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There are several ways for students to complete a Community-Based Research (CBR) project. To participate, you must be enrolled in a Trent University, Fleming College or other Post-Secondary Institution course that offers CBR. Current applicable courses at Trent include, but are not limited to: ERSC 4830Y, ERSC 3160H, BIOL 4400Y, and GEOG 4830Y.
There are several ways for students to complete a Community-Based Research (CBR) project. To participate, you must be enrolled in a Trent University, Fleming College or other Post-Secondary Institution course that offers CBR. Current applicable courses at Trent include, but are not limited to: ERSC 4830Y, ERSC 3160H, BIOL 4400Y, and GEOG 4830Y.
Option 1: Apply for an Independent Project
You can apply to do an independent project under the supervision of a faculty member. Most of our independent projects commence at the beginning of each semester, but opportunities may be available at any time throughout the year. Click here for an link to our "Student Application Survey"
Option 2: Complete a Master's Thesis
CBR projects can also be undertaken as part of a Master's Thesis. Many community-based research topics are broad in scope and well-suited for graduate-level study, often requiring a deeper academic focus and longer timelines. If you're interested in a project marked for graduate or thesis-level work, please reach out to us directly to discuss options.
CBR offers a meaningful way to apply your research skills while gaining real-world experience and making a tangible impact in the community.
If you have any questions or want to discuss a project, contact us through email or via the contact window at the bottom of this page.
If you have any questions or want to discuss a project, contact us through email or via the contact window at the bottom of this page.
Available 2024 - 2025 U-Links Projects (Haliburton County)
Below is a list of available projects in Haliburton County. If you are a student researcher and see a project that you are interested in or would like to learn more about them, you can also check out project here, email Daniela Pagliaro, Administration and Logistics Coordinator ([email protected]) or submit an application form (link below).
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biomonitoring Projects
(Multiple Projects Available - CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST!)
NOTE: These projects may involve a field component (semester dependent).
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.
These community-based research projects are ideal for an undergraduate student as a full-term project and will include field work early in the fall. These projects can also be completed in the winter semester, which includes a lab component but no field work. Students are recommended to have OBBN certification or other previous field work experience. These projects are designed to be full year projects, starting in September and ending in April.
(Multiple Projects Available - CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST!)
NOTE: These projects may involve a field component (semester dependent).
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.
These community-based research projects are ideal for an undergraduate student as a full-term project and will include field work early in the fall. These projects can also be completed in the winter semester, which includes a lab component but no field work. Students are recommended to have OBBN certification or other previous field work experience. These projects are designed to be full year projects, starting in September and ending in April.
#5081 Serenity Wetland Assessment (Available for SPRING and SUMMER Semesters!)
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. This project is designed to be conducted in the spring and summer semesters, from May-August.
*This project is best suited for a small group at the graduate level.
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. This project is designed to be conducted in the spring and summer semesters, from May-August.
*This project is best suited for a small group at the graduate level.
#6129 Ecologically Aware Gardening Project
NOTE: This project has a field component.
Founded in 2020 at Haliburton Village's historic Lucas House, the Corner Gallery showcases works by Ontario artists, with a focus on abstraction and modern Canadian landscapes. The Corner Gallery provides a space for works demonstrating tradiational methods and skills that help us to see the world around us in innovative and provocative ways. The Corner Gallery is hosting this project regarding the creation of ecologically aware gardens, and would like to use this project to determine the benefits of these types of gardens over traditional lawns. The purpose of this project is to identify ecological impacts of converting traditional lawns/gardens to an ecologically aware garden that features exclusively native plants. The project will compare and contrast these two garden types on variables like macro-invertebrate and soil microbial diversity, plant-pollinator dynamics and hydro-logical processes. The results of this project will be used to benefit the organization by providing information that can lead to furthering environmental awareness, cost savings, community engagement and enhanced biodiversity, and will be used to benefit Haliburton County by identifying the benefits of ecologically aware gardens. Results of this project will be used to inform the general public about the benefits and identified frameworks for establishing an ecologically aware garden in replacement of traditional lawn management practices. This project is designed to be a full year project from September to April.
NOTE: This project has a field component.
Founded in 2020 at Haliburton Village's historic Lucas House, the Corner Gallery showcases works by Ontario artists, with a focus on abstraction and modern Canadian landscapes. The Corner Gallery provides a space for works demonstrating tradiational methods and skills that help us to see the world around us in innovative and provocative ways. The Corner Gallery is hosting this project regarding the creation of ecologically aware gardens, and would like to use this project to determine the benefits of these types of gardens over traditional lawns. The purpose of this project is to identify ecological impacts of converting traditional lawns/gardens to an ecologically aware garden that features exclusively native plants. The project will compare and contrast these two garden types on variables like macro-invertebrate and soil microbial diversity, plant-pollinator dynamics and hydro-logical processes. The results of this project will be used to benefit the organization by providing information that can lead to furthering environmental awareness, cost savings, community engagement and enhanced biodiversity, and will be used to benefit Haliburton County by identifying the benefits of ecologically aware gardens. Results of this project will be used to inform the general public about the benefits and identified frameworks for establishing an ecologically aware garden in replacement of traditional lawn management practices. This project is designed to be a full year project from September to April.
#6350 Community and Stakeholder Engagement for the Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation
NOTE: This project has in-person components including surveying/interviewing
The purpose of this project is to engage with community members and partners to understand their priorities and gather their insights on the expectations around building a new arts centre for the Haliburton Highlands. Results from this project will help the organization to develop a community engagement plan and ensure that future plans and activities are of benefit to the community. Having the community actively giving input into their organization about their priorities and expectations will strengthen the feasibility, quality and sustainability of their future work.
NOTE: This project has in-person components including surveying/interviewing
The purpose of this project is to engage with community members and partners to understand their priorities and gather their insights on the expectations around building a new arts centre for the Haliburton Highlands. Results from this project will help the organization to develop a community engagement plan and ensure that future plans and activities are of benefit to the community. Having the community actively giving input into their organization about their priorities and expectations will strengthen the feasibility, quality and sustainability of their future work.
#6352 Gravel to Gardens: Uncovering the Ecological and Industrial History of Abbey Gardens
NOTE: This project has a field component.
This project will explore the historical and ecological transformation of Abbey Gardens, tracing its journey from a natural habitat to an industrial gravel pit and its remarkable rehabilitation into a thriving community space. Through research into land use history, industrial impacts, and features like rock walls and log chutes, the findings will reveal the property's rich narrative. The insights will inform Abbey Gardens' educational programming, interpretive materials, and community management efforts, while also highlighting a model for sustainable land rehabilitation. By preserving this piece of Haliburton Countys' history, the project will promote ecological and cultural awareness and serve as an inspiration for environmental stewardship.
NOTE: This project has a field component.
This project will explore the historical and ecological transformation of Abbey Gardens, tracing its journey from a natural habitat to an industrial gravel pit and its remarkable rehabilitation into a thriving community space. Through research into land use history, industrial impacts, and features like rock walls and log chutes, the findings will reveal the property's rich narrative. The insights will inform Abbey Gardens' educational programming, interpretive materials, and community management efforts, while also highlighting a model for sustainable land rehabilitation. By preserving this piece of Haliburton Countys' history, the project will promote ecological and cultural awareness and serve as an inspiration for environmental stewardship.
#6392 Study of the Artificial Bay at Halls Lake Causeway
NOTE: This project has a field component.
We are a property owners association, representing 650 property owners in the Big Hawk, Little Hawk, Kennisis River and Halls Lake region. Our mandate is to protect and enhance all elements contributing to the quality of life in our community, including an ecologically sound natural environment. This project will assess the ecological and hydrological impacts of a causeway on Halls Lake installed in mid-20th-century; which transformed an island into a peninsula, leading to the creation of a shallow, vegetation filled bay. The project will gather baseline data on water chemistry, depth, aquatic vegetation and benthic macroinvertebrates in the artificial bay to better understand how altered water flow and habitat succession may be affecting the area. Comparisons will be made with existing water quality and benthic data from other parts of Halls Lake from other U-Links/Woodlands and Waterways EcoWatch program streams, along other data sourced from LPP, MECP/MNRF.
NOTE: This project has a field component.
We are a property owners association, representing 650 property owners in the Big Hawk, Little Hawk, Kennisis River and Halls Lake region. Our mandate is to protect and enhance all elements contributing to the quality of life in our community, including an ecologically sound natural environment. This project will assess the ecological and hydrological impacts of a causeway on Halls Lake installed in mid-20th-century; which transformed an island into a peninsula, leading to the creation of a shallow, vegetation filled bay. The project will gather baseline data on water chemistry, depth, aquatic vegetation and benthic macroinvertebrates in the artificial bay to better understand how altered water flow and habitat succession may be affecting the area. Comparisons will be made with existing water quality and benthic data from other parts of Halls Lake from other U-Links/Woodlands and Waterways EcoWatch program streams, along other data sourced from LPP, MECP/MNRF.
#6393 Apple Tree Agro-Forestry in Harcourt Park
NOTE: This project has a field component.
This project is an extension of the Apple Tree Identification Project Haliburton (ATIP) and has potential as an agroforestry project with benefits to biodiversity. There is also potential to contribute to the history of this part of Haliburton through research and field investigation of the homestead.The farm is located east of the main body of Harcourt Park in Dysart et al (Harcourt Twp.). We know little about the family: only the name, and that there was a homestead and burial ground and an orchard. Recently a variety of apple unique to Haliburton County has been identified and a research project was mounted to identify sites in the County where it may grow. https://www.appletreeshaliburton.ca/ The Leeson Farm could be one of them as there is a small, old, apple orchard. In addition to being a potential site for Haliburton Apple, the parent project is looking for sites where propagated “Haliburton Apples” could be grown and with management of the encroaching forest, this could be a good agroforestry project. This is a unique opportunity to maintain a sliver of biodiversity that we are slowly losing as pines and spruce take over the 200-year old pastures. The native blueberries and black raspberries are only a shadow of what they were in 1960 and it has long been an objective to clear away some of the young occupying forest. The potential to recreate the orchard (once a popular spot for black bears) is a unique one and consistent with the HP Forest Management Plan.
NOTE: This project has a field component.
This project is an extension of the Apple Tree Identification Project Haliburton (ATIP) and has potential as an agroforestry project with benefits to biodiversity. There is also potential to contribute to the history of this part of Haliburton through research and field investigation of the homestead.The farm is located east of the main body of Harcourt Park in Dysart et al (Harcourt Twp.). We know little about the family: only the name, and that there was a homestead and burial ground and an orchard. Recently a variety of apple unique to Haliburton County has been identified and a research project was mounted to identify sites in the County where it may grow. https://www.appletreeshaliburton.ca/ The Leeson Farm could be one of them as there is a small, old, apple orchard. In addition to being a potential site for Haliburton Apple, the parent project is looking for sites where propagated “Haliburton Apples” could be grown and with management of the encroaching forest, this could be a good agroforestry project. This is a unique opportunity to maintain a sliver of biodiversity that we are slowly losing as pines and spruce take over the 200-year old pastures. The native blueberries and black raspberries are only a shadow of what they were in 1960 and it has long been an objective to clear away some of the young occupying forest. The potential to recreate the orchard (once a popular spot for black bears) is a unique one and consistent with the HP Forest Management Plan.
#6410 Sustainable Community-Led Aging Initiatives: Case Study of Aging Together As Community in Haliburton County
NOTE: This project has a field component.
Aging Together As Community (ATAC) is a grassroots initiative based in Haliburton County committed to creating supportive, inclusive, and sustainable opportunities for residents to age in place. The organization fosters peer-to-peer networks, working groups, and community-based events that enhance social connection, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem solving related to aging well in a rural community.
The project will support ATAC in identifying strategies to expand community engagement, strengthen organizational partnerships, and build financial sustainability for long term impact. The project will also analyze comparable initiatives in rural settings to identify best practices for community led aging programs and sustainable operations.
NOTE: This project has a field component.
Aging Together As Community (ATAC) is a grassroots initiative based in Haliburton County committed to creating supportive, inclusive, and sustainable opportunities for residents to age in place. The organization fosters peer-to-peer networks, working groups, and community-based events that enhance social connection, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem solving related to aging well in a rural community.
The project will support ATAC in identifying strategies to expand community engagement, strengthen organizational partnerships, and build financial sustainability for long term impact. The project will also analyze comparable initiatives in rural settings to identify best practices for community led aging programs and sustainable operations.
#6413 Study of Growing Domes in Haliburton County
NOTE: This project has a can be completed remotely.
This project seeks to examine the viability of year-round indoor growing in Haliburton County, using an existing geodesic Arctic Dome as a pilot case. The student(s) will conduct a feasibility study for how these types of (cold climate) grow domes can be scaled or replicated across the region, improving food production. This project will:
Investigate need for increased year round access to (fresh, affordable, local) produce in Haliburton County
Identify barriers and opportunities related to growing domes
Conduct a Feasibility/PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) analysis of building and sustainability related to growing domes,
outline funding opportunities, community partnerships, outreach strategies to support future dome projects or green infrastructure
NOTE: This project has a can be completed remotely.
This project seeks to examine the viability of year-round indoor growing in Haliburton County, using an existing geodesic Arctic Dome as a pilot case. The student(s) will conduct a feasibility study for how these types of (cold climate) grow domes can be scaled or replicated across the region, improving food production. This project will:
Investigate need for increased year round access to (fresh, affordable, local) produce in Haliburton County
Identify barriers and opportunities related to growing domes
Conduct a Feasibility/PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) analysis of building and sustainability related to growing domes,
outline funding opportunities, community partnerships, outreach strategies to support future dome projects or green infrastructure
#6415 "The Missing Element" - Stories of the Mountain St. Red Cross Outpost
NOTE: This project has a may have an in person component.
The Canoe FM/Haliburton Highlands Land Trust are non profit organizations working out of a historic building on Mountain Street in Haliburton that was once a Red Cross outpost. A small 1983 book by Martha Perkins, “A Hospital of our Own”, was written about its history. The purpose of this project is to discover more about the building and the health professionals who worked there in order to develop a better understanding of the hospital’s connection to history and its contributions to the local community. Existing data will be augmented through oral history interviews and a visual media display.
A focus on collecting oral history will help employees, visitors and community members develop a better understanding and appreciation of the specific times,
people and events that took place in the building space, and give insight into how the services of the outpost impacted the community.
The visual materials created as part of the project will help make the space more inviting to people who work at and visit Canoe FM
NOTE: This project has a may have an in person component.
The Canoe FM/Haliburton Highlands Land Trust are non profit organizations working out of a historic building on Mountain Street in Haliburton that was once a Red Cross outpost. A small 1983 book by Martha Perkins, “A Hospital of our Own”, was written about its history. The purpose of this project is to discover more about the building and the health professionals who worked there in order to develop a better understanding of the hospital’s connection to history and its contributions to the local community. Existing data will be augmented through oral history interviews and a visual media display.
A focus on collecting oral history will help employees, visitors and community members develop a better understanding and appreciation of the specific times,
people and events that took place in the building space, and give insight into how the services of the outpost impacted the community.
The visual materials created as part of the project will help make the space more inviting to people who work at and visit Canoe FM
#6416 Green Burial in Haliburton County - Exploring Local Options
NOTE: This project has a can be completed remotely.
The purpose of this project is to explore the environmental and social implications of different post-death disposition methods – specifically traditional burial, cremation, and green / natural burials. The study will examine how these methods are viewed locally, how they are communicated to the public, and how cemetery bylaws, policies and infrastructure in Haliburton County can accommodate more sustainable burial options. The project will also draw on case studies from other regions to assess how alternative burial models could be adapted locally.
NOTE: This project has a can be completed remotely.
The purpose of this project is to explore the environmental and social implications of different post-death disposition methods – specifically traditional burial, cremation, and green / natural burials. The study will examine how these methods are viewed locally, how they are communicated to the public, and how cemetery bylaws, policies and infrastructure in Haliburton County can accommodate more sustainable burial options. The project will also draw on case studies from other regions to assess how alternative burial models could be adapted locally.
To check out other available projects hosted by the Trent Community Research Center, check out their available projects page here.