Trent University Receives $359,000 Grant From TD Bank Group For University Green Network

Trent University has received over $359,000 from the TD Bank Group (TD) to support conservation and learning on the University Green Network (UGN), announced on Wednesday.

A student conducts research in a forested area part of the University Green Network at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The network is a large, interconnected 868-acre system on Trent’s Peterborough campus, including habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, Indigenous Knowledge integration, and experiential learning opportunities for students, according to Julie Davis, Trent's vice-president of external relations and development.

“Thanks to this latest funding from TD, we can take the next step in realizing the vision for the UGN – implementing the Ggwepnandizamin Systems-Level Plan,” she said. “The plan provides a structured approach to monitoring and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health across campus. This funding support will allow us to restore and enhance habitats, establish best practices in conservation, and create meaningful opportunities for students and the community to engage with the natural environment.”

This new grant builds on funding received from TD in 2022 to support multiple initiatives within the UGN, a system that includes diverse habitats, wildlife corridors, productive landscapes, and various green spaces that promote ecological function and biodiversity according to a press release. The UGN was first envisioned in the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan.

Earlier funding from TD facilitated the development of the Ggwepnandizamin Plan in collaboration with faculty, students, Michi Saagiig First Nations, and local organizations, including Camp Kawartha and Peterborough Green-Up.  The word Ggwepnandizamin means ‘together, putting our best effort forward towards something important’ in Anishinaabemowin. The name was provided by the Elders and Knowledge Keepers Council at Trent, who provided wisdom and guidance in developing the plan.

“Trent University's focus on enhancing biodiversity and embedding Indigenous Knowledge in environmental stewardship reflects a deep commitment to reconciliation and sustainability,” said Robyn Small, TD Bank Group senior manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, TD is proud to continue supporting Trent University in advancing this important work that honours Indigenous knowledge and creates hands-on opportunities for students and community members to meaningfully connect with the environment.”

During the next three-year funding period, Trent says the will implement key actions from the Ggwepnandizamin Plan, including developing wildlife corridors and natural areas, such as pollinator gardens; creating Michi Saagiig cultural harvesting areas; reducing invasive species, such as phragmites; launching Indigenous storytelling initiatives; and expanding teaching and learning opportunities.

The grant will also fund a part-time ecological land planning coordinator to implement the plan, integrate ecological planning into campus projects, support environmental monitoring, facilitate Indigenous engagement and involve students and faculty.

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Lansdowne West and Webber TD Bank Closed After Vehicle Crashes into Building

Emergency crews respond to the TD Bank located on Lansdowne St. W. and Webber Ave. after reports of a vehicle crashing into the building.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

Posted at 11:07 a.m., Peterborough Scanner Feed shows a silver vehicle which struck the front of the bank. No injuries have been reported.

The branch is currently closed with their closest location open at 830 Monaghan Rd.

The story will be updated as more information is released.

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GreenUp Plants Five Food Forests In Celebration of Its 30th Anniversary

Peterborough GreenUP and Nourish continued their planting of one of five mini-food forests throughout Peterborough communities at Jackson Creek on Tuesday.

Volunteers gathered on the rainy Tuesday afternoon to plant fruit trees. Photo by Felicia Massey.

Food forests containing 25 trees, 20 shrubs and 25 native non-woody plants have been planted at five locations throughout five neighbourhoods including Kawartha Heights, East City Curtis Creek, Downtown Jackson Creek, Talwood and Jackson Park Brookdale.

“GreenUp is presently celebrating our 30th anniversary, projects like this one are a perfect example of how it takes time and careful stewardship to bring community vision to fruition,” said Tegan Moss, GreenUP executive director.  “Everyone at GreenUp is exceptionally proud of our success in working to bring the interests of local residents and the City together and grateful to all the donors and supporters who have helped us to get here.”

GreenUp and Nourish have been collaborating on a number of Growing Together While Apart projects supported by the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough to create more accessible public spaces.

With support from Arbor Day Foundation and the TD Bank Green Space program, Growing Edible Infrastructure hosted five fruit planting and skill-sharing events. They have planted 25 fruit trees and certified ten people in Beginner Fruit Tree Care through the TD Green Space Grant.

“Green spaces are the foundation to creating more livable, healthier cities so it’s imperative to focus and invest in creating more equitable access to these spaces,” said Janice Farrell Jones, TD senior vice president.

Funding for the tree planting came through a $25,000 Green Space Grant from TD Bank Group and the Arbor Day Foundation. Peterborough is one of just 20 North American cities to receive the grant.

The organization is helping anyone who signed up to help care for the five mini food forests.

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Otonabee Conservation & TD Collaborate To Plant Trees At The Brock Mission In Peterborough

More than 300 native trees and shrubs are being planted at the Brock Mission this week. The grounds at the newly built Brock Mission men’s shelter at 217 Murray Street is being planted with serviceberry, eastern redbud, tulip tree, red oak, white pine, honeylocust, fragrant sumac, and chokeberry.  

TD provided generous funding for this planting project as part of their commitment to supporting communities most vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19.

“The benefits of planting trees are widely known,” says Dan Marinigh, CAO at Otonabee Conservation. “Being surrounded by trees can help mitigate stress, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance mental health. We are pleased to collaborate with TD and the Brock Mission to add this greenspace in support of some of our community’s most vulnerable people.”

Bill McNabb, Executive Director of Brock Mission, stands next to a garden bed planted with fragrant sumac and spring flurry serviceberry at the build site for the new Brock Mission men’s shelter (Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)

"Too often the plan for greenspace in a project like ours gets eliminated due to financial pressures, so we are very grateful to Otonabee Conservation and TD for reaching out and ensuring that this integral part of our project is a reality,” says Bill McNabb from Brock Mission. “We are excited to be able to offer a safe outdoor space for our residents that will be filled with native trees and shrubs.”

For more information about Otonabee Conservation’s fall planting events, please visit otonabeeconservation.com.

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