Government of Ontario Partnering with Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre to Protect at Risk Species in Peterborough

The Ontario government is providing nearly $500,000 in funding through the Species at Risk Stewardship program to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre as they undertake on-the-ground work to protect turtles at risk in the community.

photo by felicia massey.

Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha was joined by David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, as well as donors and other community members on Wednesday at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for the groundbreaking of their new hospital for Ontario’s native turtle species.

“This forever home has been a dream that is finally coming to reality. I cannot express how much great work the centre does, from rehabilitating injured turtles to the recovery and fertilization of turtle eggs from those turtles who sadly do not make it,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough–Kawartha. “We are extremely fortunate to have such a world leader in conservation right here in our own backyard.”

Led by the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, the Hospital and Hatchling Program, and supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, this project helps reduce some of the effects of road mortality on turtle populations. Seven out of eight of Ontario's turtles are at-risk. The funding will help mitigate threats to at-risk turtles through rehabilitation, education, field studies, research and data-sharing.

“Everyday, dedicated local and community organizations across Ontario demonstrate their commitment to protecting and recovering plants, insects, animals and their habitats,” said Minister Piccini. “Our government is proud to partner with grassroots organizations across the province to make a real impact. The 2023-24 projects continue Ontario’s track record of strong environmental stewardship and preserving the rich biodiversity of our province for future generations.”

As part of the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, Ontario has provided $914,703 to support the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre since 2018 in their work to rehabilitate, conduct field studies and research and mitigate threats for at-risk turtles. The new funding builds on this longstanding support and investment with the conservation centre.

“The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre gratefully acknowledges the tremendous support that the MECP's Species at Risk Stewardship Program has given, to enable us to continue our vital conservation work,” said Mandy St. Germaine, Chair of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. “As we enter our new growth phase, we shall be able to increase our national impact in turtle conservation even more, and very much look forward to our continued partnership with MECP.”

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Trent University and Fleming College Partner in Conservation Biology Transfer Pathway Program

Graduates of Fleming College’s Conservation Biology program can now transfer into Trent University’s conservation biology or biology programs in a new agreement between the two institutions announced Monday.

Trent University has been ranked number one in Canada for sustainability education and research by the 2021 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Trent’s Conservation Biology program is among the first of its kind in North America. Students benefit from the mentorship of faculty experts,” said Dr. Erica Nol, Trent biology professor. “The new Conservation Biology transfer pathway between Trent and Fleming allows us to together build on the rich higher education opportunities available in the Peterborough region.”

With 11 on-campus nature areas, state-of-the-art laboratories and one of Canada’s top 20 Biology programs, the opportunities to explore innovative solutions to counteract the growing loss of wildlife and habitat are virtually endless at Trent. Students also benefit from the department’s unique on-campus partnership and connection with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, enhancing interactions in teaching and research, as well as hands-on working experience through various field courses and placements with groups like provincial and federal ministries, local conservation authorities Nature Conservancy Canada, Toronto Zoo, and Parks Canada.

“Fleming’s Conservation Biology diploma is the only program of its kind in Ontario as it focuses on conservation efforts using the latest research and technology, including genetics and environmental DNA,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming president. “Transitioning from our unique diploma program to the bachelor’s degree at Trent will provide students access to the latest tools and practical knowledge and give students a competitive edge when entering the job market.”

Through this agreement, graduates of Fleming College’s Conservation Biology diploma program can obtain either their B.Sc. (Honours) in Conservation Biology or B.Sc. (Honours) in Biology with an optional Specialization in Conservation Biology through Trent – graduating with both their diploma and degree in as little as five years.

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City To Begin Heritage Conservation District Study In The Avenues

 From a City of Peterborough release...

Based on the outcome of conversations with the community, the City has decided to undertake its first Heritage Conservation District Study in the area known as the Avenues.

Catherine Nasmith, a nationally recognized expert in heritage conservation districts was hired by the City to lead two public workshops on the value of conservation districts. The second session focused on discussions with residents in three areas, the Avenues, the Old West End and Dickson Mills, where residents had expressed a high level of interest in pursuing heritage designation.

All three neighbourhoods emerged as suitable areas for Council’s consideration and the Avenues will be the first area to be studied. Comments by residents of the Avenues almost unanimously supported heritage designation as a way to protect the parts of their neighbourhood they cherish. When asked what they would be sad to lose in the Avenues, responses included such things as the porches and verandahs, back lanes, mature trees and the area’s walkability.

“Peterborough is a city that has been nationally recognized for its leadership in heritage conservation, and a first Heritage Conservation District study is an important step in protecting and celebrating that heritage,” said Mayor Daryl Bennett.
The request for proposals from consulting firms experienced in completing conservation district studies has been issued and staff will be reviewing the submissions in early August. The study is scheduled to begin in September with the consultant’s recommendations going to Council in the spring of 2014.

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