grounds
grounds

Contents

For further current and recent information on grounds management, see the Trent Sustainability web site.
For older & historical information on grounds management previously worked on by the EAB, see the Grounds Management Archives section.

 

Introduction

Trent University's main campus (Symons Campus) sits on 580 acres in the northeast corner of the city of Peterborough. Several groups and individuals at Trent have input into monitoring, maintaining, and using these grounds.

Grounds management activities vary from area to area on campus. These activities can be divided into two basic types, based on the areas being managed:

  • natural areas (also referred to as the endowment lands), and
  • manicured, actively managed built-up areas (with urban characteristics) that support Trent University people and buildings

A basic difference between the two is in the intensity of human use. Natural areas are in a more natural state, and support some recreational and educational activities. Areas near to the Trent buildings support activities such as transportation, structures, and more intensive recreational activities (e.g., sports), and also are more viewed by people that work at, study at, and visit Trent University. These differences translate to differences in management.

The areas near to buildings are more intensively used, and are primarily under the care of Trent University's Physical Resources Department. The natural areas are partially under Physical Resources care, with other groups assisting in managing and making decisions.

Areas Near Buildings (actively managed)

The grounds near to buildings are used for activities such as transportation (roads, parking lots, walkways), buildings, and recreation (such as team sports). They also have the most impact visually to both residents, employees, and visitors.

Below: Trent Buildings on the east bank of the Otonabee River, including the Environmental Science Centre, the Chemical Sciences Building, the Science Complex, and part of Otonabee College.

Natural Areas (Endowment Lands)

The majority of Trent's land is kept as natural (no development).

There are trails throughout much of the area, which serves as nature trails for the Peterborough area. Many specific areas are identified as Nature Areas, each with its specific characteristics. For more information see the Nature Areas web site.

The Endowment Lands are also open to adoption for various uses by Trent University. In 2006 Trent released an Endowment Land Master Plan (for more information see the EAB Trent University Policies page). Recently some of this land was leased for a new hydroelectric power development.

Some of the management challenges of the natural areas include invasive species monitoring and control and trail development and maintenance.

Below: Deep in a pine forest within the Trent Nature Areas.

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