Something Strange!?!

Have you ever seen something weird that people once considered normal? Well I found one here at Ball’s Falls! I was exploring by the Ball family home the other day and found something I find very strange…..a three seat toilet!

That is me on the 3 seat toilet!

I found this so unique I had to tweet one of the staff to find out more! She said that this was actually quite normal in those times because the toilet was outside people would just have a little opening on their underclothing to use the facilities. So they actually wouldn’t take off clothing to use the washroom. In this case it did not matter who was right beside you. And I thought I had it bad having to go in the woods with no privacy, but at least I can hide behind a bush! Come see it for yourself and just ask one of the tour guides for more information. If you have any other ideas of once common things that now seem strange let me know!

Just Waterfalls!?!

Just a couple of our Heritage Buildings!

I always overhear visitors at Ball’s Falls say how surprised they are that there is more at the conservation area than just waterfalls. So I just wanted to let you know that YES we have two waterfalls here but so much more than that! There are beautiful maintained hiking trails in the conservation area, including one that links up to the Bruce Trail. On the site is a historic settlement, where many original buildings are preserved and staff give daily tours. At the Centre for Conservation there are also two museum galleries! One is a permanent exhibit based on the geography of the conservation area and the early settlers. The other changes exhibits to offer new and unique ways to explore Ball’s Falls every time you come! There is always a children’s craft and activity area where learning and playing come together. Did you know so much was offered at Ball’s Falls? I did! And now you know so pass it on!

The Centre for Conservation where the museum galleries are!

The Children's Water Festival!

Hello kids, parents and grandparents, September 12th, 2010 is Grandparents Day! I found something VERY exciting to do on this day, whether you can bring your grandparents or enjoy the day just thinking about them. The Children’s Water Festival is happening at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area! It is a perfect opportunity to bond with your family and have a fun, educational day.

The festival will be happening from 12 noon to 4pm, and is FREE! Complimentary hot dogs and drinks will also be served up for this wonderful day. You can learn all about water, how it is used, conserved, protected, used for science, and water technology. There are activity centres throughout the festival where experienced leaders explain the use of water and create a fun atmosphere to learn. There will be plenty of activities to keep the children busy, such as crafts, face painting, balloon art, and a falcon demonstration. Firefighters will be here as well to show off the latest in fire fighting equipment and give fire safety tips! 

Water is one of the most important resources we have. Learning about it and its uses is a great step to being a valuable member of this planet. Why not fly over to http://www.niagarachildrenswaterfestival.com/index/page/name/home and check out some more information, you’ll discover just how much fun it can be. 

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!