School Visits at Evergreen Brick Works

About our School Visits program

We believe strongly in the power of outdoor experiential learning and its capacity to increase subject knowledge, motivate students, and stimulate curiosity. Nestled in the heart of Toronto in the lush Don Valley, we have a unique opportunity to connect students to local nature. Scroll below to learn about our incredible variety of programs that help children, Grades K–12, connect with nature. For further program details, please see our Teacher’s Guide.

Please note that due to the Children’s Garden improvements, our capacity will be reduced to 40 students per day.

Scenes from school visits

Scroll through the gallery to see what you can expect from your visit to Evergreen Brick Works.

Group of high school boys creating a craft ourdoors

Program options

Grades K-3

Urban Animal Adventures – Kindergarten

Program description: Children are naturally curious about the animals that inhabit the world around them. Through stories, guided exploration and free play, students will learn about the different animals that fly, hop, burrow, and swim at Evergreen Brick Works. Students will make connections between what they see at Evergreen Brick Works and what they find in their communities.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

The Living City – Grade 1

Program description: This program introduces students to Toronto’s surprising abundance of living things—fox, deer, coyote, rabbit, and a host of birds, insects and plants—and how they all need food, water and shelter. Students will explore the natural community around them and learn about how seasons impact living things. We will explore what living things provide for one another and build animal homes.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

Water, Water Everywhere – Grade 2

Program description: Water is a central feature of communities around the world, and Toronto’s relationship with water is a perfect example. Students will discover the local aquatic ecosystems of Mud Creek and the Evergreen Ponds, home to diverse plants and animals at Evergreen Brick Works.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

Take a Walk on the Wild Side – Grade 2

Program description: Students will explore the landscape through the eyes of the local animals. By engaging all of their senses, students will track the animals and learn about their interesting characteristics and behaviours. Through games, stories and habitat-building, students will learn about the importance of protecting the land for generations to come.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

Plant Power – Grade 3

Program description: Unleash your inner botanist! In this experiential program, children will dive into the world of plants, learning how they use the sun’s energy and adapt to their environment. Through fun and creative activities, students will discover the incredible superpowers of plants and how they can inspire us to work better together.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

Earth Explorers – Grade 3

Program description: Dig deep into the fascinating world beneath our feet! Students will become dirt detectives and explore the different layers and types of soil, discover how it supports life, and learn about the important roles it plays in our ecosystems. Delve into the history of the ground below Evergreen Brick Works and what makes it special.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

Grades 4-6

Our Home and Habitat – Grade 4

Program description: This is a wide-ranging exploration of the hills and dales of Toronto’s unique ravine landscape. The ravines of Toronto play host to an amazing diversity of wildlife, and students will learn where and how these creatures live together in the same space with enough food, water and shelter. In a sustainable city, physical and human geography are in harmony, and the connection between people and place is strong and vibrant.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

Geology Rocks – Grade 4

Program description: Evergreen Brick Works sits on the floodplain of the Don River, where there was once an industrial quarry the size of the Rogers Centre. The quarry excavated clay and shale to make the bricks that built this city; this process of digging exposed half a billion years of geological time and is an epic tale of nature’s history. Students will explore how the geological landscape evolved naturally and through human interventions.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $25 (minimum fee $250); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $45 (minimum fee $450).

Stealing Fire – Grade 5

Program description: Energy begins with the sun. This energy flows through the green leaves and needles of the plant kingdom into the metabolism of animals, including humans. Unlike other animals, human beings learned to make fires – a form of energy that keeps us warm, helps us prepare food and lifts our spirits. In this program, students will have the opportunity to build their own fires and explore how energy is transferred and transformed in the environment.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $25 (minimum fee $250); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $45 (minimum fee $450).

The Web of Life – Grade 6

Program description: The mosaic of wetland, forest and meadow at the Evergreen Brick Works represents some of the most biologically diverse habitats in the city, home to a myriad of species, from deer and beaver to coyotes, hawks and snapping turtles. In this program, students will learn about the astonishing biodiversity of the ravine’s ecosystems and the characteristics of the species that live there. They will build models of ecosystems and explore the connections within and across ecosystems.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

Grades 7-8

Wild in the City – Grade 7

Program description: With its rivers, forests and dramatic geography, Toronto’s ravine system defines the city’s landscape. Students will get a close-up look at the ravine system that cuts through the Brick Works and learn about the plants and animals that inhabit this ecosystem and how human actions impact them. Students will learn about ecosystem dynamics and create models to better understand the interactions between living things that take place in our city.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400)

Exploring our Watershed – Grade 8

Program description: Evergreen Brick Works is located in the heart of the Don Valley watershed. Students will have the opportunity to explore the site and adjacent park, searching for signs of watershed management and uncover strategies used to mitigate pollution and human impact. Students will get creative and experiment with different ways to protect our watershed.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400)

Creating our Climate Future – Grades 7-9

Program description: This new program aims to build students’ understanding of climate change while deepening their connection to the natural world. Students will explore Evergreen Brick Works’ green buildings, novel technologies, and groundbreaking landscape design to convey lessons about climate change solutions. The program will also highlight career paths that connect to addressing climate change. Together, these elements equip and empower students with tools to understand and address climate change. They will see possibility in the face of the crisis and feel inspired to contribute to solutions.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

High School

Creating our Climate Future – Grades 7-9

Program description: This new program aims to build students’ understanding of climate change while deepening their connection to the natural world. Students will explore Evergreen Brick Works’ green buildings, novel technologies, and groundbreaking landscape design to convey lessons about climate change solutions. The program will also highlight career paths that connect to addressing climate change. Together, these elements equip and empower students with tools to understand and address climate change. They will see possibility in the face of the crisis and feel inspired to contribute to solutions.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

Team Building – Grades 9-12

Program description: Join us at Evergreen Brick Works for a teambuilding experience where nature is not just the setting but the guide. In this unique program, youth will practice essential skills in collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and leadership while learning about sustainability and the interconnectedness of all living things. Through nature-inspired challenges and games, participants will experience firsthand how teamwork and resilience are reflected in the natural world, deepening their connection to each other and to nature.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

Indigenous Land Connections – Grades 10-12 (available Tuesdays and Fridays only) Maximum capacity 30 students

Program description: Join us on an immersive journey through Evergreen Brick Works guided by Indigenous Seasonal Teachings. As the seasons shift, so do our activities. In the vibrant, growing months, we delve into urban agriculture and traditional gardening techniques, getting our hands dirty as we sow the seeds of plants that grow and thrive throughout the landscape. In the embrace of winter’s chill, we sharpen our bushcrafting skills, mastering the art of firemaking and honing our tracking abilities. Through this program, we’ll discover how the nature all around us can heal and nourish our minds and bodies.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $25 (minimum fee $250); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $45 (minimum fee $450)

Seasonal & Specialty

Nature Play – Grades 1-8

Program description: Join us to experience a day of outdoor fun, the Evergreen way! Students will engage in active, place-based games and get a chance to explore the wild side of the Evergreen Brick Works using all their senses. A natural palette of loose parts will inspire child-led play while our facilitators connect and ground students to the land beneath their feet in our award-winning Children’s Garden.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

Winter Wilds – Grades 1-8

Program description: Embrace the magic of wintertime with memorable activities that celebrate the snow and ice alongside warming fires and active seasonal games. We’ll track animal footprints, dive into winter-based nature play, construct weatherproof shelters and more! Extra warm clothing and indoor warm-up spaces are available throughout the program day.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $20 (minimum fee $200); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $40 (minimum fee $400).

Fire & Ice – Grades 2 and up

Program description: Join us for an unforgettable winter experience that will engage even the most reluctant winter participants. The day will include skating on our sustainably cooled ice rink with basic lessons and alternative activities for any non-skaters. We’ll also cozy up to a bonfire accompanied by storytelling and participate in hands-on activities. Skating equipment is available (small groups only). Students are encouraged to bring their own skates and helmets. Extra warm clothing available. Heated floors and indoor spaces are available for warming breaks.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $30 (minimum fee $300); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $50 (minimum fee $500).

The Fire Challenge – Grades 4-8

Program description: Learn the basics of safe fire building in preparation for an exciting team-building-based challenge. Groups will work together to light a fire that burns strong enough to ignite a suspended rope in this classic twist on a camp favourite! Participants will also play active fire-themed games and tell stories around the fire.
Price: Public Schools: Price per student: $25 (minimum fee $250); Privately Funded Schools: Price per student $45 (minimum fee $450).

Pricing

Evergreen Brick Works functions as a social enterprise, meaning that any profit we make from our revenue-generating ventures, including School Visits, is invested in maintaining the Brick Works site and is used to fund out work across Canada.

Evergreen conducts an annual review of our program pricing models to reflect current material, staffing and administrative costs. This ensures we can maintain our commitment to delivering meaningful, high-quality outdoor education experiences and reflects our commitment to serving as many students from equity deserving communities as possible.

Educators and parent volunteers attend programs free of charge. Prices do not include transportation to and from Evergreen Brick Works, as transportation is the responsibility of the school that is booking the program. While prices are subject to change, we make every effort to keep any increases to a minimum.

Specialty and custom programs

Rates for select specialized programs have higher costs that reflect the additional materials, maintenance, preparation and training required to deliver them. The range in rates for customized programs corresponds to the level of customization requested. We always do our best to work with you to accommodate your request but cannot guarantee that all requests will be possible. When customization is possible, we will provide a detailed quote. Please reach out to us directly at school@evergreen.ca.

Detailed rate information

Program type	Price per student – public schools	Minimum fee	Price per student – private schools	Minimum fee
Standard Programs	$20	$200	$40	$400
Fire Challenge & Stealing Fire	$25	$250	$45	$450
Geology Rocks	$25	$250	$45	$450
Indigenous Land Connections	$25	$250	$45	$450
Fire and Ice	$30	$300	$50	$500
Custom Programs	$25-40	$250-400	$45-60	$450-600

*For high school programs (Grades 9 to 12), there is an additional tax of 13% (HST) in addition to the rate listed in the table.

Bursary programs

Eligible public schools can receive a fully subsidized program. To be considered for a bursary, please provide a brief explanation of your school’s need when completing the program registration form, which you can access by clicking ‘Register’ at the top of this page.

Please note that transportation to and from Evergreen Brick Works is not covered by Evergreen. For those seeking financial assistance for transportation, we want to draw attention to Daytrippers Children’s Charity, an independent organization that offers support specifically for school field trips. It is important to clarify that Evergreen is not affiliated with Daytrippers Children’s Charity, however we support the opportunities they offer. Should you be interested in exploring this funding opportunity provided by Daytrippers, we recommend reviewing their website: https://daytrippers.ca/criteria-and-timelines/

TDSB Schools: Public elementary schools that rank in the Top 300 of the TDSB Learning Opportunities Index (TDSB LOI), or model schools, may qualify for a bursary program. High schools that rank within the top 30 schools on the TDSB LOI may also qualify.

TCDSB Schools: Your school’s eligibility will be assessed based on the TDSB Learning Opportunities Index (TDSB LOI) ranking of the nearest TDSB school. We recognize that the socioeconomics (median-income, level of education, etc.) of a neighbourhood can vary greatly across space. Therefore, we will also ask you to provide any supporting information during your application that demonstrates your school’s need.

FAQ

Have more questions?

If you have questions about the program, please contact us at school@evergreen.ca or 289-815-4719.

How many adult supervisors can accompany my class on the trip?

In addition to teachers, we welcome parent/guardian volunteers on visits to Evergreen Brick Works. While we don’t charge admission for parent/guardian volunteers, we suggest a maximum of 1 adult (teachers and parent/guardian volunteers) per 10 students. Please send us an email at school@evergreen.ca if you require an exception.

What time do programs start and end? How do I get to and from the site?

When registering through our online booking system, please indicate the time you would like to begin and end your program. Please note, we recommend a visit of at least 4 hours in duration to allow enough time to complete all the program components.

Please select your preferred arrival time from the following options:

9:30AM arrival at Castle Frank Subway Station – For classes traveling via subway, Evergreen facilitators will meet you at Castle Frank Subway Station and facilitate the hike to Evergreen Brick Works as part of the program. This hike takes about 45 minutes (2.5 km) and is not recommended for students under Grade 2. Please note that this route goes through the forest and may be snowy and icy in wintertime. If you feel these conditions may pose a challenge for your students, we recommend organizing transportation directly to Evergreen Brick Works.
OR
10:00AM arrival at Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue) – For classes travelling via school bus, other form of private transportation, or the TTC 28 Bayview South Bus, please meet us by the Central Parking Lot outside Picnic Café (see the Site Map under Programming Spaces).

Please select your preferred departure time from the following options:

1:30PM from Evergreen Brick Works – For classes that need to get back to school early! You may depart via school bus, other form of private transportation, TTC bus, or via self-guided walk to Castle Frank Subway Station.
OR
2:30PM from Evergreen Brick Works – For classes that want a slightly longer day at Evergreen Brick Works! You may depart via school bus, other form of private transportation, TTC bus, or via self-guided walk to Castle Frank Subway Station.

Please reach out to school@evergreen.ca if you would like to request a different departure time.

How many students can participate in a program?

The maximum number of students we can accommodate per program slot is 40*.

In previous years, Wednesdays have been reserved for large group bookings, accommodating up to 80 students. This fall and winter seasons, we have construction happening in the Children’s Garden and will not longer be able to accommodate such large groups. Instead, we will have capacity for 40* students.

*For our Indigenous Land Connections program, the maximum capacity is 30 students.

What does a typical day at Evergreen Brick Works look like?

The specifics of your day at the Brick Works will depend on the program you select, however there are some key components that most programs will include.

The following is an example of a typical day at Evergreen Brick Works:

10:00AM Arrival and opening circle
10:30AM Nature hike with program-specific curriculum connections
11:30AM Lunch and free time in Evergreen’s award-winning Children’s Garden
12:30PM Program-specific activity (e.g., loose parts habitat build, skating, fire-building)
1:30PM Closing circle
2:00PM Departure

Please note:

Additional activities may occur throughout the day depending on program and timing, including curriculum connected games and storytelling.
This schedule may be flipped so that the nature hike takes place in the afternoon and the program specific activity in the morning
Throughout the day, your class may be split into smaller groups of 10-15 students during hikes or activities
The specific schedule of your day is subject to change as a result of the season, weather and/or other factors.

What are the payment, cancellation and refund policies?

PAYMENT POLICY:
Full program payment is due no later than 7 days prior to the program’s start date. Payments made less than 7 days prior to the program’s start date are subject to a $100 late fee. Schools will be invoiced based on the number of students indicated on the booking form. Refunds will not be issued if fewer students attend than are indicated on the booking form.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY:
Prior to program facilitation, we allocate resources for planning, reserving spaces, acquiring equipment, staffing, and other necessary expenses. Unfortunately, if a cancellation occurs, many of these costs are non-recoverable. When considering cancellation, we kindly ask for your understanding and respect for our policies.

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to school@evergreen.ca

Bursary Programs: Cancellation requests received in writing more than 14 days prior to the program’s start date will not be charged an administrative fee. Cancellation requests received in writing within 14 days of the program’s start date will be charged a $50 administrative fee. Cancellation requests received in writing within 48 hours of the program’s start time will be charged a $100 administrative fee. No-shows will be charged a $100 administrative fee.

All Other Programs: Cancellation requests received in writing more than 14 days prior to the program’s start date will receive a full refund. Cancellation requests received in writing within 14 days of the program’s start date will be refunded any program fees paid, less a $100 administrative fee. Cancellation requests received in writing within 48 hours of the program’s start time will be charged the full cost of the program based on the Booking Form numbers. No-shows will be charged the full cost of the program.

EXTREME WEATHER:

Evergreen’s school programs run rain or shine. Cancellations requested by clients due to the following reasons will not be charged an administrative fee, and will be refunded any program fees paid:

extreme weather conditions according to Environment Canada’s warning system (e.g., blizzard, extreme cold, severe thunderstorm, tornado, flooding)
school board transportation cancellations
school closures

STRIKE & WORK-TO-RULE:

If a strike or work-to-rule action is in place and inhibits the client from attending a scheduled program, every attempt will be made to re-schedule within the current school year. Should that not be possible, the client will receive a full refund of any program fees paid.

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY:

If a government order is in place and inhibits the client from attending a scheduled program, every attempt will be made to re-schedule within the current school year. Should that not be possible, the client will receive a full refund of any program fees paid.

Cancellations requested by clients for reasons other than those stated in the Extreme Weather, Strike and Work-To-Rule, and Public Health Emergency policies will be charged according to the schedule and rates described in the Cancellation Policy.

In the rare event of a cancellation made by Evergreen, no administrative fee will be charged, and clients will receive a refund of any program fees paid.