Trent University’s Department of Geography is pleased to announce the recent release of the third edition of its successful book, Peterborough and the Kawarthas, edited by Peter Adams and Colin Taylor.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas is a comprehensive overview of the part of Ontario known as “The Kawarthas.” It includes chapters (complete with colour photos, maps, diagrams and tables) on geology and landforms; soils, plants and animals; weather and climate; rivers and lakes; local history; urban geography; tourism and recreation; regional planning; local area field trips; and map and remote-sensing imagery.

A special feature of the book is a series of aerial photographs, each accompanied by a sketch to help their interpretation. These include many aerial photographs of parts of the city of Peterborough, as well as pictures of local villages, including Lakefield, Douro, Millbrook and Warsaw.

The new edition of the book includes comprehensive references and lists of websites, including links to map, air photo and satellite images of the region, and databases for statistical information about the local area.

Chapters were written by current and past members of the Department of Geography, using their specialized knowledge of the local area. Contributions were also made by colleagues in the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and the University’s Map and Government Documents librarian. Embedded within the chapters are text boxes which provide deeper coverage of topics of particular interest, such as the “Peterborough Flood” of July 2004, and details of the amalgamation of local townships and municipalities following provincial legislation in 1997.

As with previous editions, net proceeds for Peterborough and the Kawarthas will support an annual undergraduate prize in Geography for third-year students attending Trent University. To date, $10,000 has been raised in support of this Founders’ Prize in Geography through sales of earlier editions.

The book is now available in local stores, including the Trent Bookstore, Chapters, and Titles Bookstore in Peterborough; Happenstance Books in Lakefield; and P.G. Towns & Sons Store in Douro. It is also available from Trent Valley Archives and in various tourist venues, including the Canadian Canoe Museum, Centennial Museum, Hutchison House, and Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism. Copies can also be purchased directly from the Department of Geography at Trent University by calling 705-748-1011 ext. 7686 or mmiller@trentu.ca.

To officially launch the new edition of Peterborough and the Kawarthas, a number of events have been scheduled, including:

Thursday, October 22, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Announcement at the launch of Trent University’s Centre of Knowledge in the Environment, at Benedict Gathering Place, First Peoples House of Learning, Peter Gzowski College, Trent University.

Thursday, October 22, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Peter Adams and Colin Taylor will be available to sign copies of their book at the “Preparing for the Green Economy” Inside Trent Luncheon to be held at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club, 1030 Armour Road (free community event, RSVP to Cindy Turnbull (705) 748-1011 x7246 or cindyturnbull@trentu.ca.

Thursday, October 22, 7:30 p.m.
Illustrated talk by Peter Adams and book signing at Titles Bookstore, 379 George Street North, Peterborough.

Friday October, 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Book signing with Peter Adams and Colin Taylor and slideshow at Chapters, 873 Lansdowne Street West, Peterborough.