Biodiversity at Laurentian University

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. (Jane Goodall)

Laurentian University is committed to actively contributing to the protection of biodiversity by promoting conservation and supporting ecosystem health through research and community collaboration. Our goal is to achieve a biodiversity net gain on campus by 2030, aligning with the Mayor's challenge to protect 30% of lands and waters within the municipal boundary by the same year. Through these efforts, we aim to make a meaningful impact on biodiversity and environmental sustainability both on and beyond our campus.

Laurentian University Campus Biodiversity Network

Explore the rich diversity of flora and fauna that call the Laurentian University campus home by joining our iNaturalist page! By sharing your observations, you’ll help contribute to citizen science, track local species, and support efforts to protect our ecosystems. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, your contributions will play a key role in understanding and preserving the unique biodiversity of our campus.

Baseline Biodiversity Monitoring

We are committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity through research and collaboration. To support this mission, we’ve established a Biodiversity Baseline, which provides a snapshot of the current state of biodiversity on our campus. This baseline serves as a crucial reference point, helping us identify key conservation actions, track our progress, and measure the effectiveness of our efforts.

Lake Laurentian Watershed

The Lake Laurentian Watershed (LLW) is a vital resource for the city of Sudbury. Supporting a diverse range of recreational activities and playing a crucial role in maintaining a healthy drinking water source for Ramsey Lake, the LLW holds significant environmental and community value. Our ongoing study aims to assess changes in biodiversity within the lakes of the LLW, establishing a current baseline to guide future conservation and habitat enhancement efforts.

Get Involved

Nature Positive Field Course

The Nature Positive Field Course at Laurentian University offers upper-year biology students a unique opportunity to develop hands-on fieldwork skills while directly contributing to biodiversity assessments on campus. This immersive course focuses on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health, equipping students with the practical tools needed for field research. Through direct engagement with local ecosystems, students will gain valuable experience in data collection, species monitoring, and environmental assessment. Their work will play a key role in supporting ongoing biodiversity efforts on campus, preparing them for careers in ecology, conservation, and environmental science.

Laurentian University courses that support NPU goals

BIOL-1000EL Canadian Environmental Biology
BIOL-3977EL Biodiversity and Conservation
BIOL-4386EL Wetland Ecology & Conservation
ENSC-3246EL Aquatic Ecology
INDI-3296EL The Canadian Environment
ENGL-3536EL Environmental Communication
ARCH-2326EL Architecture and Ecology
ENGL-2666EL Literature and the Environment
ENGR-3466EL Environmental Impact of Indus

Join our team!

Join the NPU team and play a vital role in protecting and enhancing biodiversity on our campus! By becoming part of our team, you’ll contribute to meaningful conservation efforts and help us achieve our goal of a biodiversity net gain by 2030. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the environment and support the health of our ecosystems.

Monitoring Methods

Acoustic monitoring

Our acoustic monitoring methods play a crucial role in biodiversity assessments, allowing us to monitor and track a wide range of species, from bats and birds to amphibians. By capturing their unique vocalizations, we gather essential data that helps inform conservation strategies and supports ecosystem health.

Minnow trapping

Our minnow trapping methods provide valuable insights into aquatic biodiversity, helping us monitor fish populations and assess water quality. These traps allow us to capture a variety of species, supporting conservation efforts and ecosystem management.

Water quality assessments

Our water quality assessments use a combination of field testing and analysis to monitor key environmental indicators, ensuring the health of aquatic ecosystems. By evaluating factors like pH, temperature, and contaminants, we help inform sustainable water management practices and protect local habitats.

Surveying of birds, herpetofauna, mammals, and zooplankton

Our surveys of birds, herpetofauna, mammals, and zooplankton provide comprehensive insights into ecosystem health and species distribution. By systematically monitoring these diverse groups, we gather critical data that supports conservation efforts and enhances our understanding of biodiversity.

Seedlings planted from Sudbury Regreening program

Seedlings planted through the Sudbury Regreening program play a vital role in restoring the local landscape, promoting biodiversity, and improving ecosystem health. These efforts contribute to the long-term recovery of the region's flora and support a thriving, sustainable environment.

Invertebrate sampling

Our invertebrate sampling methods help assess the health of ecosystems by identifying and monitoring species diversity and abundance. These tiny creatures are key indicators of environmental changes, providing valuable data for conservation and ecosystem management efforts.

Water quality monitoring

Our water quality monitoring efforts focus on tracking key environmental indicators such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and contaminants. By regularly assessing these factors, we ensure the health of aquatic ecosystems and support effective water management practices.

Beppi's Forest Carbon data

Carbon data provides critical insights into the carbon sequestration capacity of local forests. By monitoring carbon levels, we support efforts to mitigate climate change and enhance forest conservation strategies for a sustainable future.