Fleming College’s Bid to Host Ontario’s First Bird-Friendly University Campus Takes Flight

LINDSAY, ON, January 31, 2023 /CNW/ – Inspired by the Conservation Biology program at Fleming College Frost Campus and motivated by an international effort to save native bird populations through North AmericaFleming staff and students strive to become from Ontario first official bird-friendly university campus.

It is estimated that up to one million birds die in North America every year due to collisions with windows, making it one of the main causes of bird population decline in Canada and around the world. Finding a way to solve this problem is a big part of avian conservation.

With the help of conservation biology students, the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences launched a pilot program aimed at bird conservation. This program became the Fleming Bird Conservation Committee (FBCC).

Comprised of students, faculty and college representatives, the FBCC aims to transform the Frost Campus into a from Ontario first Bird Friendly university campus. While many Canadian universities have decided to become bird-friendly campuses, few colleges have followed the same path.

There is a specific certification process for a bird-friendly designation. Administered by RABAT Canadathis involves reducing threats, creating habitats and implementing policies that mitigate harm to birds.

The FBCC is already hard at work, installing feather friendly protecting windows and protecting and enhancing the natural habitat around the Frost Campus.

This work has already been recognized. In November, the Frost Student Association received a plaque from Feather Friendly, acknowledging the efforts they and the FCBB have made to make Campus Frost the first bird-friendly building at Auk’s Lodge Frost.

The conservation biology students have also embarked on a multi-year research project on campus, with the help of Feather Friendly. The students are currently designing a research program that will monitor the effectiveness of bird repellent decals, comparing treated and untreated windows.

The project will help achieve the FBCC’s goal of making the Frost campus windows bird-friendly, while providing an incredible research opportunity for students.

The FBCC is also actively involved in carrying out outreach programs through the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. He has already organized two very successful community public awareness events focusing on what can be done to mitigate bird collisions with windows.

About Fleming College

Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central OntarioFleming College has campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, Coburg and Haliburton. Named in honor of the famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college offers more than 100 full-time programs in arts and heritage, business, environmental sciences and natural resources, general arts and sciences, health and wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology and Continuing Education. Fleming College has over 6,800 full-time students and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.

The Web: flemingcollege.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/flemingcollege
Twitter: @FlemingCollege
Instagram: @flemingcollege

SOURCE Fleming College

For further information: Sarah Deeth, Communications Officer, [email protected], 705-749-5530 ext. 1161