Conservation Education Centre
1267 Second Concession Road, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
519-586-2201 | 1-877-990-9932
Revitalization Project — Completed!
Opened in 1991, the Conservation Education Centre has been a destination for students and lifelong learners alike for 30 years. Now, thanks to the support from individuals, community groups, displaying partners, community foundations, and Federal grants, the Education Centre is revitalized and open to the public! Come visit the Education Centre from Victoria Day weekend until Labour Day weekend, Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Our Project Highlights
- Roof and Exterior (2019–2024): The roof was replaced in 2019, and the cupolas and dormers were updated in 2024 to improve both appearance and durability.
- Accessible Entrance (2022): A new ramp and push-plate doors make the entrance fully accessible.
- New Railings and Front Step (2024): Installed on both the ramp and new front steps for added safety.
- Signage: A new front sign welcomes visitors.
- Donor Recognition: A new board installed in 2025 recognizes generous project supporters, and a custom-made donor table honors contributors from the 1991 build.
- Building Enhancements: New flooring, lighting and windows improve the space.
- Classroom Upgrades: Tables, chairs and cabinetry make it both comfortable and functional.
- Practical Features: A water bottle filling station.
- Accessible Washrooms: Fully updated with barrier-free stalls, push-plate doors, emergency assist buttons, and modern fixtures to accommodate all visitors.
- New Interpretive Content: Displays highlight the region’s geomorphology, the impact of early settlement, and community-led restoration efforts.
- Accessible Signage: All signage is AODA-compliant. Refreshed dioramas and flexible display panels allow updates to species-at-risk statuses.
- Projector & Displays: A new projector enables dynamic presentations, livestreams, and updated programming for education groups.
- Lighting & Signage: Enhanced lighting improves visibility, while updated signage increases accessibility and engagement.
- Leaders in Conservation Gallery: Celebrates local conservation leaders through new displays with accessible signage, and a refreshed design.
- Diorama Barrier: Tempered glass barriers around the dioramas increase visibility for all visitors.
- Outdoor Improvements (Coming Soon): The back deck will be replaced and the surrounding area landscaped to provide a pleasant extension of the indoor space.
This project was funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Donor Registry
| Platinum Sponsors |
|---|
| The Chilton Foundation |
| Delta Waterfowl |
| Ducks Unlimited Canada |
| Estate of Harold C. Garton |
| George Klein |
| Long Point Company |
| TD Friends of the Environment |
| Thomas Davidson |
| Vittoria Foundation |
| Gold Sponsors |
| Norfolk Community Foundation |
| In Memory of Dr. Bruce Bowyer |
| Ruffed Grouse Society, North Chapter |
| Silver Donors |
| Cameron Sferrazza |
| Gordon Chaplin in Memory of Leighton & Betty Brown |
| Joanne & Tony Leitch |
| Tom Davidson Jr. |
| The Winthrop Foundation |
| Bronze Sponsors |
| Barry Smith in Memory of Grant Smith |
| George Kusich |
| Long Point Lions Club |
| Order of Good Cheer |
| Rodney Twells |
| Stephen Waite |
| William Papenbrock in Memory of Brian Baswick |
| Supporters |
| Derek McHale, in Honour of Ted & Wendy McHale |
| Elaine, Dave, Ethan and Claire Gosnell in Memory of Dr. Charles Baldwin |
| Tillsonburg Legion |
| Bevan & Sheila Smith |
| Ed Collins |
| Doreen Hodnett |
| Ross & Fern Slack |
| Linda & Bill Mahaney |
| Ken & Ruth Gow |
| Denise Neil & Ricky Lewis |
| Joyce Flexman |
| Bill and Donna Coughlin |
| Stephen & Janice Reid |
| Herb and Peggy Taylor |
| H & C Stuart |
| Cheryl & Brian Gaffney |
| Jim Coughlin |
| Laura & Tim Rodger |
| Patricia Raaflaub |
| Helen and David Wray |
| Colleen and David Judd |
| Diane Whitside |
| Tom & Debbie France & Family |
| Bob & Vicki Bowyer |
| Arnold & Maria Freitag |
| Linda & Frank Piersanti |
| Stan Rutter |
| Anonymous |
| Pamela Lorimer |
| Neil Dunning |
| Dennis & Diane Sovereign |
| Tim & Carol Judd |
| Keith Rumble |
| Karen & Ernie Weightman |
| Larry Lorimer |
| David & Debra Tait |
| Chuck McInally |
| Regina Lambert |
| Shirley & Ronald Rice |
| Marie Saunders |
| Paul Splinter |
| David & Ruth Stotesbury |
| Bob & Barbara Dougherty |
| George & Deanna Lloyd |
| Gloria Proracki |
| Jim & Emma Jackson |
| Shirley Burt & Kathy Woolley |
| Sheila & Glenn Phibbs |
| Lou & Sue Kociuk |
| Ann & Jim Jackson |
| Kathleen & Tom Kearney |
| Robert & Mary Defreyne |
| Fred & Sharon Judd |
| Brian & Marion Cook |
| Patricia Kinkel |
| John & Lynda Allman, in Honour of the Gage Family |
| South Coast Probus Club |
| Bob & Patti Bodig |
| Jack Nicholls |
| Catherine Ann Davidson |
| The Good Family |