Two Trent University students will be conducting research on Trent land this summer as part of an experiential learning project, to investigate if and how farmed land can be returned to a natural wetland state.

Shannon Farmer, third-year Environmental and Resource Science, and Edward Smith, second- year Environmental Science and Economics, became involved with the project through the Society of Ecological Restoration, Trent University Chapter (SERTU).

“Our project is merely one of thousands happening today which will help people adapt to changing world,” says Ms. Farmer, who will be collecting biological data on the wetland for her honours thesis. “We hope that by being open and sharing our story we can inspire others to be ecological stewards in their own lives.”

Their project aims to generate baseline measurements of the health of the area, including biotic life, species at risk, plants, birds, and water and soil health to assess the current ecological function of a wetland that was impacted by previous agricultural uses. Throughout the process, Ms. Farmer and Mr. Smith will be following all regulations for such projects, adding to their work-ready experiences at Trent.  

This project is a joint effort between students, faculty and the community. There is an active core of students, their supervising faculty member, Dr. Tom Whillans, associate professor in the School of the Environment; the Trent Wildlife Society; as well as the Facilities and Grounds Committee.  

Ms. Farmer and Mr. Smith say Trent has been ideal for this project.  

“The support that we have received during the planning stages of this project has had a huge impact on my education,” Mr. Smith says. “The faculty, staff and even my fellow committee members have redefined my ideas of education. The doors in Trent are open and the opportunities are there, waiting, you just need to take the first step.”

Find out more about this project.

Learn more about the Trent School of the Environment