Available Projects
We are now accepting applications for Fall 2022 Terms!
Below is a list of available projects for Peterborough and the surrounding area. If you are a student researcher and see a project that you are interested in or would like to learn more about, please complete a STUDENT APPLICATION FORM.
U-Links Centre for Community Based Research
Also listed below, are projects offered by the U-Links Centre for Community Based Research, which partners students with projects in Haliburton County.
Please Note: Student travel between Peterborough and Haliburton County is provided.
Learn more about U-Links Projects here
#4973 FVSOntario Coding for Web-Based Interface
FVSOntario is a distance-independent, non-spatial, individual tree model that does not require data on tree spacing or individual tree locations within the forest stand. Its geographical scope covers the range of the Great Lake St. Lawrence (GLSL) and Boreal Forest species. It has great potential to be adopted as a forest management and planning tool by the MNRF and by the forest industry for the management of Crown land forests in Ontario.
In undertaking this project, a student will perform a code transfer to make FVSOntario compatible with the United States Forestry Service Forest Vegetation Simulator (USFS-FVS) web-based interface. This process will improve overall adaptability and functionality and will open new doors for collaboration across institutions, ultimately supporting more sustainable forest management within Ontario.
Research Theme(s): Environmental
#4992 GiveLo Community Synergy
GiveLo helps to facilitate the support of Peterborough’s grassroots establishments and non-profit organizations by making it easy to give locally. GiveLo.ca is Peterborough’s one-stop shop for e-gift cards for local stores, and to make donations to local non-profit organizations.
The student enrolled in this project will undertake a program evaluation that will inform GiveLo.ca’s future directions, helping to answer some of the following questions:
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Are there other programs or systems similar to GiveLo.ca?
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Why do members of the public get involved in the Peterborough community, and what would encourage others to do so?
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How can GiveLo.ca bring more support to our local charities, and how can GiveLo.ca help with fundraising?
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of GiveLo.ca?
Research Theme(s): Social, Economic
#4993 Exploring Ways of Encouraging the Local Business Community to Utilize Undergraduate Students
**Available for Fall 2022**
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that works to strengthen the greater Peterborough business community. As a community organization, it is our goal to increase connectivity between Trent undergraduate students and Peterborough’s business community. In doing so, we hope to encourage more Trent graduates to remain in the community for work.
The student undertaking this work will investigate the following research questions, design, and facilitate a survey and/or series of interviews:
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What should businesses do to engage with students, to hire after graduation?
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What should post-secondary institutions do to engage with students so that students can find employment in the local business community?
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What should students do to engage with businesses to find employment within the local business community?
Research Theme(s): Social, Cultural, Economic
#4995 Modernization of Membership Organizations
**Available for Fall 2022**
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization fully funded through membership registration. As an organization, we work with members to strengthen the greater Peterborough business community.
In this project, a student will help our organization identify the best practices that other membership organizations use to support their Members. Potential questions to be answered include:
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What do Member organizations do to best serve their Members?
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How have member organizations evolved their practices to meet member needs?
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What are the primary challenges, risks, and opportunities associated with enhancing member service delivery? Which Chambers of Commerce across Canada/Ontario are excelling in meeting member needs? What has led to their success?
Research Theme(s): Social, Cultural
#5000 Development of an Evaluation Framework for CarePartners Program Delivery
CarePartners is a healthcare service providing personal support workers, rehabilitation services, and nursing care for patients in homes, schools, retirement homes, clinics, and workplaces. The organization is currently working to modernize its programs through new integrated care delivery models.
The student undertaking this project will support the design of a model for program evaluation. As part of this program, the student will review the care process and its outcome measures. The resulting evaluation plan will inform a standardized approach to program evaluation in the future.
Key research questions for this project include:
1. What are the best practices applied across Ontario for evaluating the delivery of home care?
2. How can staff and patients be included in the evaluation process?
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How can staff and patients be included in the evaluation process?
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What are staff and patients’ opinions on program delivery right now and how could their concerns be incorporated into program evaluation?
Research Theme(s): Social, Cultural
#5006 Insight into Plan A Peterborough’s Community Uptake
Plan A Peterborough is a local chapter of a national staffing agency that connects healthcare professionals with flexible work arrangements in various healthcare settings. Built with long-term growth and sustainability in mind, Plan A supports healthcare professionals build a work schedule that fits their schedule and lifestyle while increasing the availability of healthcare staff in high-demand care facilities.
Since its recent launch in the Peterborough area, Plan A has seen limited interest and a lack of applications from health care professionals. The student undertaking this project would assist Plan A Peterborough in identifying the cause for this lack of interest and would identify possible solutions to increase uptake.
Research Theme(s): Social
#5023 The presence and activities of Samuel du Champlain in Kawartha Lakes
Learn more about the history of our region while working with the City of Kawartha Lakes! The student undertaking this project will conduct historical research to identify records of Samuel de Champlain’s presence and actions in the region during his known visit in 1615. Information gathered through this investigation will inform the development of a Signature Experience as part of the Kawartha Lakes Tourism’s Knapsack program, and will be included in the province’s destination marketing program Route Champlain.
Research Theme(s): Cultural, Economic
#5027 The Impact of Work Culture on Employee Engagement
**Available for Summer or Fall 2022**
The Workforce Development Board (WDB) is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to provide labour market information, coordinate employment and training services, and engage employer communities. This study will provide insight into WDB’s understanding of workplace culture and its relationship to employee retention.
The student undertaking this study will carry out surveys and consultations with employers and employees to explore the meaning of work culture at a local level, and to inform policies and practices that have a positive impact on retention and attraction of workers.
Research Theme(s): Social, Cultural
#5055 Regional Analysis of Strategic & Community Action Plans
**Available for Fall 2022**
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) leads Peterborough’s economic growth by attracting talent, innovation, and investments that create desirable jobs and an irresistible place to live and visit.
Throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas, several organizations have developed strategic plans and active community plans that speak to or have a role in economic development. The student undertaking this project will review current strategic and active community plans, identify actions and deliverables in each, and assess the alignment of these with those included in PKED’s 2020-2024 Future Ready Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan.
Research Theme(s): Economic, Social
#5059 - Clean Slate Enterprises_Staffing Operation Feasibilty Update
Clean Slate Enterprises is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization that works to incubate and run social enterprises that provide training and employment opportunities for persons facing barriers to employment. Clean Slate is a volunteer-run organization seeking support for a review and update of their most recent feasibility report, with the following questions in mind:
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Since publication, have there been any changes within the local temporary agencies, job seekers’ market, or the industry’s needs which would impact the viability of the proposed operation? If so, what are those changes and how would they impact the question of viability?
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Are there other current or anticipated factors that impact viability of this operation?
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What industries are most likely to hire staff from this operation?
Research Theme(s): Social, Economic
#5063 - Lived Experience and Social, Health and Economic Impacts of Inaccessible Housing vs Accessible Housing
**Available for Fall 2022**
The Accessible Housing Network (AHN) is a non-partisan collaboration of Canadian non-profit organizations working to support the human rights of persons with disabilities to end the extreme lack of accessible housing. To support their work, AHN is asking the following questions regarding barriers to the development of accessible housing:
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What organizations within Canada support seniors and people of all ages with disabilities?
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What circumstances, policies, and pieces of legislation are cited by government agencies (municipal, provincial, and federal) as barriers to the development of accessible housing, and how can these barriers be addressed?
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What barriers (systemic, social, attitudes, etc.) deter the construction of new accessible housing by developers?
In addition, AHN is interested in better understanding the representation of persons with disabilities within census data. The student undertaking this project may also explore the factors and rationale that influence a person’s decision to self-identify as having a disability.
Research Theme(s): Social, Economic
#5065 - FASD and Best Practices for Supportive Housing
**Available for Fall 2022**
A support group for mothers of adopted children diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is seeking assistance in identifying available resources and support for their children. Mothers within this group have identified a particular lack of resources and support for young adults living with FASD, many of whom are currently experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and higher rates of criminalization.
The student undertaking this project will explore existing models for funding, and housing supports specific to individuals with FASD, and will identify best practices for support of individuals within this demographic.
Research Theme(s): Social
#5071 - Insight into Peterborough's Disabled Community
**Available for Fall 2022**
The Council for Persons with Disabilities works to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by promoting equality, opportunity, and inclusion in the Peterborough region so everyone can contribute and thrive. Acknowledging the beneficial relationship between community, health, and wellbeing, and recognizing that those with a disability often experience a sense of social isolation, this project is intended to build connections amongst those who are isolated within our community.
The student undertaking this study will help to clarify our understanding of the demographics and characteristics of Peterborough’s disabled population and will seek to identify appropriate ways to foster a sense of belonging amongst these individuals as members of the Peterborough community.
Research Theme(s): Social
#5073 - Engaging At Risk Youth in Alternative Settings
**Available for Fall 2022**
Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) is a public board overseeing the governance of schools throughout the City and Counties of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and the District of Muskoka. In all, the board supports over 16,000 students attending 41 elementary schools, seven secondary schools, and six alternate education and training centres. The board is currently seeking to understand and increase uptake of non-academic programming covered through their alternative education programs for at-risk youth within the board.
The student undertaking this project will identify current approaches used by TLDSB to engage with and encourage participation by at-risk youth accessing programs through Alternative Education Centres and will highlight current barriers that limit attendance and engagement. In addition, this student will identify best practices and successful models utilized by other institutions that can inform future approaches.
Research Theme(s): Social
#5074 - Market Analysis for Developmental Teenage Programming at Five Counties Children's Centre
Five Counties Children’s Centre is a non-profit organization that provides support and programming for children and families with physical, communication, and developmental needs. The organization has identified a gap in life skills and developmental programming specific to teenagers with developmental and physical disabilities.
Through surveys and interviews, the student undertaking this project would work to identify future programs and services to support families and youth in need in our community. Specific questions to be explored include:
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What needs remain unmet for teenage clients of Five Counties?
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Is demand sufficient to justify new programs and services?
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Would families pay to support the creation of, or for enrollment in, new programs or services?
Research Theme(s): Social
#5082 Friends of the Muskoka Watershed’s (FMW) Citizen Science Program
**Available for Fall 2022**
The Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FMW) is a Canadian non-profit organization working to address the most severe threats to the Muskoka watershed, foster knowledge needed to address threats to the watershed and motivate the public and policymakers to act in protection of the watershed.
FMW’s AshMuskoka project is a citizen science project that enriches understanding of the soil quality and tree vitality benefits of wood ash additions, harnessing community engagement and collecting widespread geographic data.
The student undertaking this project will support the continued success of this citizen science project and will support a deeper understanding of citizen science projects as a whole. Specific research questions include:
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What are the best ways to engage and keep citizen scientists involved in the Muskokas?
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Does data collected by citizen scientists differ in quality from that collected by professionals?
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How do citizen scientists feel about their involvement in this project?
Research Theme(s): Social, Environment
#5084 Measuring the Impact of Cigarette Butt Recycling Receptacles on the Presence of Smoking-Related Litter
**Available for Fall 2022**
Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world - it is estimated that 8,000 tonnes of cigarette butt waste are littered every year in Canada. These butts have a notoriously negative impact on the environment. Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate and contribute to microplastic pollution when exposed to the elements. Moreover, every butt contains at least 130 toxic chemicals that leach into soil and waterways when littered, endangering local ecosystem health.
A Greener Future, in partnership with Unsmoke Canada, is proposing this project to evaluate the effectiveness of cigarette butt recycling receptacles at preventing butts from polluting streets, greenspaces, and waterways in Canadian urban spaces. In the long term, this project aims to improve responsible consumption, production, and disposal of tobacco products. We are seeking students through the U-Links Program to implement and monitor cigarette butt recycling receptacles in the city of Peterborough, Ontario. A Greener Future will have other volunteer researchers participate in various other cities across Ontario, including Port Hope, Barrie, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Collingwood, and Oshawa, depending on municipal participation.
Research Theme(s): Social, Environment
#5086: Sustainable Garden Practices
**Available for Fall 2022**
Tecasy Ranch is a private property featuring a community garden that grows and distributes food to those most vulnerable to food insecurity. The organization is seeking support for a series of projects intended to maximize the food production of their garden while maintaining an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.
The student undertaking Tecasy’s Sustainable Garden Project would review literature and best practices used by other gardens and would provide recommendations or a manual summarizing sustainable garden practices specific to Tecasy Ranch.
Research Theme(s): Environment
#5090: Sustainable Garden Practices: Soil Management
**Available for Fall 2022** 
Tecasy Ranch is a private property featuring a community garden that grows and distributes food to those most vulnerable to food insecurity. The organization is seeking support for a series of projects intended to maximize the food production of their garden while maintaining an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.
The student undertaking Tecasy’s Soil Management Project would collect and analyze soil samples to assess the quality and would conduct research to identify strategies and best practices that support the growth of a variety of crops. This project should consider environmentally responsible practices and erosion-control measures to maximize crop yields.
Research Theme(s): Environment
5091: Sustainable Garden Practices: Insect
**Available for Fall 2022**
Tecasy Ranch is a private property featuring a community garden that grows and distributes food to those most vulnerable to food insecurity. The organization is seeking support for a series of projects intended to maximize the food production of their garden while maintaining an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.
Recognizing the impact that both insect pests and pollinators can have on crop yield, Tecasy Ranch is interested in better understanding the methods that can be used to control pests, or limit the impact of pests, while supporting pollinators. The student undertaking this project would assess the expected presence and absence of insects on Tecasy Ranch and would conduct research to identify and propose best practices for insect management on the Ranch.
Research Theme(s): Environment
5092 Sustainable Garden: Socioeconomic Impact
**Available for Fall 2022**
Tecasy Ranch is a private property featuring a community garden that grows and distributes food to those most vulnerable to food insecurity. The organization is seeking support for a series of projects intended to maximize the food production of their garden while maintaining an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.
Tecasy Ranch is interested in measuring the socioeconomic of their project. The student undertaking this project would consider different approaches to measuring impact and would propose a way to measure the socioeconomic impact of the garden. They would collect data according to the plan created and would summarize an analysis of collected data to provide a baseline result.
Research Theme(s): Environment
5102 Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere: State of the Bay Lesson in a Backpack
**This Project Has Been Matched**
For almost 20 years, GBB has contributed to eastern Georgian Bay’s education community through science-based youth programs. The Lessons-in-a-Backpack was designed for use by educators in a school setting and meets the Ontario curriculum, over 25 lessons for grades 1-9 are publicly available. The Lesson-in-a-Backpack (LIAB) program objectives include: (1) connect youth with environmental science and promote ecological literacy; (2) ensure youth understand people’s impact on the environment and motivate them to act at home, at school, and beyond; and (3) provide interactive, hands-on environmental science opportunities inside and outside the classroom. Lesson plans are designed to engage youth in making personal connections with nature and in thinking critically about human impact.
The purpose of this project is the development of a new LIAB to accompany the 2023 launch of the State of the Bay Ecosystem Health Report. State of the Bay provides a snapshot of the environmental health of eastern and northern Georgian Bay. The Biosphere team is reviewing research from the Great Lakes, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay to create a summary of environmental conditions. The goal of this lesson is to adapt the report into resources for teachers and classes so that area youth can have a thorough understanding of the research and findings, plus what that means with respect to social, cultural, environmental implications for the region. Youth would do this through hands-on activities, research projects, guest speakers, etc.
Research Theme(s): Cultural, Environmental, Social
5103 Grassroots Community Development at Meadowvale Mississauga
**Available for Fall 2022**
Happy Neighbourhoods, a community group based in the City of Mississauga, works to build a sense of belonging within their community. They recognize a need to deepen a sense of connection and support within their community and are interested in learning how they can better address these needs.
The student undertaking this project would connect with community members to identify specific needs as required to build connections and to provide social support within the community. Specific questions may include:
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What supports and connections do community members want and need?
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What supports and connections would support increased community involvement and uptake of social support programs for the general public?
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How can an improved sense of community be fostered?
Research Theme(s): Cultural, Social
5104 Development of a Sustainable Annual Fundraising Plan
**Available for Fall 2022**
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) is a feminist, not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence and harm. In Peterborough, we offer crisis support, advocacy and accompaniment, individual counselling, group counselling, workshops, and prevention education. In our three surrounding communities of City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Northumberland, we work with local agencies to provide responsive healing support and prevention education events.
The student undertaking this project will develop a sustainable fundraising plan which will give KSAC a source of reliable donations to strengthen our services which ultimately benefits the cultural and social health of our community. Specific questions to be addressed in this plan may include:
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What is the scope of existing KSAC fundraising initiatives?
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What are the untapped resources for fundraising partnerships in the community?
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What are other successful SACs doing for fundraising in cities of a similar size?
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What do best practices look like for similar not-for-profit fundraising?
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What could an annual fundraising plan for KSAC look like and what are the key elements that need to be incorporated?
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How can a fundraising partnership with KSAC benefit local businesses?
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How can KSAC attract local businesses to partner with us in fundraising initiatives?
Research Theme(s): Economic, Social
5105 NPLC Strategic Plan, Environmental Scan and SWOT (2023-26)
**Available for Fall 2022**
The 360 Clinic has an interdisciplinary team with expertise in providing primary care to people with health risks including poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, experiences of violence and trauma, serious mental health issues and social isolation. We focus on improving health equity and access to the social determinants of health – things like food, income and safe housing. 360 Clinic staff are linked with many community partners and provide outreach to connect with individuals who may be reluctant to have health care or who are unable to access health care. The clinic has same-day “when needed” scheduling for patients. Laundry and shower programs assist with the practical needs of low-income people and homeless individuals and also provide a low-threshold way for people to connect with the clinic.
The student undertaking this project will conduct an environmental scan and SWOT analysis as the basis for developing the next Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic strategic plan. Given that the clinic serves a vital but marginalized segment of the community, the resultant plan, based on the project outcomes, will benefit and address the social determinants of health for clients.
Research Theme(s): Economic, Social
5109 - Exploring Client Engagement with Community Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (CVITP) 
**Available for Fall 2022**
The Trent Accounting Society (TAS), in collaboration with The Happy Wanderers, is a non-profit organization that provides students with the opportunity to improve and master their accounting skills and provide knowledge about Accounting designations and the Trent Business School’s Accounting Specialization program. TAS offers free income tax preparation assistance for students and community partners who work with clients to complete and file their annual tax returns.
The student undertaking this project will conduct a gray literature review to identify best practices for user engagement, barriers to access, and pandemic-related impacts in similar programs.
Research Theme(s): Economics, Social
5116 - Mental Health Readiness in Forensic Science
**Available for Fall 2022**
Trent University's Forensic Science Department prepares students for careers in forensics. The Department is seeking a student to support the development of a mental health readiness program to better prepare forensic science students for the realities placements.
The student undertaking this work will consult with a number of industry experts to create a mental health training program that will better prepare students for the industry and the personal challenges they may face within their education and career.
Research Theme(s): Social
5118 Indigenous History and Relations at Ashburnham Memorial Park 
**Available for Fall 2022**
The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG) was founded in June 2021 in order to advocate for positive changes to Ashburnham Memorial Park, known locally as “Armour Hill.” AMSG is composed of citizen volunteers who are advocating to and working with various City of Peterborough departments to drive conservation, stewardship, and recreation in Ashburnham Park.
AMSG is committed to a collaborative and inclusive approach and is seeking to improve its understanding of Indigenous history associated with this key local landmark. The student undertaking this project will engage with local Indigenous communities and available historical resources to explore this history, and to help build relationships that will improve collaboration in a respectful and meaningful way.
5119 Biological Inventory at Ashburnham Memorial Park
**Available for Fall 2022**
The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG) was founded in June 2021 in order to advocate for positive changes to Ashburnham Memorial Park, known locally as “Armour Hill.” AMSG is composed of citizen volunteers who are advocating to and working with various City of Peterborough departments to drive conservation, stewardship, and recreation in Ashburnham Park.
AMSG is committed to preserving biodiversity within the park, and is interested in updating existing data accounting for the presence and absence of various flora and fauna. The student undertaking this work may explore and seek to verify observations in public-source data such as iNaturalist and eBird and/or may conduct a thorough biological inventory of species observed at the site.
5120 Public Use and Perceptions of Ashburnham Memorial Park
**Available for Fall 2022**
The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG) was founded in June 2021 in order to advocate for positive changes to Ashburnham Memorial Park, known locally as “Armour Hill.” AMSG is composed of citizen volunteers who are advocating to and working with various City of Peterborough departments to drive conservation, stewardship, and recreation in Ashburnham Park.
AMSH is seeking to better understand how Ashburnham Memorial Park is perceived and used by the public. The student undertaking this study would explore existing survey data and would seek to collect additional data to address this need. Analysis of the data collected will help to inform future actions to increase stewardship and safety within the park.
5123 History and Impact of Summer Explorations in Canadian Cultures
**Available for Fall 2022**
This project is hosted by the School for the Study of Canada at Trent University, and is in honour of the 50th Anniversary of Canadian Studies. The end goal is to create a book outlining the history of Summer Explorations in Canadian Cultures (SECC) which was an academic, experiential program which ran from 1997-2005 at Trent University. International academics interested in the study of Canada attended from all over the world to participate in seminars, lectures, workshops and community events for two weeks each summer. The program was hosted by the Canadian Studies program at Traill College and later by Julian Blackburn College and showcased Trent's Canadian Studies program on the international stage. This project will benefit the Canadian Studies department and Trent University by making a record of the global impact this program had on the field of Canadian Studies, as well as the return benefits for Trent University and the scholars who participated.
5125 (6003) Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Farming on Small and Medium farms
**Available for Fall 2022**
The Peterborough and Kawarthas Economic Development wants to see if carbon markets could provide an alternative source of income for Peterborough farmers. We aim to better understand the status of carbon market regulation in Canada and Ontario and existing protocols and research on how to measure carbon sequestration in agricultural and agro-forestry soil.
6002 - Grandview Kids, Development of a Research Training Module for Staff Orientation
** Available for Fall 2022 **
Grandview Kids is Durham’s only Children’s Treatment Centre, with a mission to help children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs live life at their full potential. The organization is seeking student support in the development of an e-learning module to orient new staff to the organization’s research, innovation and knowledge mobilization in the realm of disability studies and rehabilitation services.
The student undertaking this project will conduct research to identify content and an approach to delivering content that is meaningful, engaging, interactive, and accessible. The student will develop and pilot the learning module, incorporating feedback into a final product that can be used in staff training.
6005 - Community-Based Researcher in Residence
** Available for Fall 2022 **
Trent University’s student run newspaper, The Arthur, is an outlet for many students to indulge in journalism and creative writing. Acknowledging the importance of student lead discussions, The Arthur wants to build opportunities of collaboration and community happenings for students in the Peterborough-Nogojiwanong or University community within a research environment.
This project will develop a students research and journalism skills while researching an ongoing issues in the community. The student undertaking this project will develop a topic which may include dissecting online journalism in relation to the pandemic, social and economic impacts of industrial expansion, or the evolution of physical and digital archives at Arthur Newspaper.
U-Links Centre for Community Based Research Projects:
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biomonitoring Projects
(Multiple Projects Available - Visit U-Links website for full list)
NOTE: These projects are available for the 2022 fall semester and involve a field component.
Benthic macro-invertebrates (or “benthics” or “benthos”) are aquatic, spineless organisms that live on the bottom of water bodies. Since the late 1980’s they have been used as biological indicators for common aquatic pollutants as they spend part or the entirety of their lives in the water. The use of benthics as an indicator of water quality is now used throughout the world and has been widely used in Ontario since the early 2000’s.
In 2019 U-Links, Trent University, and Sir Sanford Fleming College participated in a pilot project involving six lakes within Haliburton County in order to determine if a program like this was possible. All six projects were successful and it was determined in early 2020 that the program would continue and expand to more lakes throughout the Haliburton region.
These community-based research projects are ideal for an undergraduate student as a full-term project and may include some field work early in the Fall (COVID-19 health and safety policies from Trent University and U-Links will be in effect). Students can request to work with a partner or will be paired with another registered student. It is preferred that each student group has at least one OBBN certified member, but other arrangements may be made to accommodate each group's specific needs
#5057 Windy Pine Shoreline Rehabilitation Action Plan
NOTE: This project involves a field component.
Windy Pine Conference Centre is a property under the care of Canadian Studies at Trent University on Kushog Lake in the Algonquin Highlands. It acts as a recreational and academic site for Trent University and as a link between the University and Haliburton County.
Concerns of erosion have arisen due to the naturally thin sandy soils along the roughly 300m rocky shoreline on the property. A baseline inventory was conducted in 2014 through Love Your Lake, and an initial CBE project (#4837) in 2019. This project is slated to expand on this inventory and give recommendations on how to best address problem areas on the site.
#5030 Watershed Mapping Profile and Protocol for the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust has as its mandate “to conserve plants, wildlife and clean water of Haliburton County to ensure a legacy of forests, fields and wetlands, and the species they nurture.” To achieve this goal the HHLT is acquiring lands of ecological and cultural significance for conservation purposes. Informed and science-based decision-making is necessary to acquire and manage these landscapes in perpetuity as is the main responsibility of HHLT. Analytical landscape evaluation processes and tools are seen to be key to HHLT decision-making for new acquisitions, land management, monitoring and stewardship endeavours.
This project entitled Watershed Mapping Profile and Protocol has as one its purposes to develop a spatial context of the HHLT properties and Haliburton Highlands surrounding areas in terms of their watershed composition. Watershed mapping in simple terms uses elevation and flow data to define catchment areas of water systems. Geographic information science is applied to generate the watershed maps. The protocol piece of the project has as its purpose the development of a workflow for using the watershed mapping products for such endeavours as habitat and land conservation.
#5029 Delineating the Velocity of Climate Change in the Haliburton Highlands for the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust has as its mandate “to conserve plants, wildlife and clean water of Haliburton County to ensure a legacy of forests, fields and wetlands, and the species they nurture.” To achieve this goal the HHLT is acquiring lands of 
ecological and cultural significance for conservation purposes. Informed and science-based decision-making is necessary to acquire and manage these landscapes in perpetuity as is the main responsibility of HHLT. Analytical landscape evaluation processes and tools are seen to be key to HHLT decision-making for new acquisitions, land management, monitoring and stewardship endeavours.
This project has as one its purposes to critically review one method available for estimating the velocity of climate change in the Haliburton Highlands region. A second purpose is to recommend how this method can be applied by the HHLT for achieving its mandate of landscape conservation.
#5020 Health Benefits of Natural Plasters
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
Beyond Plasters, a natural plasters business based in Haliburton, Ontario, is looking for research on the health benefits of natural plasters. The student(s) will conduct a literature reviews on the health benefits of natural plasters vs synthetic plasters, and, if possible, conduct a lab analysis (VOCs) of the Beyond Plasters mix vs synthetic plasters under faculty supervision.
It is hoped the research will bring to light the long-forgotten benefits of natural plasters and present them in the new context of healthy building practices in the 21st century.
#5064 Virtual Adaptation of Abbey Gardens on-site Sprouts to Snacks Program
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
Abbey Gardens is a non-for-profit organization with a mission to create opportunities to learn about living more sustainably, including learning about local food, gardening, energy, sustainable construction techniques, heritage agricultural animals, land restoration, and cooking techniques. The "Sprouts to Snacks" program ran successfully on site for two years with a local elementary school, engaging children in growing, harvesting, and preparing local food.
The effects of COVID-19 and increased bussing fees has prevented the program from occurring on-site. The purpose of this project is to create a hands-on, mostly virtual version of the "Sprouts to Snacks" program, and offer a hybrid on-line/on-site program, where it is accessed and used by educators in a school setting, and concludes with a field trip to Abbey Gardens.
#5070 Baseline Inventory Report for the Dahl Forest
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
Habitat loss and degradation are the greatest threats to biodiversity in Canada today. To mitigate this process in the Haliburton Highlands, the HHLT acquires lands of ecological and cultural significance for conservation purposes.
The project objective is to incorporate data from the previously established Permanent Sample Plots (PSPs) in the Dahl Forest to create a Baseline Inventory Report of the forest. Students will also develop a database that is spatially relatable to the existing GIS framework. Having a baseline will make room for additional data collection such as vegetation and soil data for each of the PSPs.
#5080 Grace Lake Wetland Assessment (Available for SPRING Semester!)
NOTE: This project involves a field component.
The Grace Lake Association (GLA) exists to represent the interests of the property owners on Grace Lake by advocating for the sustained good health of the lake, including the Grace Lake Wetland. GLA would like the selected student researchers to collect data through research and fieldwork to determine what species are present, the ecological and cultural services, and the major water sources and boundaries of the wetland. The data collected can be used to initiate an Environmental Impact Assessment, and help GLA to better advocate for the protection of Haliburton's beautiful and vital wetlands.
#5094 Underground Greenhouse Feasibility Study for Haliburton County
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely
The purpose of this project is to research the feasibility of building an underground greenhouse/walipini for growing food in Haliburton County 12 months a year. How can sustainable features such as fishpond irrigation, geothermal and ceramic wood heat be integrated into the design? What innovative, local, or green engineering and construction features can be used?
This project would aid in sustainability and self sufficiency for growing food in Haliburton County and provide an ongoing educational component to the area.
#5110 Haliburton County Agriculture & Food Production Assessment
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely
Local agriculture and food production are significant parts of the Haliburton County economy and support access to healthy foods in the area. The purpose of this project is to assist the Haliburton County Farmer's Market Association and Harvest Haliburton in identifying barriers and opportunities for small farmers and food producers in the county. Student researchers will conduct surveys and interviews with local agriculture and food producers and identify best practices from similar small scale operations in Canada and abroad.
#5111 Abbey Retreat Centre Programming Evaluation Assessment
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The Abbey Retreat Centre supports people living with cancer diagnosis. Since 2016, the Abbey Retreat Centre has developed and honed a number of Retreats and programming including a 4-day retreat, a 3-day arts-based retreat, and online programming. Each of these programs host their own outcomes and evaluations. However, there has never been an evaluation where outcomes align across all retreats. The purpose of this project is to determine the outcomes and evaluations on each of the retreats and to see if there are areas to improve the evaluations individually or as a broader evaluation across all programming.
#5081 Serenity Wetland Assessment
NOTE: This project involves a field component.
Many of the wetlands in Haliburton County remain unclassified, with their provincial significance unknown. The Serenity Wetland Alliance (SWA), is a volunteer group dedicated to the protection of the Serenity Wetland in Highlands East, ON. The purpose of this project is to gather relevant data and complete an inventory of species present through research and fieldwork, to initiate an Environmental Impact Assessment. The results of this project will promote the awareness of wetlands and their importance, and support other groups and organizations who are considering seeking protections for wetlands in their communities.
#5088 Best Practices for Lake Monitoring and Management
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
This is a winter semester project.
The Drag and Spruce Lake Property Owners' Association (DSLPOA) is looking to protect the health of its lakes through the application of monitoring and management strategies. The purpose of this report is to determine the best lake monitoring strategies for the DSLPOA to develop a Lake Management Plan.. What specific indicators can be incorporated into monitoring programs within the Management Plan?
#5115 Lakeshore Capacity Study of Gull Lake
NOTE: This project involves a field component.
The Lakeshore Capacity Assessment Handbook (LCAH) was prepared by the Ministry of the Environment in partnership with the Ministries of Natural Resources and Municipal Affairs and Housing. It was developed to provide guidance to municipalities and other stakeholders responsible for the management of development along the shorelines of Ontario's inland lakes within the Precambrian Shield. A Lakeshore Capacity Assessment can be used to predict the level of development that can be sustained along the shoreline of an inland lake on the Precambrian Shield without exhibiting any adverse effects related to high phosphorus levels.
The last time a Lakeshore Capacity Study was completed for Gull Lake was nearly 10 years ago. Since then, cottagers have increased their time spent at the lake and short-term rentals have continued to escalate (specifically in timeline since global COVID-19 pandemic). Gull Lake has populations of lake trout which is one of the circumstances used to trigger a Lakeshore Capacity Study. The purpose of this study is to determine the Lakeshore Capacity of Gull Lake by incorporating changes in development and nutrient inputs since the last assessment.
#5121 Ground Beetle Monitoring on a Tall Grass Prairie Restoration Site
NOTE: This project involves a field component.
Abbey Gardens has transformed a spent gravel pit into a green space providing economic and recreational opportunities for the community. Part of the property has been restored into a tall-grass prairie, once abundant in Ontario. The purpose of this project is to look at the insect abundance and diversity in response to restoration of this site. It will involve the monitoring of ground insects, specifically beetles, to understand the current level of biodiversity from introducing native plant species. Several field and lab days will be required to collect, preserve and identify beetle taxonomy down to a species level.
#5122 Plant Monitoring - Success Study on Rehabilitated Shorelines
NOTE: This project involves a field component.
Abbey Gardens has transformed a spent gravel pit into a green space providing economic and recreational opportunities for the community. There are 4 large ponds on the Abbey Gardens property with shoreline restoration activities currently happening on two of them. The purpose of the project is to develop a long-term monitoring plan to assess the survival and growth rates of shoreline plants installed in 2022; research and recommend planting techniques/timing, stock selection (bare root vs. potted), plant spacing, species selection and more can be incorporated into interpretive signage on site, as well as implemented at future shoreline planting sites.
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