by the Laurel Creek Nature Centre. Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 5 of 13

Snappy the turtle and Cornelius the corn snake are quite popular among the guests to the Laurel Creek Nature Centre. Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 6 of 13

Exploration and imagination are important at Laurel Creek Nature Centre. This program allows participants to discover the insects living in the nearby watershed environment. Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 7 of 13

This spring, Enbridge gave $5,000 to assist in the upgrade of Laurel Creek Nature Centre. As part of our commitment to the communities we operate in and around, Enbridge has given to the GRCF since 2016 to fund trails, outdoor education and habitat restoration as well as the development of a segment of the Brantford to Hamilton Rail Trail. Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 8 of 13

Cornelius the corn snake gets a good sniff of the surrounding air. The Grand River watershed is “deeply entrenched” in southern Ontario, touching some of the province’s biggest communities with no shortage of creeks, lakes and rivers. Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 9 of 13

A Laurel Creek Nature Centre program leader with a beaver-ravaged tree. Says Sara Wilbur, with the GRCA's fundraising charity: "“Everyone looks forward to coming to Laurel Creek Nature Centre because they know they will do something cool and learn something fun.” Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 10 of 13

Volunteers help restore habitat near the Laurel Creek Nature Centre. The organization is currently focusing on a nearby 100-acre tree nursery and the creation of community trails, among other initiatives. Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 11 of 13

“Part of our upgrade to Laurel Creek is making the nature centre more dynamic in what materials we use to engage students,” says Sara Wilbur. “We know there is more we can do with our tanks and terrariums such as adding interactive signage and improving the display spaces. Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 12 of 13

Volunteers help build and install turtle nesting beaches at Laurel Creek Nature Centre. Photo courtesy, Grand River Conservation Authority.

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Grand River Conservation Authority: No. 13 of 13

The organization is also working on the construction of a nature centre in Guelph, which will welcome an average of 200,000 youth per year and be free of charge for visitors.

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