Families enjoy March Break fun at OPG

At a glance

• Almost 3,000 people attended OPG’s March Break programs this year.
• The free line-up of activities near OPG’s R.H. Saunders, Pickering Nuclear, and Darlington Nuclear stations included various workshops on science, environment, and Indigenous culture.
• From nature walks to wild encounters, there was plenty to see and do.

It was a March Break to remember for almost 3,000 community members in Cornwall and Durham Region who participated in OPG’s free programming and events.

From guided snowshoe adventures to science experiments to a special meet-and-greet with a caiman lizard, there was a whole lot to experience for guests of all ages.

In Cornwall, about 930 people came through the doors of OPG’s Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre, setting a new high for March Break week at the popular site. From March 10 to 14, visitors engaged in 12 workshops and shows.

Meanwhile, in Durham Region, the Pickering and Darlington Nuclear visitor centres saw more than 2,000 community members participate in a variety of engaging and educational activities.

Throughout the week, OPG staff and volunteers collaborated with some amazing community partners, including Scientists in School, Kids Safety Village of Durham Region, Earth Rangers, the River Institute, the Native North American Travelling College, Junior Einsteins, Ajax Public Library, Clarington Library Museums and Archives, the City of Oshawa, and the City of Pickering.

Among the more popular events at the Saunders visitor centre this year was the Little Rays Nature Centre attraction, which saw 235 guests attend over two shows. Through the “Diversity of Living Things” shows, kids got to check out 10 different amazing reptiles, small mammals, and invertebrates, including a Burmese python and armadillo.

Guests at Saunders also had the opportunity to learn about the significance of Wampum Belts through a workshop held by the Native North American Travelling College and learn about nature through a guided snowshoe tour with staff from the Raisin Region Conservation Authority.

Meanwhile, Pickering and Darlington hosted aspiring young scientists, who discovered the surprising science hiding within a bag of Skittles during Scientists in School’s engaging Candy Chemistry program.

Families also had the opportunity to explore the Kids Safety Village of Durham Region and learn about safety through fun hands-on activities with OPG’s community partners. The unique village features small buildings, detailed roadways, and real traffic lights.

All in all, it was a successful week full of fun and learning, both for the attendees and the OPG employees who helped organize the events.