Why is Trent updating the 2002 Nature Areas Stewardship Plan?
The 2002 Nature Areas Stewardship Plan is out-of-date and needs to be updated.
- In some areas, boundaries for the Nature Areas need to reflect 'on the ground' feature limits (e.g. Nassau Mills Wetland complex addition and location), or more accurate property limits.
- An action-forward plan is needed to address concerns such as invasive species, habitat loss, fragmentation, biodiversity and Species at Risk, negative impact of dogs, and areas of overuse.
- Continued protection and preservation of the Nature Areas is important to all and is in the best interest of the University.
We seek to integrate Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous values in the Plan.
What initiatives are being undertaken to implement the Nature Areas Stewardship Plan?
Monitoring wetland health is a priority (some work is already underway) as is enhancing habitat for species at risk. Education will be enhanced through interpretive signage about the natural heritage features and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and uses of the land.
Has the extent of Nature Areas been changed in this Plan?
The Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan adds approximately 13 hectares (32 acres) of land to the Nature Areas. The boundaries of Trent's 11 Nature Areas have been altered in places to meet the intentions laid out in the 2002 Nature Areas Stewardship Plan to protect features on the landscape. Through ground-truthing and more accurate mapping, the boundaries are more reflective of the dynamic system on the Trent campus. See page 124 of the draft Nature Areas Stewardship Plan for a map and more details on the Nature Areas boundary changes.
