As donors and community members, David and Patricia Morton have shown a shining commitment to supporting environmental causes. With their support, Trent’s Nature Areas will continue to be a sought-after location for community members to explore and for Trent students to gain vital hands-on experience. The couple’s latest investment, as part of their long-standing involvement with Trent, supports experiential learning opportunities for Trent students to address the invasive species that threaten the trails Indigenous plants. Two Trent students will identify and remove the invasive species and revitalize the nature areas by sowing and planting trees in the green spaces. The Mortons’ gift also provided funding to purchase a new tractor, enabling maintenance of the trails for all to enjoy.

"Like so many, we enjoy these trails," said the Mortons, "we love to walk and experience the natural surroundings around us all year round. We were honoured to establish The Morton Family Trail in 2011. Today, we are investing to ensure the Nature Areas are maintained and stewarded for everyone to enjoy for years to come. We see Trent as a very special university in so many ways, including its environmentalism and wonderful public trails system, which we feel very fortunate to be able to enjoy and support."

As environmental advocates, having scenic natural trails to walk while observing and experiencing nature has always been important for the Mortons. However, the nature trails require ongoing maintenance to ensure that they remain safe for everyone to enjoy.

"The Mortons’ gift addresses an important environmental issue in the Nature Areas," said Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations & Advancement. "This is just one example of how the Mortons have invested in ways to counter the impacts of global warming, and for this we are extremely grateful." 

About the Mortons
Mr. Morton is the past president & CEO of the Quaker Oats Co. in Canada. He joined the Trent Board of Governors in 2004, serving as the chair from 2008 to 2011. In 2002, Trent University granted Mr. Morton an Honorary Doctor of Laws; in the same year, he received Peterborough's Volunteer of the Year Award. 

Professor Emerita Patricia Morton retired from Trent University in 2002 after 26 years of service as a professor. Dr. Morton has also been involved with the area community as a volunteer on many
non-profit boards, including the Morton Community Healthcare Centre in Lakefield.

David and Patricia have also given generously through the Morton Graduate Scholarship in Indigenous Studies, the Patricia and David Morton Indigenous Studies Undergraduate Award, the Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship, the Ted Tremain Award for Study Abroad and the Phyllis Morton Memorial Bursary.