The Centre for Conservation is a LEED Building!

The Centre for Conservation (CFC) is a certified LEED building. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This means it was built with concern for my habitat. There are five key areas of human and environmental health for LEED buildings. First is sustainable site development. Architects ensured the building was placed in the proper spot for optimum use of natural resources and blend with the natural environment. The second key area is Water Efficiency. The CFC collects rainwater off the roof to flush the toilets. After flushing this water is treated onsite and returned to the earth. The sewage treatment goes through a 3 step process. First the septic tank separates and digests sewage by using anaerobic bacteria. Second the Waterloo Biofilter adds fanned air to the sewage and aerobic bacteria consumes the waste products and chemicals. The resulting water is cleaner than the water we collect off the roof. Lastly, the water travels through shallow disposal trenches which have perforated side to allow the the water to feed the surrounding forest.

Part of the water treatment system in Ball's Falls Centre for Conservation

The third key is Energy Efficiency. At the CFC natural light is used as much as possible and when additional lighting is required automatic timers are utilized. The fourth key is the Material Selection is an area in which a LEED building must be sustainable. The CFC is composed of local materials with recycled content, helping it blend with the environment and reduce transportation pollution. When building was constructed all the waste was kept to a minimum and every bit was sorted and recycled for new building materials. The fifth key concern, Indoor Environmental Quality. The ventilation system automatically brings in air as needed and transfers the heat or cool from the air leaving the building to the air coming in saving energy. In the winter the floors are heated through pipes that take the heat from the earth and transfer it to the floor. This building is a great example of using natural and local resources in our community and it is a great neighbour for me and all my forest friends. For more information on how a Waterloo Biofilter works visit The Waterloo Biofilter Website.

The Waterloo Biofilter System

Time Travellers Day Camp

Have you heard of Ball’s Falls Conservation Area’s Adventure Camp? Well I flew down to check it out this week and let me tell you it is amazing! There is tons of stuff to do everyday! The camp counsellors have fun activities planned everyday and they do a great job entertaining children. Some fun things they do at camp are hikes, water games, scavenger hunts, crafts, and games.

Below are some pictures from Time Travelers Week just one of the many themed weeks at camp. This camp is starting next week for the last time, so book now for an amazing adventure!

One of Our Rocketship Camp Counsellors Gets Ready for Blast Off!!

Up it Goes!

That flies almost as high as ME!

And the Rocket lands safely back on Earth

If you are interested and are or have a child between the ages of 6-10, just call 905-562-5235, ext. 26 to register. Registration can be done for one day, a whole week, or more! The regular hours of camp are 9-3 with extended hours available 8-4:30.   The cost is $30 a day or $100 for a 5 day session, extended hours are $5 additional per day. If more than one child comes a family discount applies!  So join us for some summer fun at our Adventure Daycamp, you might even see me flying around amongst the rockets!