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There are a number of ways that students can complete a Trent CBR research project. You either need to be enrolled in a Trent University or Fleming course that offers CBR. Current courses at Trent include but are not limited to: ERST 3080Y, ERST 3130H, ERSC 1010Y, ERSC 3160H, ERSC 3840H, ERST 4250H, BIOL 3890, FRSC 4890Y, GEOG 3820H, GEOG 4830Y, IDST 4220Y, and SUST 5901H.
There are a number of ways that students can complete a Trent CBR research project. You either need to be enrolled in a Trent University or Fleming course that offers CBR. Current courses at Trent include but are not limited to: ERST 3080Y, ERST 3130H, ERSC 1010Y, ERSC 3160H, ERSC 3840H, ERST 4250H, BIOL 3890, FRSC 4890Y, GEOG 3820H, GEOG 4830Y, IDST 4220Y, and SUST 5901H.
OR…
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 "Independent Student Application form for a CBR project"
OR…
You can complete a CBR project as your master’s thesis. A number of community-based projects are broad in scope, require a high level of academic skill and more time for completion. Review the project descriptions for proposals that suggest group work or graduate level work. If a project interests you, contact us directly to discuss. CBR is a unique opportunity to apply your research skills while also gaining valuable professional experience!
Available 2022 - 2023 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 (admin@ulinks.ca) or submit an application form (link below).
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![]() 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. ![]() #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. ![]() #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. ![]() #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. ![]() #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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.

#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.
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.

#5115 Lakeshore Capacity Study of Gull Lake
NOTE: This project may involve a field component (semester dependent)
The Lakeshore Capacity Assessment Handbook (LCAH), prepared by the Ministry of the Environment in partnership with the Ministries of Natural Resources and Municipal Affairs and Housing, 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.
NOTE: This project may involve a field component (semester dependent)
The Lakeshore Capacity Assessment Handbook (LCAH), prepared by the Ministry of the Environment in partnership with the Ministries of Natural Resources and Municipal Affairs and Housing, 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.

#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.
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.

#6018 Evaluation of Haliburton County Lake Associations on Water Quality Testing Data and Protocols
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
In 2021, the Woodlands and Waterways EcoWatch (WWEW) and several Lake Associations in Haliburton County began discussing a Water Quality monitoring program that encompasses the entire County, as there is no such program that exists. Currently, water quality is measured by organizations such as the Lake Partner Program (LPP), the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, or individually by the Lake Associations. In 2022 WWEW initiated a Pilot Water Quality Monitoring Program that is being conducted in partnership with 10 Lake Associations (23 lakes) with plans to be extended out to county in the future.
As part of this initiative, WWEW has begun collecting historical WQ data from other monitoring organizations for the 10 Pilot Lake Associations. The purpose of this project is to categorize the findings and develop a cohesive way to analyze and share this data with the Lake Association partners. Student(s) will review historic water quality data, generate a database, and identify any gaps. Students can also conduct analysis and provide insight into any trends.
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
In 2021, the Woodlands and Waterways EcoWatch (WWEW) and several Lake Associations in Haliburton County began discussing a Water Quality monitoring program that encompasses the entire County, as there is no such program that exists. Currently, water quality is measured by organizations such as the Lake Partner Program (LPP), the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, or individually by the Lake Associations. In 2022 WWEW initiated a Pilot Water Quality Monitoring Program that is being conducted in partnership with 10 Lake Associations (23 lakes) with plans to be extended out to county in the future.
As part of this initiative, WWEW has begun collecting historical WQ data from other monitoring organizations for the 10 Pilot Lake Associations. The purpose of this project is to categorize the findings and develop a cohesive way to analyze and share this data with the Lake Association partners. Student(s) will review historic water quality data, generate a database, and identify any gaps. Students can also conduct analysis and provide insight into any trends.

#6020 Microplastics Analysis in Haliburton County Lakes
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
In 2021 WWEW and several Lake Associations in Haliburton County began discussing a Water Quality monitoring program that encompasses the entire County, as there is no such program that exists. In 2022 WWEW initiated a Pilot Water Quality Monitoring Program that is being conducted in partnership with 10 Lake Associations (23 lakes) with plans to be extended out to the county in the future. As part of this initiative, water samples were collected to monitor the presence of microplastics in the Lakes. The purpose of this project is to analyze these samples and identify if there are plastics pollution and what their possible sources may be. By identifying the sources, cottage owners can adapt their current practices to mitigate further pollution.
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
In 2021 WWEW and several Lake Associations in Haliburton County began discussing a Water Quality monitoring program that encompasses the entire County, as there is no such program that exists. In 2022 WWEW initiated a Pilot Water Quality Monitoring Program that is being conducted in partnership with 10 Lake Associations (23 lakes) with plans to be extended out to the county in the future. As part of this initiative, water samples were collected to monitor the presence of microplastics in the Lakes. The purpose of this project is to analyze these samples and identify if there are plastics pollution and what their possible sources may be. By identifying the sources, cottage owners can adapt their current practices to mitigate further pollution.

#6049 Watershed Management Protocols and Practices
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The Woodlands and Waterways EcoWatch is environmental-based programming facilitated by U-Links Centre for Community Based Research. WWEW was established to facilitate environmental initiatives in the Haliburton region to help fill the data gap relating to ecosystem heath. WWEW has implemented a citizen science model and works with students and faculty from Trent University and Fleming College to utilize their knowledge and expertise. The goal is to provide information and data to allow local decision makers to implement policies with measurable impacts.
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The Woodlands and Waterways EcoWatch is environmental-based programming facilitated by U-Links Centre for Community Based Research. WWEW was established to facilitate environmental initiatives in the Haliburton region to help fill the data gap relating to ecosystem heath. WWEW has implemented a citizen science model and works with students and faculty from Trent University and Fleming College to utilize their knowledge and expertise. The goal is to provide information and data to allow local decision makers to implement policies with measurable impacts.
Matched Projects for the 2022-2023 Academic Year
Congratulations to the student researchers who have matched up with the following local research projects!

#6032 An Overview of North American Partners in Conservation Programs
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) has identified a significant wildlife corridor of unceded public and private land covering 100,000 hectares. The HHLT own 2 properties within this Corridor and recognize the importance of private land stewardship in maintaining wildlife habitats and providing connectivity. Several private landowners have agreed to become HHLT Partners in Conservation (PIC), a new HHLT program that is currently being developed. This project will investigate other PIC projects in North America in order to provide information to the Land Trust on how to best continue this program successfully.
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) has identified a significant wildlife corridor of unceded public and private land covering 100,000 hectares. The HHLT own 2 properties within this Corridor and recognize the importance of private land stewardship in maintaining wildlife habitats and providing connectivity. Several private landowners have agreed to become HHLT Partners in Conservation (PIC), a new HHLT program that is currently being developed. This project will investigate other PIC projects in North America in order to provide information to the Land Trust on how to best continue this program successfully.

#6019 Loon Habitat and Mortality Study
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The purpose of this project is to investigate the various causes of loon mortality rates, including draw-down and habitat loss. A key aspect will be gathering information regarding loon reproduction and lifestyle, and changes in population size over time. This study can help identify any gaps in knowledge of loon communities, initiate further research, and provide a foundation for implementing species conservation strategies. There is the potential to review Bob and Little Bob Lake shorelines and suggest areas that would best suit a Loon Platform or Raft for implementation in the Spring, if the research deems an intervention such as this would be appropriate. This project will be primarily literature review based, with the opportunity for in person investigation to be conducted locally on Bob and Little Bob Lakes (weather dependent).
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The purpose of this project is to investigate the various causes of loon mortality rates, including draw-down and habitat loss. A key aspect will be gathering information regarding loon reproduction and lifestyle, and changes in population size over time. This study can help identify any gaps in knowledge of loon communities, initiate further research, and provide a foundation for implementing species conservation strategies. There is the potential to review Bob and Little Bob Lake shorelines and suggest areas that would best suit a Loon Platform or Raft for implementation in the Spring, if the research deems an intervention such as this would be appropriate. This project will be primarily literature review based, with the opportunity for in person investigation to be conducted locally on Bob and Little Bob Lakes (weather dependent).

#5088 Best Practices for Lake Monitoring and Management
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely
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?
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely
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?

#6033 Monitoring Protocol for the HHLT Property: The Berry Wetland Reserve
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) is responsible for the long-term management and conservation of ecological gifts and their ecologically sensitive features. They are responsible for preparing management plans, setting up stewardship programs, and initiating and maintaining monitoring programs for each of its properties. This project's objective is to develop a baseline monitoring protocol for The Fred and Pearl Barry Wetland Reserve (BWR). This protocol will include key ecological parameters and sampling strategies in what is mostly a wetland environment with some upland hardwood forest areas. The BWR includes parts of a Provincially Significant Wetland, the Kendrick Creek Wetland Complex.
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) is responsible for the long-term management and conservation of ecological gifts and their ecologically sensitive features. They are responsible for preparing management plans, setting up stewardship programs, and initiating and maintaining monitoring programs for each of its properties. This project's objective is to develop a baseline monitoring protocol for The Fred and Pearl Barry Wetland Reserve (BWR). This protocol will include key ecological parameters and sampling strategies in what is mostly a wetland environment with some upland hardwood forest areas. The BWR includes parts of a Provincially Significant Wetland, the Kendrick Creek Wetland Complex.

#5087 Exploring Eurasian Watermilfoil and the Impact on Lake Water Quality - Phase II
Drag and Spruce Lakes Property Owners Association has recorded multiple communities of the invasive aquatic plant Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM). The purpose of this project is to determine the difference between water quality samples within EWM weed beds and elsewhere in the waterbody. Students will map out the location an identify the aquatic plant species present in weed beds in the lakes and determine whether specific bottom conditions in the lakes are more conducive to supporting EWM. In 2021, 4 known EWM weed beds were measured. Since then, 8 additional weed beds have been identified and need to be studied.
This project will provide information to extend the understanding EWM in Drag and Spruce Lakes and help in the development of a Lake Management Plan.
Drag and Spruce Lakes Property Owners Association has recorded multiple communities of the invasive aquatic plant Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM). The purpose of this project is to determine the difference between water quality samples within EWM weed beds and elsewhere in the waterbody. Students will map out the location an identify the aquatic plant species present in weed beds in the lakes and determine whether specific bottom conditions in the lakes are more conducive to supporting EWM. In 2021, 4 known EWM weed beds were measured. Since then, 8 additional weed beds have been identified and need to be studied.
This project will provide information to extend the understanding EWM in Drag and Spruce Lakes and help in the development of a Lake Management Plan.

#5108 Botanical and Entomological Study of the Minden Riverwalk
The Haliburton County Master Gardeners (MGs) are a group of community volunteers who provide accurate and sustainable horticultural information to the public. The MGs are developing an interpretive audio walking tour of the Minden Riverwalk. Student researchers will provide expertise in identifying the insects associated with the native and exotic plants along the Riverwalk through field work. Research includes host-specific relationships and how the Riverwalk contributes to population health of pollinators. Additional information on how community members can support pollinator/plant relationships in their own gardens in preferred.
The Haliburton County Master Gardeners (MGs) are a group of community volunteers who provide accurate and sustainable horticultural information to the public. The MGs are developing an interpretive audio walking tour of the Minden Riverwalk. Student researchers will provide expertise in identifying the insects associated with the native and exotic plants along the Riverwalk through field work. Research includes host-specific relationships and how the Riverwalk contributes to population health of pollinators. Additional information on how community members can support pollinator/plant relationships in their own gardens in preferred.

#5020 Health Benefits of Natural Plasters
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.
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.

#5111 Abbey Retreat Centre Programming Evaluation Assessment
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.
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.

#5121 Ground Beetle Monitoring on a Tall Grass Prairie Restoration Site
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.
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.
Completed 2021 - 2022 Projects:
Food Waste Reduction Strategies for Dysart et al.
#4812 HHLT Permanent Sample Plot Establishment for the Dahl Forest
#5034 Halls and Hawk Lakes Benthic Assessment
#4948 Twelve Mile and Little Boshkung Benthic Assessment
#5033 Haliburton Lake Benthic Assessment
#5067 Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and Teaching into Abbey Gardens Programming
#5042 Bob and Grace Lakes Benthic Assessment
#4985 5-Lined Skink Species Summary for the QEII Wildlands Provincial Park
#5041 Upper Stoney Lake Benthic Assessment
#5069 Socio-economic Impacts of Wetlands
#5038 Miskwabi Area Community Association Benthic Assessment
#5047 Gull Lake Wetland Assessment
#4997 Supports for Eating Disorder in Rural Communities
#5066 Weevil Farming Feasibility Study for Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) Control
#5068 Nine Spotted Lady Beetle: Inventory and Monitoring Protocols
#5076 Anthropogenic Land Uses and their Impacts on the Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystems of Upper Stoney Lake
#5032 Gull Lake Benthic and Dissolved Oxygen Assessment
#5075 Exploring Implications of the Haliburton Reservoir Lakes System on the Trent-Severn Waterway
#4812 HHLT Permanent Sample Plot Establishment for the Dahl Forest
#5034 Halls and Hawk Lakes Benthic Assessment
#4948 Twelve Mile and Little Boshkung Benthic Assessment
#5033 Haliburton Lake Benthic Assessment
#5067 Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and Teaching into Abbey Gardens Programming
#5042 Bob and Grace Lakes Benthic Assessment
#4985 5-Lined Skink Species Summary for the QEII Wildlands Provincial Park
#5041 Upper Stoney Lake Benthic Assessment
#5069 Socio-economic Impacts of Wetlands
#5038 Miskwabi Area Community Association Benthic Assessment
#5047 Gull Lake Wetland Assessment
#4997 Supports for Eating Disorder in Rural Communities
#5066 Weevil Farming Feasibility Study for Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) Control
#5068 Nine Spotted Lady Beetle: Inventory and Monitoring Protocols
#5076 Anthropogenic Land Uses and their Impacts on the Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystems of Upper Stoney Lake
#5032 Gull Lake Benthic and Dissolved Oxygen Assessment
#5075 Exploring Implications of the Haliburton Reservoir Lakes System on the Trent-Severn Waterway