River Institute Expands Outdoor Learning Thanks to $14,800 Trillium Grant

CORNWALL, ON – Outdoor science education in Cornwall just got a big boost. Thanks to a $14,800 Capital Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), the River Institute has been able to improve its outdoor facilities, making nature-based learning even more accessible for the community.

Gathering under the newly upgraded gazebo on Friday, River Institute staff—including Executive Director Dr. Jeff Ridal and Education Program Leader Dr. Brian Hickey—celebrated the funding alongside their education team. The improvements funded by OTF aim to enhance the usability and accessibility of the Institute’s outdoor learning space, a critical feature for hosting everything from school field trips and summer camps to community events and conservation research.

Originally built by carpentry students from St. Lawrence College, the large outdoor gazebo plays a central role in the River Institute’s programming. It now serves as a more inclusive and functional hub for hands-on science activities along the St. Lawrence River.

“Education is a critical pathway to strengthening our community,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry. “This investment will enable the River Institute to provide high-quality, hands-on learning experiences for years to come.”

The River Institute is known for getting people—especially students—out of the classroom and into nature. “Experiential, outdoor learning can lead to better academic outcomes and even improve mental health, particularly for young people,” said Dr. Hickey. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for recognizing the value of this space.”

Education Coordinator Dr. Cristina Charette emphasized just how active the outdoor space is. “From spring through fall, our gazebo is constantly in use. This grant allows us to better support school groups, water festivals, and research projects that depend on a functional outdoor staging area.”

Founded in 1994, the River Institute is a non-profit environmental science research and discovery centre located on the St. Lawrence College Cornwall campus. Its mission includes research, outreach, and education with a focus on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River ecosystem, in partnership with the Mohawks of Akwesasne, municipalities, educators, and industry.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is one of Canada’s largest grantmaking foundations. In the past year alone, OTF invested nearly $105 million into over 700 community projects across Ontario, including initiatives that support education, the environment, and community well-being.

Learn more at riverinstitute.ca and otf.ca.