Welcome to the Canadian Centre for Nature-Based Education!
Across Canada’s vast and diverse landscapes, nature is more than just a backdrop — it’s a teacher. From the changing seasons to the quiet strength of our forests and the resilience of northern winds, nature offers powerful lessons that inspire curiosity, build skills, and connect us all.
At the Canadian Centre for Nature-based Education, we believe that transformative, hands-on learning experiences in nature can spark a lasting conservation ethic — one that leads to real action and deep care for the land we all share.
Whether you’re an educator, a community leader, or simply passionate about nature, you’ve come to the right place to explore, discover, and learn!
Explore Additional Opportunities for Nature-Based Education Across Canada
Discover our growing network of nature-based education providers across the country. This interactive map highlights community assets—from local programs and outdoor classrooms to regional organizations and national partners—supporting learning in, about, and through nature. Use this map to find and connect with additional resources near you!
About Us
At the Canadian Centre for Nature-Based Education, we are passionate about fostering a conservation ethic through education. We believe that meaningful, transformative experiences in nature are the key to inspiring real conservation action. Whether you're an educator, a community leader, or someone seeking to deepen your connection to the natural world, we're here to help you find the tools, resources, and opportunities you need to make that connection.
We operate with a no wrong doors approach—meaning no matter where you start, we’ll guide you to the right resources and connect you with the people who can best support your learning journey.
What We Do
Formal education is structured learning that happens in schools and other recognized institutions.
Non-formal education is learning that happens outside the formal school system through workshops, short courses, clubs and programs.
Informal education happens through everyday interactions with family, at work, within communities, and through personal experiences.
- Advocacy for Nature-Based Education (NbE): We work to raise awareness and support for nature-based education as a vital tool for fostering environmental stewardship and lasting change.
- Resources and Training: We provide accessible materials, expert-led training, and resources to help individuals and communities create their own transformative experiences in nature—whether through outdoor education, immersive learning, or nature connection practices.
- Conservation Action: We support and promote experiential learning opportunities that empower individuals to actively participate in conservation efforts, turning knowledge into action through direct engagement with nature.
How We Do It
Education is a lifelong journey that spans formal, nonformal, and informal settings. Whether in classrooms, community workshops, or everyday interactions with the world, learning never stops.
We work to meet people where they are, honoring their unique learning journeys, and empowering them to connect to nature at their own pace. This holistic approach ensures that education is accessible, inclusive, and adaptable—because learning is as dynamic as life itself!
Issue Briefs
Explore our issue briefs highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of Nature-based Education. We invite your to use them to spark discussion, inform decision-making, and inspire action.
Supporter Spotlight
British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund
CWF is working with diverse partners to restore access to critical spawning and rearing habitats for aquatic species at risk including Pacific salmon, Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Steelhead. This project is made possible in part by funding provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Province of BC and through the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF).
Supporter Spotlight
InFocus Canada
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is pleased to announce financial support from InFocus Canada to support Canadian wildlife conservation. The mission of InFocus is to tell compelling stories using premium quality wearable products made from ethically produced materials showcasing that showcase photography from the best professional photographers.
Supporter Spotlight
RBC Foundation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is pleased to have RBC Foundation’s support, as our Tech for Nature partner. CWF and RBC Foundation are working together to reconnect freshwater ecosystems by remediating barriers such as rail and road crossings, weirs, levees, and dams.
Supporter Spotlight
The Rogers Foundation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is pleased to announce financial support from the The Rogers Foundation to support our Love Your Lake and our Help the Turtles programs.
Supporter Spotlight
Willowbrook Nurseries
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is pleased to announce financial support from Willowbrook Nurseries to support our work in preserving pollinators.
Supporter Spotlight
Firefly Books Ltd.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is pleased to announce financial support from Firefly Books Ltd. to support Canadian wildlife conservation. Through this partnership, CWF endorses Firefly’s book, Feed the Birds, with renumeration from each sale of the book donated back to CWF in support of our overall conservation initiatives.
Supporter Spotlight
Environment and Climate Change Canada
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is pleased to announce financial support from Environment and Climate Change Canada, through the iconic Hinterland Who’s Who series to advocate for the conservation of Canada's wildlife species and landscapes.
Supporter Spotlight
Hydro Ottawa
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is pleased to announce a new partnership with Hydro Ottawa on their Power South Nepean project which includes a new power station situated on 24 acres of land in the south end of Ottawa, Ontario.
Supporter Spotlight
Lee Valley Tools
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is pleased to announce financial support from Lee Valley Tools through the sale of CWF’s Wild About Birds line of bird seeds to support our work in bird conservation.
Supporter Spotlight
Brome®
The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is proud of its longstanding partnership with Brome®, a true leader in the provision of sustainable products designed with the planet in mind.
Supporter Spotlight
Highway 407 ETR
CWF is pleased to embark on an important journey to restore critical pollinator habitat in Ontario, in partnership with Highway 407 ETR!
Supporter Spotlight
Evolugen
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is thrilled to be working in partnership with Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable (Evolugen.com), a leader in the clean energy transition.
