A Rocha

Winter Activities, Potluck Supper and Evening Program (Ottawa/Gatineau, ON)
2024-01-20 14:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
Join A Rocha Ottawa for our Winter Activities, Potluck Supper and Evening Program!
If you are unable to the afternoon activities, feel free to join us for supper and the evening program.
Schedule:
2:00 pm Winter Activities
Join us in Gatineau Park for winter outdoor activities including hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. You can choose your activity. We will lead a group cross-country ski for anyone who would like to join us. We have plenty of cross-country ski equipment available for those who don’t have any. If you intend to snowshoe you will need to bring your own snowshoes. Meet at 264 Kingsmere at 2:00 pm. (for directions or for a ride please send an e-mail to: paul.heintzman@arocha.ca ).
5:30 pm Potluck Supper
Please RSVP and let us know what you plan to bring so that we can plan accordingly.
7:00 pm A Report on the UN Climate Change Conference, Nov. 30-Dec. 12, 2023.
Rob Samulack will give a report on his participation, as a representative of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, at this conference, which had a health focus.
Please RSVP paul.heintzman@arocha.ca to let us know if you will be attending and what you will be bringing for the potluck supper.

Winter Solstice Wild Church at Cedar Haven
2023-12-16 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Thank you for your interest in our Winter Solstice Wild Church at Cedar Haven. Unfortunately, as some of the event leaders are ill or have significant illness in their family, we have had to cancel this event.
We would love to still see you, though, so consider signing up for our Winter Tree Identification Workshop.

Winter Tree Identification Workshop (Hamilton, ON)
2023-12-16 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | King’s Forest (Greenhill Bowl Park Parking Lot)
Are you interested in going deeper with your knowledge of the natural world? Our Conservation Coordinator (Jeremy) will be hosting a Winter Tree Identification Workshop at King’s Forest (Hamilton, ON) from 10AM to 12PM.
Come learn about common ID tips and the community of trees that make up our forests. We will be going on a walk throughout the property covering various habitats and learning about tree communities together. Whether you are new to the world of forests or a long time naturalist there will be something for everyone!
Please remember to dress for the weather and for some walking. If you have a tree identification guide or book, we recommend bringing it along with you.
Public parking is available at the Greenhill Bowl Park Parking Lot.
RSVP BELOW
Please RSVP to let us know you’re coming and to receive notification of any further instructions and possible weather-related changes to this event.

Make a DonationSupport A Rocha OntarioPlease note that this is a FREE event. If you are interested in supporting A Rocha Ontario’s events and programs, like this one, please consider making an online donation.Make a Donation

Hike, Potluck Supper and Presentation (Ottawa/Gatineau, ON)
2023-11-25 14:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
Join A Rocha Ottawa for our Hike, Potluck Supper and Presentation event!
If you are unable to attend all three parts of the event, feel free to attend the parts that you can.
Schedule:
2:00 pm: Hike along the Skyline Trail
Join us in Gatineau Park for a walk along the Skyline Trail. Built in 1930s, this is one of the oldest trails in the park. Features of this trail include panoramic views of the Gatineau Valley and the City of Ottawa. This is a good time of year to hike this trail as the views are better when the leaves are off the trees. Meet at 264 Kingsmere at 2:00 pm (if you need directions or a ride, please e-mail paul.heintzman@arocha.ca)
5:30 pm: Potluck Supper
Please RSVP (via email) to let us know what you plan to bring.
7:00 pm: Presentation – Reflections on Being a Summer Staffer with A Rocha Ontario (Hamilton, ON)
Shanika Thomas will be presenting reflections on her experience working at A Rocha Ontario (Hamilton, ON) for a couple summers. Shanika has been a Hamiltonian most of her life, and is currently completing her Masters of Public Health at the University of Ottawa. She is a Registered Midwife and has worked overseas. She loves to explore the outdoors of the new places she is in.
To RSVP or for more information, email Paul at paul.heintzman@arocha.ca.

EarthKeepers Club (November Meeting)
2023-11-11 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Volunteer for a day of earth-keeping at Cedar Haven every 2nd Saturday of the month from September – November! Learn and connect with other youth who are passionate about the natural world.
Contribute to hands-on conservation projects at Cedar Haven like nest box monitoring, bumblebee identification, invasive species removal and so much more! There will opportunities to develop your scientific observation and identification skills, as well as learn from experts in the field.
Open to youth ages 12-16. No experience required to participate!
Join in and earn 5 volunteer hours towards your high-school community involvement.
Registration
Book your ticket to let us know you’re coming. If this is your first time to the EarthKeepers Club this year, please also fill out the registration form.

Book Ticket(s)

Complete Registration Form
Registration Form

Fall Sabbath Hike (Cedar Haven)
2023-10-29 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Join us for our Fall Sabbath Hike for the perfect opportunity to get outside and experience God’s presence in creation through the seasons. Together, we will engage in the ancient practice of sabbath by going on a guided contemplative walk through the beautiful Cedar Haven landscape.
RSVP BELOW
Please RSVP to receive notification of possible weather-related changes to this event.

Make a DonationSupport A Rocha OntarioPlease note that this is a FREE event. If you are interested in supporting A Rocha Ontario’s events and programs, like this one, please consider making an online donation.Make a Donation

Tree Identification Workshop (Cedar Haven)
2023-10-21 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Are you interested in going deeper with your knowledge of the natural world? Our Conservation Coordinator (Jeremy) will be hosting a Tree Identification Workshop at the Cedar Haven Eco-Centre from 1PM – 4PM.
Come learn about common ID tips and the community of trees that make up our forests. We will be going on a walk throughout the property covering various habitats and learning about tree communities together. Whether you are new to the world of forests or a long time naturalist there will be something for everyone!
RSVP BELOW
Please RSVP to let us know you’re coming and to receive notification of possible weather-related changes to this event.

Make a DonationSupport A Rocha OntarioPlease note that this is a FREE event. If you are interested in supporting A Rocha Ontario’s events and programs, like this one, please consider making an online donation.Make a Donation

EarthKeepers Club (October Meeting)
2023-10-14 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada

Fall Colours Hike, Potluck Supper and Presentation (Ottawa/Gatineau, ON)
2023-09-30 14:30 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
Join A Rocha Ottawa for our Fall Colours Walk, Potluck Supper and Presentation!
If you are unable to attend all three parts of the event, feel free to attend the parts that you can.
Schedule:
2:30 pm: Fall Colours Walk
Meet at 264 Kingsmere (for directions or if you need a ride, please contact paul.heintzman@arocha.ca ), and we’ll begin on our Fall Colours Walk along the King Mountain Trail. Features of this trail include panoramic views of the fall colours in Gatineau Park, the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley. Note: if it is a nice day, traffic will be heavy in the village of Old Chelsea and on the Gatineau Parkway, so give yourself plenty of travel time to arrive by 2:30 pm.
5:30 pm: Potluck Supper
Please RSVP (via email) to let us know what you plan to bring.
7:00 pm: Presentation
Kris and Alison Nanda, regular attenders of A Rocha Ottawa/Gatineau events, visited A Rocha’s Les Courmettes site in France this summer. They will be giving a presentation, including photos and brief videos, about their visit to this site.
To RSVP or for more information, email Paul at paul.heintzman@arocha.ca.

Fall Equinox Wild Church (Cedar Haven)
2023-09-23 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Ever thought that it would make sense to worship God outside—where the beauty of creation is obvious? A Rocha Ontario is happy to partner again with two local church leaders, Nina Schuurman-Drenth and Rebecca Vendetti, to host Wild Church on September 23rd to celebrate the upcoming fall equinox! Join us for a family-friendly liturgy of co-worshiping with God’s creation. Together, we’ll gather, pray, wander, contemplate, and generally delight in the good world God has made. After the service, there will be optional programming onsite. We encourage you to dress for the weather and bring something to sit on!
Please note that registration is required for this event so that we can contact you about any weather-related changes. As well, due to limit parking availability, we strongly recommend carpooling.
Please Register Below

Make a DonationSupport A Rocha OntarioPlease note that this is a FREE event. If you are interested in supporting A Rocha Ontario’s events and programs, like this one, please consider making an online donation.Make a Donation

Restoration Planting (Cedar Haven)
2023-09-21 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Have you been looking for a way to get your hands dirty and make a positive impact on the landscape? Our Conservation Coordinator is planning restoration planting for 6:30 PM – 8 PM on September 21st.
Come and join in on helping to restore land (pond and/or forest) at Cedar Haven by planting native aquatic and/or terrestrial species. Mark this down in your calendar as it will be a time of fun and practical action for all ages! If you have any questions about the event please feel free to reach out to on.conservation@arocha.ca.
RSVP BELOW
Please RSVP to let us know you’re coming and to receive notification of possible weather-related changes to this event.

Make a DonationSupport A Rocha OntarioPlease note that this is a FREE event. If you are interested in supporting A Rocha Ontario’s events and programs, like this one, please consider making an online donation.Make a Donation

Tree Identification Workshop (Cedar Haven)
2023-09-16 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Are you interested in going deeper with your knowledge of the natural world? Our Conservation Coordinator (Jeremy) will be hosting a Tree Identification Workshop at Cedar Haven on September 16 at 1 pm.
Come learn about common ID tips and the community of trees that make up our forests. We will be going on a walk throughout the property covering various habitats and learning about tree communities together. Whether you are new to the world of forests or a long time naturalist there will be something for everyone!
RSVP BELOW
Please RSVP to let us know you’re coming and to receive notification of possible weather-related changes to this event.

Make a DonationSupport A Rocha OntarioPlease note that this is a FREE event. If you are interested in supporting A Rocha Ontario’s events and programs, like this one, please consider making an online donation.Make a Donation

Nature Academy - Fall 2023
2023-09-13 - 2023-11-15 | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
An outdoor school for hands-on science, wilderness skills, gardening, and child-led nature exploration. Learn more.
Payment & Registration
After purchasing your Eventbrite ticket(s), please make sure to also fill out the registration form below.

Registering more than one child?

Purchase Ticket(s)

Complete Registration Form (MANDATORY)
Registration Form

If this program is cancelled due to low enrolment or health and safety restrictions, payment will be fully refundable.
Join the ListCan't register right now?
Maybe…

The program is full
The days don’t work with your schedule
The cost of the program is a barrier
Registration isn’t open yet, but you want to know when it does!

Whatever the reason, the more interest we have in a program, the more likely we will run it. Please join the interest list and tell us why you cannot register today.
Join the List

EarthKeepers Club (September Meeting)
2023-09-09 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada

EarthKeepers Club (August Meeting) - CANCELLED
2023-08-26 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Unfortunately, we’ve had to cancel this meet-up. But, the EarthKeepers Club will be meeting every 2nd Saturday of the month from September to November. Join us then! Learn more at arocha.ca/earthkeepers.

Wild Things Day Camp (Cedar Haven, ON)
2023-08-14 09:00 - 2023-08-18 15:00, 2023-07-31 09:00 - 2023-08-04 15:00, 2023-07-24 09:00 - 2023-07-28 15:00, 2023-07-10 09:00 - 2023-07-14 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Wild Things is a week long day camp that offers hands-on nature experiences to kids ages 6-12.
Each day we will learn and explore through crafts, games and stories — and encounter real live wild things! Come learn about all the creatures that live at Cedar Haven, as we explore and play in the fields, forests, ponds, creeks and wetlands.
This program runs from 9am – 3pm daily for one week.
Payment & Registration
After purchasing your Eventbrite ticket(s), please make sure to also fill out the registration form.
Purchase Ticket(s)

Complete Registration Form
Registration FormIf this program is cancelled due to low enrolment or health and safety restrictions, payment will be fully refundable.
Join the ListCan't register right now?

Maybe…

The program is full
The days don’t work with your schedule
The cost of the program is a barrier
Registration isn’t open yet, but you want to know when it does!

Whatever the reason, the more interest we have in a program, the more likely we will run it. Please join the interest list and tell us why you cannot register today.

Join the List

Consider the Heavens (Cedar Haven)
2023-08-11 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto) | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Spend an evening at Cedar Haven under the stars.
Join us around the campfire for a family-friendly time of community and stargazing. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, a flashlight, and dress appropriately for the weather. Hot chocolate and s’mores will be available!
If the forecast calls for rain, the event will be pushed to Saturday, August 12th.
Please register below to be informed of any weather related-changed to this event. As well, due to limit parking availability, we strongly recommend carpooling.
Please Register Below

Make a DonationSupport A Rocha OntarioPlease note that this is a FREE event. If you are interested in supporting A Rocha Ontario’s events and programs, like this one, please consider making an online donation.Make a Donation

EarthKeepers Club (July Meeting)
2023-07-29 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Volunteer for a day of earth-keeping at Cedar Haven! Learn and connect with other youth who are passionate about the natural world.
Contribute to hands-on conservation projects at Cedar Haven like nest box monitoring, bumblebee identification, invasive species removal and so much more! There will opportunity to develop your scientific observation and identification skills, as well as learn from experts in the field.
Open to youth ages 12-16. No experience required to participate!
Join in and earn 5 volunteer hours towards your high-school community involvement.
Registration
Book your ticket to let us know you’re coming. If this is your first time to the EarthKeepers Club this year, please also fill out the registration form.

Book Ticket(s)

Complete Registration Form
Registration Form

Summer Solstice Wild Church (Cedar Haven)
2023-06-23 19:30 - 20:30 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Ever thought that it would make sense to worship God outside—where the beauty of creation is obvious? A Rocha Ontario is happy to partner again with two local church leaders, Nina Schuurman-Drenth and Rebecca Vendetti, to host Wild Church on June 23rd to celebrate the upcoming summer solstice! Join us for a family-friendly liturgy of co-worshiping with God’s creation. Together, we’ll gather, pray, wander, contemplate, and generally delight in the good world God has made. We encourage you to dress for the weather and bring something to sit on!
Please note that registration is required for this event so that we can contact you about any weather-related changes. As well, due to limit parking availability, we strongly recommend carpooling.
Please Register Below

A Rocha Talks: What is it like to be a Christian Observer at a UN Climate conference?
2023-06-15 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Online
We will hear from Christians that have attended recent UN climate conferences and learn about its impact on their lives.
Have you ever wondered what happens at those annual UN climate talks? We hear on the news that representatives from around the world gather to talk about climate change but what’s really going on? And why does progress seem so slow?
Every year there are Christians with these questions (and many more besides) that attend these gatherings as official Observers. In this discussion we will hear from a few of them about what they learned from their experience and, even more importantly, how they have changed as a result.
Our panelists include:

Monica Tang (CCOP 2019 @ COP25, Madrid, Spain)
Monica is a bivocational creation care advocate. She leads a relationships and partnerships team at the Canadian Coast Guard, supporting collaborative governance in oceans and marine safety management. Monica is also on the Board of Directors for Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), where she advises on strategy, governance, and CPJ programs and policies to guide CPJ’s work in economic, social and ecological Justice.
Elsa Barron (CCOP 2021 @ COP26, Glasgow UK)
Elsa is an environmental peace and security researcher, writer, poet, and youth activist based in Washington D.C. and is the Co-Chair of the Young Professionals Interest Group of the Environmental Peacebuilding Association. She has been featured for her faith and climate advocacy in the Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, and the Christian Science Monitor, among others, and she attended COP26 and COP27 through the Christian Climate Observers Program. Elsa graduated from the University of Notre Dame where she studied peace studies and biology.
Sarah Demian (CCOP 2022 @ COP27, Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt)
Sarah is going into her fourth year of university, studying biology and psychology. At Trinity Western University, she works as a researcher and studies the growth of invasive knotweed along the Chilliwack River as a result of the atmospheric flood of 2021. She will be presenting on climate change and invasive species at the ASA/CSCA conference at University of Toronto this July.

EarthKeepers Club (June Meeting)
2023-06-10 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada

Call from Creation (Hamilton, ON)
2023-05-27 19:00 - 21:30 UTC | Benediction Church, 705 Main St E, Hamilton, Ontario, L8M 1K8
Join the A Rocha community for a time of inspiration and connection, as we raise funds to enhance our conservation work in Ontario. The renowned eco-theologian Steven Bouma-Prediger will be our speaker. Music, dessert, A Rocha updates, and lively conversation will top off the evening.
Update: We are now offering free admission to this event. If you have already purchased a ticket and would like a refund, please reach out to us at ontario@arocha.ca.
Get Tickets Below!

EarthKeepers Club (May Meeting)
2023-05-13 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada

Wildflower Walk, Potluck Supper, and Evening Program (Ottawa/Gatineau, ON)
2023-05-06 14:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
Join A Rocha Ottawa for our Annual Wild Flower Walk, Potluck Supper, and Evening Program!
If you are unable to the afternoon activities, feel free to join us for supper and the evening program.
Schedule:
2:30 pm Wildflower Walk
Join us in Gatineau Park for a walk along the Lauriault Trail. Features of this trail include spring wildflowers, Mulvihill Lake, a view of the Ottawa Valley, a waterfall, and the ruins at the Mackenzie King Estate. Meet at 264 Kingsmere any time after 2:00 pm for a 2:30 pm departure time for the walk (for directions or for a ride please send an e-mail to: paul.heintzman@arocha.ca ).
5:30 pm Potluck Supper
Please RSVP and let us know what you plan to bring so that we can plan accordingly.
7:00 pm Creation Care Survey Description and Results with Rick Faw
Last fall, A Rocha and Tearfund surveyed young Christians about climate, nature, and faith. The results are in! Rick Faw, Education Director for A Rocha Canada, will join us virtually to describe the survey and present the results of this recent survey.
As the garden season is fast approaching, we will also conclude the evening with a garden blessing.
Please RSVP paul.heintzman@arocha.ca to let us know if you will be attending and what you will be bringing for the potluck supper.
If you would like to review your knowledge of wildflowers before the walk, you can watch Monique’s online presentation from two years ago.

Spring Sabbath Hike (Cedar Haven)
2023-04-30 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Cedar Haven Eco-Centre, 1039 97, Freelton, Ontario, L0R 1K0, Canada
Join us for our Spring Sabbath Hike for the perfect opportunity to get outside and experience God’s presence in creation through the seasons. Together, we will engage in the ancient practice of sabbath by going on a guided contemplative walk through the beautiful Cedar Haven landscape.
RSVP BELOW
Please RSVP to receive notification of possible weather-related changes to this event.

Good Seed Sunday Service (Ottawa, ON)
2023-04-23 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Trinity Anglican Church, 1230 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 3Y3, Canada
Sing, pray and reflect on creation care!
The Trinity Anglican’s Connect Service and A Rocha Ottawa are hosting Good Seed Sunday Service on April 23rd, 2023 at 4PM. Join us at the Trinity Anglican Church (1230 Bank Street, Ottawa) for a time to celebrate and care for creation following Earth Day! For additional information, please contact paul.heintzman@arocha.ca.
About A Rocha
A Rocha is an international Christian organization which, inspired by God’s love, engages in scientific research, environmental education, community-based conservation projects and sustainable agriculture.
About Good Seed Sunday
Held on the Sunday following Earth Day, Good Seed Sunday is a time for Christians across Canada to honour the Creator as they celebrate and care for creation. Find out more here.

Introduction to Permaculture Workshop (Guelph, ON)
2023-04-22 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Guelph, ON
How can we better care for creation in those little spaces close to home? One way is an approach known as “permaculture.”
If you’re interested in learning the basics or thinking more specifically about how permaculture might be useful in your space, join us on April 22 in Guelph, ON. Yes, that’s Earth Day! And, yes, that’s springtime! The two hour outdoor workshop will be led by Paul and Amanda Hildebrand from Grounded Hope Consulting and will include a tour of their urban backyard and a guided time of reflection to help you think about opportunities in your own space. The workshop is free and space is limited, so sign up early.
Register Below!
Please note that registration is required as space is limited. The exact location of the event will be emailed to you (upon registration) on the morning of the event. Please reach out to ontario@arocha.ca if you have any questions.
