Discover the natural world with these science centres in York Region

Space, zoology, environment, more offered at several educational facilities in region

Yorkregion.com
March 7, 2018
By Ali Raza

While York Region isn't home to the Ontario Science Centre or the Royal Ontario Museum, there are plenty of places to learn about science.

Many of these facilities offer educational programs for the public, while being involved in research projects of their own. Here's a list of some science destinations across the region.

David Dunlap Observatory

York Region's only observatory, the DDO opened in 1935 and is located at 123 Hillsview Dr., Richmond Hill. It serves as a research centre for the University of Toronto's Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and a public education facility.

Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre

This world-class facility is entirely green and one of eight buildings in the world to achieve the "Living Building Challenge" certification. The building itself has a net zero energy use and net zero water use. Hundreds of visitors each year attend forest education programs with a focus on sustainability. The centre is in Whitchurch-Stouffville at 16389 Hwy. 48.

Koffler Scientific Reserve

This biological field station is owned and operated by the University of Toronto, but is located in King. It covers 348 hectares of fields, wetlands, grasslands and forest lands on the western portion of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Because of its ecosystem's diversity, the reserve is a research facility, a living classroom, and offers many public education and outreach initiatives. The site is located at 17000 Dufferin St.

Kortright Centre for Conservation

Kortright Centre says it combines a natural oasis with some of the most leading=edge sustainable education programs and events in Canada. On its 325-hectare site, the centre sees 100,000 annual visitors with more than 50 environmental education programs. The centre is located at 9550 Pine Valley Dr., Vaughan.

Reptilia

Vaughan's reptile zoo is at 2501 Rutherford Rd. With 250 animals on display, and several programs and workshops, Reptilia offers something for everyone from children to academic researchers. Notably, Reptila has a phobia course designed to help people face fear of snakes and other reptiles.