Trent University Honoured with Otonabee Conservation Environmental Excellence Award for Business
Trent recognized for its environmental leadership through education and Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan
Trent University’s demonstrated leadership in environmental education and stewardship was recognized by Otonabee Conservation as the 2022 recipient of the Environmental Excellence Award for Business.
“We are so pleased to be recognized through this award,” says Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations & Development. “Trent is committed to excellence in environmental education and to bringing that excellence into how we manage our campus lands. This past year in particular, we have started many exciting projects that demonstrate that philosophy in action.”
The award was announced at Otonabee Conservation’s Annual General Meeting, held virtually on January 20. The Otonabee Conservation Environmental Excellence Awards recognize outstanding people and groups who have demonstrated the advancement of watershed health through projects on the landscape and actions that contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.
“The Business Award recognizes an organization that has made a significant contribution to projects or programs advancing Otonabee Conservation’s vision of a healthy watershed,” explains Dan Marinigh, Otonabee Conservation chief administrative officer/secretary-treasurer. “The University’s focus on the watershed as a foundational element of the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, its first-of-its-kind zero-carbon Forensic Crime Scene Facility, and the work being done on the University Green Network Stewardship Plan, are just a few reasons why Trent is a worthy recipient of this year’s Business Award.”
Trent alumna, Brianna Salmon ’10, was also recognized by Otonabee Conservation for her work as the executive director of Green Communities Canada (GCC) and as former executive director of GreenUP. Brianna received the Individual Conservationist Award, which recognizes outstanding people who have undertaken projects, demonstrated leadership, and inspired others to create a healthier watershed.
Advancing conservation inside and out of the classroom
Trent University has a longstanding reputation as a leader in environmental studies. It is home to the prestigious School of the Environment, which offers the widest variety and depth of environmental programming in Canada, including a new degree in Climate Change Science & Policy.
The University’s efforts to protect the natural environment, and particularly its campus lands also extend beyond the classroom. Trent’s Symons Campus, with 11 nature areas, represents a substantial proportion of woodlands and wetlands within the City of Peterborough. A primary goal of the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan is to protect, enhance and restore these assets, foster biological diversity, and sustain ecosystem function. Trent is committed to maintaining 60 per cent of the Symons Campus lands as Nature Areas and green space, and to being an active caretaker for a valuable ecosystem.
Over the next three years, Trent will be implementing its University Green Network Stewardship Plan, with the mission of advancing environmental stewardship of 868 acres of Symons Campus lands. The project prioritizes engaging students in hands-on learning and collaborating with a variety of local community organizations as well as the Michi Saagiig First Nations.
Trent also recently announced that it is moving towards an active environmental and socially responsible governance (ESG) investment strategy for the University’s Endowment Fund to play its part in a more sustainable future.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
About the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan
Approved by the Board of Governors in February 2021, the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan was a three-year endeavour that culminated in a framework for the evolution of the Symons Campus. The Plan advances the University's mission as a learning institution, steward of the natural environment, and community anchor. The Plan includes guiding principles, inspirations from around the world, and emerging best practices to achieve an inspiring vision to demonstrate leadership in environmental education and stewardship, and respect for Indigenous Traditional Knowledge. It commits the University to maintain 60% of its lands as Nature Areas and green space and to ensure new buildings meet high environmental standards. Trent’s Symons Campus represents a substantial portion of the City of Peterborough’s woodlands and wetlands, and many enjoy trails and wildlife in its 11 nature areas. The Plan introduces a University Green Network to connect these Nature Areas and greenspaces across the campus and provide a robust network of rich and biodiverse natural features. Access the Trent Land and Nature Areas Plan at trentu.ca/trentlandsplan.
Cara Walsh, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca