Here's how to start...
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 2020 - 2021 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, please email Amanda Duncombe-Lee, Program Coordinator (aduncombe-lee@ulinks.ca) or submit a STUDENT APPLICATION FORM.
You can also check out projects in Peterborough & the surrounding area here.
#5013 Natural Shoreline Stabilization Methods
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 winter semester and can be completed remotely.
The Horseshoe Lake Property Owners Association (HLPOA) is an organization for the property owners of Horseshoe Lake, situated in the highlands of Haliburton County. Many of these property owners are looking for methods of stabilizing their shorelines and the HLPOA would like to explore natural methods of doing so. Having natural alternatives to traditional rip rap for shoreline stabilization will promote natural, sustainable approaches and benefit the Horseshoe Lake ecosystem in the long term.
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 winter semester and can be completed remotely.
The Horseshoe Lake Property Owners Association (HLPOA) is an organization for the property owners of Horseshoe Lake, situated in the highlands of Haliburton County. Many of these property owners are looking for methods of stabilizing their shorelines and the HLPOA would like to explore natural methods of doing so. Having natural alternatives to traditional rip rap for shoreline stabilization will promote natural, sustainable approaches and benefit the Horseshoe Lake ecosystem in the long term.
#5012 Blue-Green Algae Mitigation Strategies
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 winter semester and can be completed remotely.
This past fall there were 10 reported incidences of Blue-Green Algae (BGA) blooms in the Haliburton area. This is an unprecedented outbreak and has many Haliburton citizens concerned about the health of their lakes. The Miskwabi Area Community Association (MACA) has proposed a project to research what BGA is, what causes it, what implication BGA blooms have for the surrounding region, and provide science based recommendations to help mitigate future outbreaks. This project will provide critically important information to a number of concerned lake, cottage, and property owners' associations.
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 winter semester and can be completed remotely.
This past fall there were 10 reported incidences of Blue-Green Algae (BGA) blooms in the Haliburton area. This is an unprecedented outbreak and has many Haliburton citizens concerned about the health of their lakes. The Miskwabi Area Community Association (MACA) has proposed a project to research what BGA is, what causes it, what implication BGA blooms have for the surrounding region, and provide science based recommendations to help mitigate future outbreaks. This project will provide critically important information to a number of concerned lake, cottage, and property owners' associations.
#5011 Exploring Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) Control Strategies and Economic Benefits of Controlling the Spread of this Invasive Species for Drag and Spruce Lakes
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 winter semester and can be completed remotely. The Drag and Spruce Lake Property Owners' Association (DSLPOA) is interested in researching different methods of controlling Eurasian Watermilfoil. This project will aim to describe best practices for the control of EWM, evaluate the economic impact of uncontrolled EWM, and summarize findings in a manner that will be easily understood by individuals of all skill levels. It is the hope of the DSLPOA that this project will improve knowledge of EWM within their association and for the benefit of all citizens of Haliburton County. 
#5010 Composting Options for Rockwool Growing Medium
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 winter semester and can be completed remotely. Abbey Gardens is a not-for-profit charity which has worked to transform a 300 acre spent gravel pit into a green space that provides economic and recreational opportunities for the community. In 2019 Abbey Gardens added a hydroponic growing unit to their property (The Growcer). The Growcer system uses rockwool cubes as a growing medium for the plants. Abbey Gardens is interested in exploring possible ways to compost/utilize the rockwool and eliminate this source of waste from the production. This research could also be shared with the Growcer community and has the potential to be implemented in various parts of Canada. 
#5009 Mould, Algae, and Fungus in Hydroponic Systems
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 winter semester and can be completed remotely. In 2019 Abbey Gardens added a hydroponic growing unit to their property (The Growcer), which can provide local, sustainable greens all year round. They have learned a lot about it’s operation over the last year and have identified a number of topics to explore further to adapt the system to fit with their mission and values. Several types of molds and algae (etc.) have been observed growing in the system. Abbey Gardens would like more information about the most typical types of organisms that appear on growing medium or plants in hydroponic systems. Are there risks to humans working in those environments or with the consumption of plants grown in that environment? Are there organic treatment methods that can be used in hydroponic settings? 
#5016 Nutrient Disposal from Hydroponic Systems
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 winter semester and can be completed remotely. Abbey Gardens introduced their hydroponic growing unit (The Growcer) to their property in 2019. Since, they have developed research questions to further understand the safe and sustainable options for nutrient disposal. The Growcer system uses 2 nutrient inputs to supply the plants with what they need to grow! The Nutrients are dosed into the water that flows through the system which is drained every 3 weeks. Abbey Gardens would like to learn more about the nature of the nutrients in their concentrated, power form and their diluted form. What are acceptable ways to dispose of this nutrient water? Can it be land applied and safe for outdoor growing? Are there concentration levels that would be appropriate for land application, and is this being done anywhere else? 
#4958 Long-Term Club Moss Monitoring: Haliburton Highlands Land Trust
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 winter semester and can be completed remotely. Club Mosses are a critical component of monitoring biodiversity and have been identified as key indicators in past reports for the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT). This project will aim to determine which club moss species have been sighted on HHLT properties, what species could be present, and how the HHTL should go about monitoring for club moss species on their properties. The HHLT properties to be included as part of this project include the Fred and Pearl Barry Wetland, Barnum Creek Nature Reserve, Dahl Forest, Smith Forest, and Norah’s Island. Club Mosses are one of the oldest living plants on Earth and have been used globally as an indicator of historical changes in climate. If HHLT was able to monitor club moss populations on their properties they could be alerted to slow but significant changes that could be remedied before they impact the ecosystem as a whole. 
#4956 Long-Term Frog Monitoring: Haliburton Highlands Land Trust
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 winter semester and can be completed remotely. Frogs are a critical component of monitoring biodiversity and have been identified as key indicators in past reports for the Haliburton Highland Land Trust (HHLT). This project will aim to determine which frog species have been sighted on HHLT properties, what species could be present, and how the HHLT should go about monitoring for frog species on their properties. The HHLT properties to be included as part of this project include the Fred and Pearl Barry Wetland, Barnum Creek Nature Reserve, Dahl Forest, Smith Forest, and Norah’s Island. 
#4997 Supports for Eating Disorder in Rural Communities
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 fall semester and can be completed remotely. The National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED), based in Toronto, is part of the group that developed a national strategy for eating disorders. A local NIED volunteer would like to know more about how we can improve current services and what information and resources we need to empower families and inform a local strategy in rural communities such as Haliburton County. Youth struggling with mental health issues fare better when their families are empowered to take a lead role in their child's treatment. Potential research questions include: a) what can we learn from the research on best practices on family based therapy techniques to better inform and empower families to treat disordered eating within their own households? and, b) what are the unique resources and care needs for rural communities? This project will include a focused literature review on Family Based Treatment, alternative models such as emotion-focused family therapy, and a review of the implementation science required to promote the uptake of findings into practice. It may also include interviews with family health practitioners, leading experts in the field of eating disorders, and, if possible, individuals with lived experience. 
#4985 QEII Species Summary - Five Lined Skink
NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 fall semester and can be completed remotely. Queen Elizabeth II Wildland Provincial Park is a non-operating park located between Minden and Gravenhurst and is managed by Ontario Parks. They are looking for a student or pair of undergraduate students to research (via literature review and communication with researchers) and write a QEII specific summary of Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus): focusing on their local biology, ecology, population status, cultural significance, and recommended management strategies. This species summary will be used to inform and educate Park Staff about the species. The summary will provide current information for informing park management, and the regions diverse community of stakeholders. It may also identify gaps in the local life science/cultural knowledge of the species and thus initiate further research. 
#4480 "The Missing Element": Stories of the Mountain Street Red Cross Outpost NOTE: This project is available for the 2021 fall semester and can be completed remotely. Canoe FM (local radio station) and Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (environmental conservation organization) 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, hosted by Canoe FM, 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 with local community members and a visual media display intended for the office. This project is ideal for a small group of senior undergraduate students with a combination of graphic design and interviewing skills. |
Matched Projects for the 2020-2021 Academic Year
Congratulations to the student researchers who have matched up with the following local research projects!
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biomonitoring Projects - (Click Here for Available Projects)
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 wate.. 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.
In 2019 U-Links, Trent University, and Sir Sanford Fleming College participated in a pilot project involving six lakes within Haliburton County in order to determine if a program like this was possible. All six projects were successful and it was determined in early 2020 that the program would continue and expand to more lakes throughout the Haliburton region.
These community-based research projects are ideal for an undergraduate student as a full-term project and may include some field work early in the Fall (COVID-19 health and safety policies from Trent University and U-Links will be in effect). Students can request to work with a partner or will be paired with another registered student. It is preferred that each student group has at least one OBBN certified member, but other arrangements may be made to accommodate each group's specific needs.
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 wate.. 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.
In 2019 U-Links, Trent University, and Sir Sanford Fleming College participated in a pilot project involving six lakes within Haliburton County in order to determine if a program like this was possible. All six projects were successful and it was determined in early 2020 that the program would continue and expand to more lakes throughout the Haliburton region.
These community-based research projects are ideal for an undergraduate student as a full-term project and may include some field work early in the Fall (COVID-19 health and safety policies from Trent University and U-Links will be in effect). Students can request to work with a partner or will be paired with another registered student. It is preferred that each student group has at least one OBBN certified member, but other arrangements may be made to accommodate each group's specific needs.
#4939 Understanding the Levels and Opportunities for Environmental Protection at the Municipal Level, in The Land Between Bioregion - Southern Ontario’s Last Intact Wilderness Landscape.
Understanding the levels and opportunities for environmental protection at the municipal level, in The Land between bioregion- southern Ontario’s last intact wilderness landscape
The Land Between region extends from the Georgian Bay Coast to the Ottawa Valley. The Land Between charity is a grassroots non-government organization. It’s the first and only organization to represent this unique and significant ecological region in Ontario. The charity also focuses on 7 program areas: bioregionalism, landscape and natural systems conservation, water and fisheries, society and economics, cultural heritage, education and awareness, and future leaders.
The purpose of this project is to research municipal- and county-level bylaws related to maintaining ecological biodiversity and natural capital/nature in the Land Between region. This will inform a summary of the current state of local policy and bylaws in this region. The report will provide The Land Between with a summary of protections in place for local biodiversity and review best practices. It is hoped that the summary report will be presented to select municipalities in the region and that the report will have a ‘trickle-down’ effect, resulting in increased awareness of the existing legislation and potentially strengthened enforcement, as well as create the impetus to address gaps through new planning guidelines, bylaws, or efforts.
Understanding the levels and opportunities for environmental protection at the municipal level, in The Land between bioregion- southern Ontario’s last intact wilderness landscape
The Land Between region extends from the Georgian Bay Coast to the Ottawa Valley. The Land Between charity is a grassroots non-government organization. It’s the first and only organization to represent this unique and significant ecological region in Ontario. The charity also focuses on 7 program areas: bioregionalism, landscape and natural systems conservation, water and fisheries, society and economics, cultural heritage, education and awareness, and future leaders.
The purpose of this project is to research municipal- and county-level bylaws related to maintaining ecological biodiversity and natural capital/nature in the Land Between region. This will inform a summary of the current state of local policy and bylaws in this region. The report will provide The Land Between with a summary of protections in place for local biodiversity and review best practices. It is hoped that the summary report will be presented to select municipalities in the region and that the report will have a ‘trickle-down’ effect, resulting in increased awareness of the existing legislation and potentially strengthened enforcement, as well as create the impetus to address gaps through new planning guidelines, bylaws, or efforts.
#4976 - Planet Haliburton Radio Show Ideas
Planet Haliburton, a radio program of local radio station Canoe FM, puts an environmental, economic, and social justice lens on a wide range of issues; from climate change, to biodiversity loss, to toxic substances in our air, water and food. Radio show host Terry Moore is looking for students to do research on themes related to environmental justice that may be suitable for the show (i.e. food security, electromagnetic radiation, vaccine hesitancy and Covid-19, anti-biotic resistance; other topics as suitable.)
This project is ideal for a small group of senior undergraduate students with interest in and experience with environmental justice issues.
Planet Haliburton, a radio program of local radio station Canoe FM, puts an environmental, economic, and social justice lens on a wide range of issues; from climate change, to biodiversity loss, to toxic substances in our air, water and food. Radio show host Terry Moore is looking for students to do research on themes related to environmental justice that may be suitable for the show (i.e. food security, electromagnetic radiation, vaccine hesitancy and Covid-19, anti-biotic resistance; other topics as suitable.)
This project is ideal for a small group of senior undergraduate students with interest in and experience with environmental justice issues.
#4957 Long-Term Dragonfly Monitoring: Haliburton Highlands Land Trust
Dragonflies are a critical component of monitoring biodiversity and have been identified as key indicators in past reports for the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT). This project will aim to determine which dragonfly species have been sighted on HHLT properties, what species could be present, and how the HHTL should go about monitoring for dragonfly species on their properties. The HHLT properties to be included as part of this project include the Fred and Pearl Barry Wetland, Barnum Creek Nature Reserve, Dahl Forest, Smith Forest, and Norah’s Island.
Dragonflies are a critical component of monitoring biodiversity and have been identified as key indicators in past reports for the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT). This project will aim to determine which dragonfly species have been sighted on HHLT properties, what species could be present, and how the HHTL should go about monitoring for dragonfly species on their properties. The HHLT properties to be included as part of this project include the Fred and Pearl Barry Wetland, Barnum Creek Nature Reserve, Dahl Forest, Smith Forest, and Norah’s Island.
#4966 Factors in Securing Employment in Haliburton County & the City of Kawartha Lakes
The Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes Poverty Reduction Roundtable is interested in exploring a) the impact of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) on service participants’ quality of life in CKL and Haliburton County and b) how access to technology and job seeker expectations/ beliefs factor in participants' search for employment.
An additional research question will consider how the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has affected the efficacy of participants' job search (i.e. access to technology and internet services, employment services, job seeker beliefs. etc)
This project involves a focused literature review and service participant interviews/surveys, and is ideal for a single student or small group of undergraduate students.
The Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes Poverty Reduction Roundtable is interested in exploring a) the impact of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) on service participants’ quality of life in CKL and Haliburton County and b) how access to technology and job seeker expectations/ beliefs factor in participants' search for employment.
An additional research question will consider how the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has affected the efficacy of participants' job search (i.e. access to technology and internet services, employment services, job seeker beliefs. etc)
This project involves a focused literature review and service participant interviews/surveys, and is ideal for a single student or small group of undergraduate students.
#4955 Long-Term Bird Monitoring: Haliburton Highlands Land Trust
Birds are a critical component of monitoring biodiversity and have been identified as key indicators in past reports for the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT). This project will aim to determine which bird species have been sighted on HHLT properties, what species could be present, and how the HHTL should go about monitoring for bird species on their properties. The HHLT properties to be included as part of this project include the Fred and Pearl Barry Wetland, Barnum Creek Nature Reserve, Dahl Forest, Smith Forest, and Norah’s Island.
#4977 Sustainable Procurement in Haliburton County/City of Kawartha Lakes
The Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes Poverty Reduction Roundtable is interested in exploring social procurement, or sustainable procurement. Social procurement involves making purchases and contracts related to goods and services based on the social or sustainable value-add it provides. In the
case of Canadian cities, this can materialize a commitment to allocating a set dollar amount or percent of total contracts and purchases to local organizations (i.e. for construction projects). This allocation helps local businesses, creates and sustains jobs, keeps money with their communities, and can help achieve poverty reduction goals.
There are currently existing municipal social procurement strategies in the City of Toronto, ON, Hamilton, ON, and Edmonton, AB. Peterborough, ON has also recently announced a $100,000 social procurement commitment. The Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes Poverty Reduction Roundtable is interested in the social benefits these programs have or have not yielded, and the potential for similar projects in Haliburton County (perhaps partner with a set municipal government or governments).
This project involves a focused literature review and service participant interviews/surveys, and is ideal for a single student or small group of undergraduate students.
The Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes Poverty Reduction Roundtable is interested in exploring social procurement, or sustainable procurement. Social procurement involves making purchases and contracts related to goods and services based on the social or sustainable value-add it provides. In the
case of Canadian cities, this can materialize a commitment to allocating a set dollar amount or percent of total contracts and purchases to local organizations (i.e. for construction projects). This allocation helps local businesses, creates and sustains jobs, keeps money with their communities, and can help achieve poverty reduction goals.
There are currently existing municipal social procurement strategies in the City of Toronto, ON, Hamilton, ON, and Edmonton, AB. Peterborough, ON has also recently announced a $100,000 social procurement commitment. The Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes Poverty Reduction Roundtable is interested in the social benefits these programs have or have not yielded, and the potential for similar projects in Haliburton County (perhaps partner with a set municipal government or governments).
This project involves a focused literature review and service participant interviews/surveys, and is ideal for a single student or small group of undergraduate students.
#4959 Long-Term Invasive Species Monitoring: Haliburton Highlands Land Trust
Invasive species are critical components of monitoring biodiversity and have been identified as key indicators in past reports for the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT). This project will aim to determine which invasive plant species have been sighted on HHLT properties, what species could be present, and how the HHTL should go about monitoring for invasive species on their properties. The HHLT properties to be included as part of this project include the Fred and Pearl Barry Wetland, Barnum Creek Nature Reserve, Dahl Forest, Smith Forest, and Norah’s Island.
Invasive plant species are a growing threat to native biodiversity and local economics. In short periods of time invasive species can alter ecosystems and community dynamics within a forest. If HHLT was able to monitor invasive specie populations on their properties they could be alerted to significant changes that could be remedied before they impact the ecosystem as a whole.
Invasive species are critical components of monitoring biodiversity and have been identified as key indicators in past reports for the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT). This project will aim to determine which invasive plant species have been sighted on HHLT properties, what species could be present, and how the HHTL should go about monitoring for invasive species on their properties. The HHLT properties to be included as part of this project include the Fred and Pearl Barry Wetland, Barnum Creek Nature Reserve, Dahl Forest, Smith Forest, and Norah’s Island.
Invasive plant species are a growing threat to native biodiversity and local economics. In short periods of time invasive species can alter ecosystems and community dynamics within a forest. If HHLT was able to monitor invasive specie populations on their properties they could be alerted to significant changes that could be remedied before they impact the ecosystem as a whole.
#4964 Kennisis Lake History Book: Part 1
In the fall semester, student(s) will work with the Kennisis Lake Property Owners’ Association (KLPOA) to develop an outline, storyboard, and other planning materials for the creation of a Kennisis Lake History Book. In the winter semester they will also help to compile a list of existing resources and contacts on the subject. Interviews may also be conducted during this time. Depending on the area of expertise of the student(s) and their faculty supervisor, the area researched most heavily may vary and could include environmental history, sociocultural history, and/or Indigenous history, with other areas being left for future projects to explore.
Completed 2019 - 2020 Projects:
#4481 Calculating the Impact of the SIRCH Thrift Warehouse Haliburton
#4804 Glebe Park Stewardship Plan
#4838 Gull Lake Benthic Zone Assessment
#4877 Haliburton Forest Revitalization Project: Integrative Report
#4884 Youth Retention and Engagement in Minden Hills: Insights, Opportunities and Challenges
#4885 Kawagama Lake Calcium Decline Mitigation Cost Benefit Analysis
#4891 Environmental Monitoring - Experimental Pilot
#4897 An Investigation into Plastic Consumption and Alternatives for the Haliburton County Farmers Market
#4900 QEII Species Summary – Eastern Moose
#4901 Restoration Plan for QEII – Recommendation to naturalize decommissioned ATV trails
#4920 Kawagama Lake Benthic Assessment
#4921 Halls Lake Benthic Assessment
#4927 Kashagawigamog Lake Benthic Assessment
#4933 Haliburton Lake Benthic Assessment
#4935 Haliburton Highlands Art Centre Foundation Feasibility Study
#4938 Haliburton Highlands Land Trust Salamander Monitoring Project
#4940 Growing Beautiful - Garden Tourism in Canada
#4941 Abbey Gardens Educational Interpretive Trail
Kennisis Lake Benthic Assessment
Children's Water Festival
#4804 Glebe Park Stewardship Plan
#4838 Gull Lake Benthic Zone Assessment
#4877 Haliburton Forest Revitalization Project: Integrative Report
#4884 Youth Retention and Engagement in Minden Hills: Insights, Opportunities and Challenges
#4885 Kawagama Lake Calcium Decline Mitigation Cost Benefit Analysis
#4891 Environmental Monitoring - Experimental Pilot
#4897 An Investigation into Plastic Consumption and Alternatives for the Haliburton County Farmers Market
#4900 QEII Species Summary – Eastern Moose
#4901 Restoration Plan for QEII – Recommendation to naturalize decommissioned ATV trails
#4920 Kawagama Lake Benthic Assessment
#4921 Halls Lake Benthic Assessment
#4927 Kashagawigamog Lake Benthic Assessment
#4933 Haliburton Lake Benthic Assessment
#4935 Haliburton Highlands Art Centre Foundation Feasibility Study
#4938 Haliburton Highlands Land Trust Salamander Monitoring Project
#4940 Growing Beautiful - Garden Tourism in Canada
#4941 Abbey Gardens Educational Interpretive Trail
Kennisis Lake Benthic Assessment
Children's Water Festival