The forest management plan at Canadore College focuses on the sustainable stewardship of 650 acres at the College Drive Campus, with 460 acres of forested land. Through a comprehensive forest inventory, data collection, and mapping, the plan assesses forest health, structure, and composition.

Using a boots-on-the-ground approach, it measured and calculated carbon sequestration rates while monitoring biodiversity and species at risk. The plan also identifies opportunities for integration with academic programs, departments, and the community, enhances engagement, and increases tree counts across campus and residence locations.

This initiative has positioned Canadore College as the first post-secondary institution in Canada to achieve both Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certifications. View Plan

Canadore College is committed to enhancing campus sustainability by planting trees across its campuses. This initiative helps increase green spaces, supports biodiversity, and contributes to carbon sequestration, fostering a healthier environment for students, staff, and the community while aligning with the College’s long-term sustainability goals.

Apple, pear, and plum orchards have been introduced at both the Residence and College Commerce campuses, with an apple orchard also planted outside our campus restaurant, 100 Elements.

Since 2022, hundreds of new trees have been added, including varieties such as Oak, Butternut, American Elderberry, Aronia Melanocarpa, and White Cedar. 

The Miyawaki forest planted at Canadore College is the first of its kind in the region, created in partnership with Beyond21 Academy as part of the Sustainable Innovation course. This unique project brought together faculty, staff, students, and alumni to establish a diverse, native forest using the innovative Miyawaki method, contributing to the restoration of local biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

A Miyawaki forest, developed by Dr. Akira Miyawaki, is an urban forest created by planting a diverse mix of native species to rapidly restore biodiversity. This method fosters dense, multi-layered growth, mimicking natural ecosystems, and supports high biodiversity. Miyawaki forests sequester carbon, reduce urban heat islands, and provide essential green spaces, helping combat climate change.

The project aims to protect Ontario’s ecosystems by addressing the spread of invasive species on campus. In line with provincial regulations, students from the Work Study program and the School of Environmental Studies actively participate in monitoring and managing invasive species, including Goldfish, Phragmites, Japanese Knotweed, Garlic Mustard, and Purple Loosestrife.

Through routine assessments and control measures, students help maintain the balance of native habitats, support biodiversity, and protect vulnerable species, contributing to the health of campus ecosystems and surrounding natural areas.

We also worked with the Phrag Fighters; a group dedicated to removing invasive Phragmites from wetlands. These partnerships have helped to reinforce the power of collective action to do good for people and the planet. 

Canadore College became the first Ontario College to join the Campus Biodiversity Network. Founded in Montreal, Quebec – the network seeks to create an international network of colleges and universities working to monitor and protect biodiversity on their campuses.

The project promotes awareness and conservation of local biodiversity while empowering community members to engage in small, daily actions that support sustainability. Through nature immersion, the network fosters well-being and creates biodiversity profiles that are easily accessible and shareable. Additionally, the network contributes to international biodiversity research.

Join us today and make a difference—it’s easy to contribute and be part of this exciting project! Sign up and explore our observations here.

Canadore students and staff have been actively involved in monitoring Blanding’s turtles at the Commerce Court campus through a student-led study in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. This initiative focused on tracking five artificial nesting sites, with findings scheduled for submission to the Ministry in early 2025.

Although no Blanding’s turtles were observed, the team recorded significant activity from various local wildlife, offering valuable insights into the surrounding ecosystem.

Sustainable Canadore is committed to supporting pollinators through its membership as a "Bee Campus" with Bee City Canada, an organization dedicated to protecting pollinators. This initiative includes creating viable pollinator habitats, promoting education about native plants, and raising awareness of the crucial role pollinators play in the ecosystem. Activities highlight National Pollinator Week and include fun, educational events to engage the community.

Key efforts involve preserving greenspaces, planting native species, maintaining buffer zones around ponds for pollinators to drink, and eliminating pesticide use.

• Bioswales: Strategically placed beside parking lots, bioswales capture and filter runoff water while creating small pond-like habitats. Rocks are used to slow water flow and manage downhill runoff, reducing erosion and promoting natural filtration.
• Meadow Habitat: Runoff is redirected through a carefully managed micro-meadow habitat, where nutrient-rich water is absorbed by vegetation and soil, enhancing filtration and supporting biodiversity.
• Holding Pond and Natural Stream: Sedimentation occurs in a holding pond before the water is released back into a natural stream, ensuring cleaner water enters the surrounding environment.
• Stormwater Ponds: These ponds collect runoff from lower parking lots, trapping debris such as sand used during winter. They enable natural water absorption back into the ecosystem.
• Rooftop Water Management: Rainwater from campus rooftops is efficiently managed to prevent runoff and contribute to sustainable water systems on-site.

Our West Parry Sound Campus lies within the UNESCO-designated Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere Reserve – better known as the 30,000 islands, which were recognized in 2004 for their global ecological significance. We are proud members and, by supporting, the campus helps to promote education, ecosystem conservation, community well-being, and collaborative stewardship. Learn more