Peterborough's Urban Forest With 481 Trees Planted Along Rotary Trail

Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Peterborough planted 481 new trees along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough to strengthen the city’s urban forest on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This tree-planting initiative was sponsored by RBC Dominion Securities with a $3,000 donation through the RBC Foundation. Assistance was provided by the City of Peterborough’s forestry division.

The city’s regular tree-planting program plants about 400 trees annually, the 481 trees planted on Saturday were in addition to those.

Urban trees improve soil and water conservation, store carbon, moderate local climate by providing shade, increase wildlife habitat and improve the land's capacity to adapt to climate change.

“This has evolved into a wonderful community project and we sincerely thank our partners,” says Councillor Lesley Parnell, Chair of the City’s arenas, parks and recreation portfolio. “These 481 new trees, in addition to the City’s yearly complement, are most welcome. In Peterborough, we love our trees and the Rotary trail. A variety of trees, native to our zone, will be planted for an authentic look and resilience. Special thanks to our forestry division at the City of Peterborough for their assistance.”

The trees are planted adjacent to the Rotary Centennial project shade shelter near the west end of Hazlitt Street.

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Peterborough and The Kawarthas O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge Reaches 1,000 Pledges

Following the July 6 introduction of the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge (pronounced Oh-da Pee-tah-na-mawn), over 1000 people have vowed to participate in a campaign to promise to respect the land, waterways and communities of the region.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough and The Kawarthas.

The original goal of having 500 pledges by the end of 2021 was surpassed within one week. That resulted in Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism doubling that number to 1,000 as a new goal for 2021 which was also surpassed this week, less than two months after launch.

The pledge has received significant support, including both First Nations communities in the region, which issued the following statement of support “Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation are committed to continuing to work in cooperation with our neighbours, including the City and County of Peterborough. The O'de Piitaanemaan Pledge is a recent example of our coming together in a positive way. The Pledge was created by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) through meaningful and extensive consultation with both Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations. The incorporation of Michi Saagiig teachings and language within the Pledge is a demonstration of PKED's commitment to working in cooperation with us. Together, we can fulfil the intent of the Pledge – to give respect to all creation.”

The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge has been taken and supported by many individuals, businesses, municipalities and organizations locally such as the New Canadians Centre Peterborough, the Peterborough Petes, the Canadian Canoe Museum, Fleming College and Trent University.

To learn more about the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge, click here.

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Three Trent University Researchers Receive over $300,000 in Federal Funding through John R. Evans Leaders Fund

Three Trent University researchers, Dr. Huy Dang, Dr. Marguerite (Maggie) Xenopoulos, and Dr. Carlo Bradac, received a combined $328,351 in funding through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

Photo courtesy of Trent University

The CFI, through its John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), awarded Professor Dang $146,553 for his project titled Unravelling the emerging environmental risks of pollution from the High-Tech Industry.

They awarded $54,257 to Professor Bradac for a project titled Quantum-enabled nano-transducers for (bio)nanotechnologies.

Recently, Professor Maggie Xenopoulos, Trent’s newly appointed Canada research chair in Global Change of Freshwater Ecosystems, received $127,541 towards infrastructure associated with her new position.

“Our researchers have always thought big. Now, more than ever, they need state-of-the-art labs and equipment to turn their visions into reality,” said Francois-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Investing in our university research infrastructure is key to our continuing role as an innovation leader in wide-ranging fields, from Indigenous research to quantum computing, from neurobiology to advanced robotics. These investments will not only support our ground-breaking contributions to science and research but also improve our economy, environment and quality of life.”

The CFI, through the John R. Evans Leaders Fund will support 332 new research projects at 50 institutions across Canada.

It also supported 29 Canada research chairs at 19 universities through its infrastructure support funding. The funding aims to help universities attract and retain top research talent from around the world and provide the specialized infrastructure they need to excel as leaders in their field.

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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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