Some of our treasured trees must be cut
March 4th, 2024
After an extensive review of all trees on the Dawson grounds by forestry consultants, the College is presently securing permits from the City of Westmount to cut some of them.
“Many of our trees have suffered injuries and disease that have weakened them to the point where they are at a high risk of breaking. Others, like our large silver maples are reaching their age limit,” explained Luc St-Germain of Facilities Management.
About a dozen trees will have to be cut immediately, with another 30-35 being monitored during the next 12-24 months.
All trees have been thinned in the past to allow severe wind to pass through them. Chris Adam, of the Office of Sustainability, says that wind and ice related storms are more common now and causing damage.
The Facilities Management Team and the Office of Sustainability are cooperating to establish Dawson’s first tree management program. Every tree will have a health card that identifies their species, age and diseases as well as any maintenance procedures taken. Each tree will be followed by forest management consultants.
Stay tuned for more news about the trees of our Living Campus.
25 participants at first monthly wellness activity
March 1st, 2024
On Feb. 28, 25 members of the Dawson community, mostly students, responded to the invitation of the Office of Sustainability to take part in the first monthly wellness event.
It was beautiful weather, so they went outdoors for part of the Biophilic Tour of Dawson. “Jenn de Vera gave a tour of some of the many wonderful student driven projects that are a part of our Living Campus,” Sophie La Font reported.
The indoor portion showcased the many ways we have incorporated the theory of Biophilia* at Dawson College. The activity concluded with planting a baby spider plant that participants could take with them as a gift.
The March wellness activity took place on March 7 and was a panel discussion with Elder and Knowledge Keeper, Niioie:ren Patton & Concordia's Sustainability Living Lab Coordinator, Sandra Mouafo Nouadje.
*The biophilia hypothesis is the belief that humans are genetically predisposed to be attracted to Nature. It states that all humans inherently love the natural world. This idea that we are drawn to and need Nature was first put forth by a man named Edward O. Wilson in his book, Biophilia, published in 1984.
Free meals three days a week
February 7th, 2024
The Office of Sustainability, the Peace Centre, and the Dawson Student Union are thrilled to announce a new food justice initiative to expand access to food security for students and employees during the Winter 2024 semester.
Beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 13, Dawson Dining will be offered two days every week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as a collaboration between the Office of Sustainability and the Dawson Student Union. This service will end on May 22. Students and employees can drop off their labelled containers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by 11 AM at Conrod’s (2F). All meals are vegan and zero-waste (90 per cent of waste will be diverted from a landfill).
As of Thursday, Feb. 15, the Peace Centre, under the auspices of the Office of Sustainability, will offer free Early Bird Breakfast to the Dawson community on a first come, first served basis. This will continue every Thursday at 10 AM in Conrod's (2F) for the winter 2024 semester. All meals will be clearly indicated vegetarian or vegan and will also be zero-waste. The service will end May 23.
Cano reusable containers (also available in the cafeteria to reduce our waste) will be provided to students that can be returned to the Cano dispensers near the cafeteria.
If you would like to help out with the meal services, please email Diana Rice, who says: “This is a wonderful way to meet new colleagues, get to know the students we work so hard for every day, and just feel good about being of service."
Winter Wellness Series launches Feb. 27
February 7th, 2024
The Peace and Sustainability Winter Wellness Series will launch on Tuesday, Feb. 27 with a Living Campus biophilic tour and a hands-on indoor gardening workshop. All participants will receive a house plant!
The plan is to offer a wellness workshop/event each month of the semester.
To participate in the Feb. 27 workshop, which will take place from 12 PM to 1 PM, you must register. Register here
1,000 Species, a year in review
November 29th, 2023
Birds, beetles and fungi, oh my! Our 1,000 Species in 1,000 Days project has been running for a full year now.
Over that last year, students, faculty and staff have all contributed their talents and curiosity to get as many species identified on campus as possible. Our count after one year is 820 species, with 3,916 total observations and 279 people contributing to the project.
We have made amazing strides over the past year. However, as we approach 1,000 species, we will have to work harder than ever. If you would like to get involved, or get your classes involved in the spring, email bmader@dawsoncollege.qc.ca.
Happy identifying everyone!
Photo: Red Milkweed Beetle on milkweed.
Submitted by Brian Mader, Faculty, Biology
November 29th, 2023
Support staff and professionals have the amazing opportunity to use work time to attend and actively participate in Dawson’s Sustainable Happiness non-credit course. The Sustainable Happiness course is free and will guide people to reflect on positive psychology and sustainability. It contributes to Dawson’s commitment of well-being for all, sustainably. What is Sustainable Happiness? “Happiness…
Canadore College and Dawson College to collaborate on Sustainable Happiness
November 29th, 2023
Canadore College in North Bay, Ontario, and Dawson College will be working together to improve the overall well-being of our respective campuses and communities. The two institutions recently signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on advancing a Sustainable Happiness Certificate.
Please visit the link for the joint news release.
Thousands of bulbs planted on campus this month
November 24th, 2023
Student volunteers worked with the Office of Sustainability on Nov. 14 to plant 2,700 bulbs in the Peace Garden in just two hours! Five hundred of those bulbs were planted around the big tree in the Chiefs’ Garden, Jenn de Vera said.
The volunteers planted more bulbs in other areas around the campus later that week. Pink bulbs were planted near Anastasia’s tree, which was planted in memory of Anastasia De Sousa. Around the Peace Pole, blue and red bulbs were planted to represent the new partnership with Canadore College. The North Bay college received some bulbs from Dawson and will be sending photos in the spring of their blooming campus.
A total of 4,000 bulbs were planted at Dawson in the Peace Garden and the Three Sisters Garden. Hundreds more have been gifted to partner institutions and organizations.
The tulips and spring bulbs were purchased from a Dutch wholesale supplier by the Dawson Foundation. It was Dawson’s biggest bulb order ever.
Join the Dawson Community Bulb Planting Nov. 14
November 8th, 2023
Come help out the Office of Sustainability and their Sustainabili-team student volunteers plant tulips and other bulbs in the Peace Garden and other gardens on campus.
All are invited to drop by any time between 10 AM-12 PM on Tuesday, November 14 to get your hands dirty and help beautify our grounds. No gardening experience necessary; gloves and tools will be provided. We look forward to Spring when we will see all the bulbs in bloom!
On behalf of the Dawson foundation and Office of Sustainability, we would like to thank the Dawson Community and friends for purchasing bulbs benefitting our student-run Living Campus projects and initiatives.
Bulb planting blitz
Date: Tuesday, Nov 14
Time: Drop-in 10 AM-12 PM
Location: Peace Garden (Meet near Peace Pole)
November 6th, 2023
“Happiness that contributes to individual, community or global well-being and does not exploit other people, the environment, or future generations,” is how Dr. Catherine O’Brien defines the concept of Sustainable Happiness. The Office of Sustainability is pleased to announce that a 20-hour Sustainable Happiness certificate will be offered to faculty during the winter 2024 semester. Many employees…
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Last Modified: March 7, 2024
