Canadore College’s latest initiative, ‘Our Forest: A Living Lab for All’, is making waves in the international sustainability arena. This project, which focused on creating a comprehensive 10-year forest management plan for the 460 acres of forested land at the college’s College Drive campus, has been named a finalist for an International Green Gown Award in the prestigious Nature Positive category.
The Green Gown Awards, now in their 10th year, recognize exceptional sustainability initiatives undertaken by colleges and universities globally. Being named a finalist is a significant accomplishment, demonstrating the project’s innovative approach to environmental responsibility.
Jesse Russell, Sustainable Development Project Leader at Canadore, emphasized the project’s impact, stating, “It is highly competitive, so being recognized on an international scale is an achievement on its own. It validates the hard work put forth by everyone involved and, most importantly, brings awareness to the need to protect nature by managing forests sustainably.”
This project, the second Living Labs project funded by Colleges and Institutes Canada through its ImpAct-Climate initiative, employed a hands-on approach. A detailed forest inventory was conducted, with data collection and mapping on forest health, structure, and composition. This meticulous work led to the college earning a coveted Forest Council Stewardship certification.
Canadore President and CEO, George Burton, expressed his pride in the college’s achievement, stating, “Winning an International Green Gown Award would be a great recognition of Canadore’s outstanding sustainability efforts, especially our forest management project. We’re proud to be the first college in Canada to earn both Forest Council Stewardship and Sustainable Forestry Initiatives certifications. These achievements hold us accountable for our management practices and inspire students and communities to undertake similar impactful projects.”
Beyond the award itself, the recognition has far-reaching implications for Canadore. Russell stated, “International recognition of our commitment to sustainability would give us a broader platform to spread awareness. It aligns perfectly with the outreach goals of our Living Sustainability Plan. Winning this award could encourage others to replicate these kinds of projects, which would be an even greater victory.”
Canadore College, a leader in applied learning, leadership, and innovation, offers over 80 full-time quality programs. Its dedicated faculty and student success services support students from across Canada and internationally. The college’s impact extends beyond its campus, with its students and alumni contributing $402.5 million to the Nipissing Parry Sound service area economy. Approximately 1,000 students graduate from Canadore each year, joining a network of 70,000 alumni working globally.
The college’s commitment to sustainability and its innovative forest management plan are setting a strong example for other educational institutions. With this International Green Gown Award nomination, Canadore College is showcasing its dedication to a more sustainable future.
