Maryam Monsef Announces 3000 Trees To Be Planted In Peterborough

82,700 trees will be planted in Peterborough, Grey-Bruce, Chatham Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, Norfolk, Elgin and Cornwall as part of Canada’s plan to plant 2 billion trees by 2030.

Photo courtesy of the Government of Canada

Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development Minister Maryam Monsef announced $232,325 in funding on Tuesday to plant 82,700 trees in eight rural Ontario communities.

Alus Canada, an organization that works with farmers to establish ecologically beneficial projects on their properties, will receive the funding and oversee the planting of about 3,000 trees in Peterborough.

This project is part of the federal government’s commitment to plant two billion trees over 10 years. It will create 79.4 hectares of forest on marginal or environmentally sensitive parcels of farmland.

According to a press release from the federal government, up to $ 3.2 billion will be invested in this project over the next ten years.

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Get Outside With the Kawartha Conservation Foundation Explore Nature Challenge

The Kawartha Conservation Foundation is encouraging people to use the trails at Ken Reid Conservation Area as part of the Explore Nature Challenge.

Photo courtesy of The Kawartha Conservation Foundation.

It is a virtual fitness challenge where participants can walk, run, bike or hike the 11 km of trails at their own pace.

The goal of this challenge is to get people outside and active.

Participants who complete the challenge will have trees planted on their behalf at one of Kawartha Conservation’s properties and receive a commemorative medal.

To participate in the challenge, receive a medal and have a tree planted on their behalf, participants must pay $20 for an individual, $35 for a couple or $40 for a family.

Anyone is welcome to apply here.

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New Environmental Sciences Pathways Between Trent University and Sault College Plants Seed for Sustainable Future

Trent University has reached a new agreement with Sault College to have a School of Natural Environment degree available on the Peterborough campus in two to three years.

Both institutions have signed four new articulation agreements, allowing graduates from Sault’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Forestry Technician, Natural Environment Technician and Natural Environment Technician Advanced Diploma programs to complete their Environmental and Resource Studies/Science degree at Trent, one of the only Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada-accredited environmental science programs in the country.

“Over the last 50 years, Trent has gained a reputation as a leader in the field of environmental education, and we look forward to welcoming Sault College students to our School of the Environment, where we offer unparalleled hands-on learning opportunities,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, dean of Science at Trent University. “This partnership builds on our commitment to creating pathways for students between college and university and draws on the strengths of both our institutions in providing environmental science programming that prepares students to address some of the biggest global challenges of our time.”

The new partnership gives students access to the broadest range of environmental courses available at any Canadian university, 12 on-campus nature areas and globally recognized experts tackling some of the world’s most complex challenges – from climate change to environmental policy and food security.

“Sault College is proud to partner with Trent University and offer our learners expanded and meaningful opportunities to continue their studies. This partnership is another great example of our commitment to enhancing the educational experience and providing innovative ways for our learners to learn and grow and build upon the quality education and foundational knowledge they receive at our College,” said Dr. Ron Common, president of Sault College. “Together with Trent University, we are providing a unique pathway for learners to pursue their passions and further contribute to this important area. We look forward to continuing a rich and long-standing relationship with Trent University.”

Both institutions believe in the importance of offering a range of learning opportunities to ensure transformative post-secondary experiences. At Trent, students will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through on-campus fieldwork or community-based research projects. They can also take advantage of international study opportunities that offer a global perspective on the environment.

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Celebrate the Planet and Dance for Declaration in September

For Our Grandchildren (4RG), a local climate group will hit the streets dancing in September to celebrate the planet.

For Our Grandchildren selects a different action each month and directs people towards resources highlighted steps one can take towards climate action. Photo courtesy of For Our Grandchildren.

September 20, 2021 marks the second anniversary of Peterborough’s declaration of a Climate Emergency.

To celebrate and raise awareness 4RG will be hosting an evening of song and dance free for anyone to attend.

The evening will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a ‘Dance for the Planet’ at Millennium Park. Local entertainers The Weber Brothers and Irish Millie will be performing.

The group will walk to Confederation Park at 6:00 p.m. where they hope to have enough attendees to encircle City Hall - symbolizing that we all need to work together to succeed.

There will be speeches explaining what the City of Peterborough has implemented to help the climate emergency in the difficult time of the pandemic as well as what steps can be taken immediately to help. Speakers have not yet been announced.

For more information on this event click here.

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Young Beekeeper is Buzzing About The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers

Young beekeper Heidi Westbye from Cavan has her eyes set on the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in 2022.

Heidi working on a hive in her protective gear. Photo courtesy of Charlina Westbye.

Westbye’s interest in beekeeping was sparked when she started visiting her neighbours farm and learning about the hives they had on their property.

“I saw my neighbours working around bees and I thought it was really cool,” Westbye said.

The 12-year-old joined the Kawartha Junior Beekeepers, a program hosted by her neighbours, about four years ago though the program has since been paused due to COVID-19.

In the program participants learn about everything that goes on while beekeeping from equipment preparation to honey harvesting. When not in the classroom students observe and identify bees, split colonies and monitor the progress and health of the hive.

Anyone aged 9 - 14 can participate in the once monthly program.

While the program is temporarily halted Westbye has continued to out her neighbours with work at their apiary.

“My favourite part about working there is when we get to extract the honey,” Westbye explained, highlighting the different tools and picks used.

Westbye notes that the worst part of beekeeping is when the bees get angry and recalls a time she wasn’t wearing her full protective suit and got stung 16 times.

“Over the years if you get stung multiple times you start to build a tolerance,” she said.

Westbye is hoping to go to the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in 2022 where junior beekeepers from all over the world will learn more about their craft.

Spots to go are limited so Westbye will participate in a series of tests to qualify to go.

The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers is a combination of competitions that will test participants theoretical and working knowledge of bees and beehives as well as a cultural and social program. The aim of the meeting is to connect young people with similar interests and continue the tradition of beekeeping.

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Downtown Peterborough Gets the Green Thumb With Launch of Green Team

One City Peterborough has added a new horticultural team, called the “Green Team” to make downtown Peterborough a cleaner and more welcoming community hub for everyone this summer announced in a press release on Tuesday.

One City Peterborough’s Employment Program began in 2018. Photo Courtesy of DBIA.

The team cares for all the planters and some green spaces downtown. that came with the new pop-up patio project. The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) purchased all the botanicals for this summer’s streetscape including flowers for 75 large patio planters and another 31 painted flower pots.

“This is an exciting extension of our strong partnership with One City Peterborough and it offers an excellent opportunity to help some of the most vulnerable people in our downtown,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director. “We’re looking forward to seeing the Clean and Green Team downtown, showing their downtown pride and we hope you will give them a wave when you see them.”

Workers will be able to explore the world of urban horticulture as they learn how to care for the many plants in Downtown Peterborough.

 "One City is excited to once again partner with the DBIA to offer opportunities for employment, community engagement, and care for the downtown,” said Jenny Bloom, One City Peterborough’s Employment Program Facilitator. “Our employees take pride in contributing to the beautification of downtown and this new Green Team will have them doing just that while also gaining new skills in gardening, and spending time outdoors.  We can't wait to see the positive impact this program has on our community."

“Congratulations to the Peterborough DBIA on expanding their partnership with One City Peterborough and introducing the new Green Team program,” says Diane Therrien, Peterborough mayor. “Thank you to all of the volunteers and members of the DBIA and One City Peterborough for introducing this exciting project and all of your work to keep Downtown Peterborough clean, vibrant and a destination to enjoy great local food and shopping.”

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Conservation Centre Ready For Another Year to Help Injured Turtles

As we get to embrace spring weather, turtles are emerging everywhere and are at risk of being injured.

Dr. Sue Carstairs (pictured) graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife. She completed Ontario Veterinary College in 1987 following her degree. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, a local charity, is getting prepped for another busy season. The Peterborough turtle hospital is the only one in the province and admits approximately 1,000 turtles a year.

If you see an injured turtle in Ontario, you can contact the centre to get the it transported from one of 900 volunteer drivers across the province or bring it in yourself.

When fishing, do not leave behind hooks, especially with bait as it can hurt them according to Carstairs. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

A common injury is from being run over by vehicles, the second biggest threat to turtles after habitat loss. Dr. Sue Carstairs gives tips on how to help turtles cross the road if you encounter them while driving.

“Pull over and put on your flashers,” she said. “Pick it up and move it in the direction it’s heading. Don’t cross unless it’s safe.”

It can take a snapping turtle 60 years to produce enough eggs to be able to replace itself. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

Turtle conservation is important for the environment since they help with wetlands maintenence. They act as a filter for healthy water sources according to Carstairs.

Report dead turtles to the conservation centre since they can still incubate and hatch the eggs through their hatchling program if the mother has any.

Once hatched and ready, the centre will release the newborns roughly one kilometre within the location of where they were found in an appropriate body of water.

Turtles given to the centre stay there for a minimum of 8-12 weeks before being released into the wild. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

There are eight different turtle species in Ontario: Spotted, Blanding’s, Eastern Spiny Softshell, Wood, Eastern Musk, Northern Map, Snapping and Painted.

Carstairs has been given the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour, in February last year.

All donations can be made at the centre’s official website.

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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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Otonabee Conservation Just Planted 1,500 Native Trees To Help Rehabilitate A Selwyn Township Gravel Pit

On Friday (November 6th), Otonabee Conservation planted 1,500 trees at a gravel pit in Selwyn Township in order to help rehabilitate the site and return it to its natural state.

Staff from Otonabee Conservation and Selwyn Township along with local Youth Leadership in Sustainability students planted white pine, white spruce, eastern white cedar, tamarack and red oak. These native species will provide habitat for wildlife, increase biodiversity at the gravel pit site, and will help to regenerate the soil that was previously removed during aggregate extraction.

“Each year, we partner with Selwyn Township to plant trees at various sites throughout the watershed,” says Dan Marinigh, Otonabee Conservation’s CAO.

“Projects like this contribute positively to the watershed community in many ways by mitigating climate change impacts, enhancing watershed health, and providing opportunities for students to get outside and engage directly with nature.” 

This is the final tree planting event of the season, wrapping up with a total of 5,690 trees planted across the watershed at eight different locations with support from many community partners including: City of Peterborough, Selwyn Township, Siemens Canada, Brock Mission, and Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Generous funding is also provided by Tree Canada, Forests Ontario, TD Canada Trust, and One Tree Planted.

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You Can Airbnb It At An Awesome Geo Dome On A Farm Near Peterborough Overlooking A Pond

With staycations now becoming the It thing in this pandemic era, Millen + Smith Acres farm in Keene, Ontario near Peterborough is delivering on that in a beautiful way, bringing you back to nature with farm animals grazing near you while you chillax in their just launched Geo dome.

The Geo dome, which includes a king size bed, love seat and wood stove, is nestled right over a pond that’s perfect for bird watching and canoeing in the summer, and skating in the winter months. In true rustic fashion, there is no bathroom but there is an outhouse close by.

Owners Matt Smith and Jenn Austin-Driver have created quite the utopian-like getaway. Imagine staying in a Geo dome in the great Canadian outdoors with its own pond, while nearby you are sheep, alpacas, chickens, geese, ducks, goats, cows, horses and two pot belly pigs (Billy Ray and Jolene) that you can visit by hiking around acres and acres at the farm. Pretty idyllic, eh?

At night, you can rock your best Canadian plaid while strumming your guitar and singing along to Gordon Lightfoot songs in the private campfire area, with your cooler stocked full of say, Bobcaygeon beer, while you view the constellations. It’s magical stuff.

Jenn Austin-Driver tells PTBOCanada that the inspiration for the farm and Geo dome came from the growing trend of staycations and farm stays the couple were seeing and partaking in themselves on Airbnb.

“We wanted to incorporate additional options for Agri tourism on our farm and thought this would be a really cool and modern attraction,” says. “We started doing farm tours on Airbnb this summer and it’s been amazing—we’ve hosted over 150 guests for tours since August!”

Owners Matt Smith and Jenn Austin-Driver at the farm

The couple has had such amazing feedback from the day trippers and are seeing first hand the increase in people wanting to connect with nature and farm animals, and learn about the local food cycle.

“We want make connections with as many folks as possible through as many diverse avenues as possible,” Austin-Driver tells PTBOCanada. “The more time we spend connecting and talking about the farm and sustainable farming practices, the more people think about incorporating better food choices into their day to day, and in turn farmers are highlighted more and more—which only helps our local agricultural industry. Farmers feed cities.”

The Geo dome just opened overnight last week, and has already started to fill their remaining 2020 fall/winter dates. This thing is sure to be a hit right into 2021 and beyond.

“The Geo dome is a year-round stay, with tons of seasonal activities to partake in on and locally off the farm,” Austin-Driver tells PTBOCanada. For those concerned with Covid cleaning, the couple adheres to rigid Covid cleaning policies and procedures to protect hosts and guests alike.

For more on the farm, check out the Airbnb listing here, the Instagram page here (this farm is so gram worthy), and Facebook here.

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