On January 13, Trent University’s Masters of Sustainability Studies (MASS) Colloquium featured the work of local community leaders, students and faculty. This event was brought together by the (Ptbo/Halib) of the Community First: Impacts of Community Engagement (CFICE) project.

, Chair of the Political Studies Department and MASS faculty, hosted the event as the Trent Academic Co-lead of CFICE . “Putting Community-First involves learning new ways of communicating and partnering among community and academy,” said Nadine.

, Executive Director, from the internationally recognized (TCRC) and Community Co-lead of CFICE, discussed research opportunities available through the Centre. TCRC is a bridge organization connecting Trent and community, bringing together students and community organizations for community-based research.

Sheila Ziman from the presented her experiences working with faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students to maintain and restore ecosystems in Haliburton. “The outcomes are important,” said Sheila.

Next, Heather Reid, the Operations Director of , and Melissa Johnston, in second year of MASS, shared their experiences from Melissa’s summer working at Abbey Gardens. “My immersion in the community created an ease and depth of interaction. My ‘insider status’ helped to build trust and open doors,” said Melissa.

Tessa Nasca, also in the second year of MASS, outlined her experience with the project that brings together the Stewart Street neighbourhood, community organizations, the City of Peterborough, and faculty to build capacity within the Stewart Street neighbourhood and the ability to strengthen community participation in planning processes. “High value comes from embedding oneself in the community,” said Tessa.

Finally, Prof. from Environmental Resources Studies and MASS spoke of his experience as a faculty member who seeks partnerships outside of academic institutions. The day’s speakers represent only the start of the many rewarding partnerships possible when academia and the community partner together.

Community-campus engagement opportunities like those featured at the Colloquium offer a platform for students to see local initiatives that build capacity for both community and Trent in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Building upon the work of CFICE, the new  stream provides experiential learning and community-based action research opportunities for students in a full-time field placement in a community organization during Year 2 of the Program. “It aims to meet the growing need for professionals as a distinct group of skilled, entrepreneurial individuals with the knowledge, tools and practical expertise to address social and environmental challenges and opportunities in community based organizations,” said Asaf Zohar, Director of MASS.

Food sustainability and climate change are increasingly urgent and intertwined issues. From the way we produce and package our food, to how much we consume – our relationship with food is not sustainable.

While these are global issues, a powerful solution can be found in our very own local farmer’s markets.

“In many ways, small scale farming and local food systems are the best structures for supporting sustainable agriculture,” explains Melissa Johnston, a Master’s student in Trent University’s Sustainability Studies program.

To keep afloat, many small-scale growers must use alternative business models and practices, which are often more sustainable. Planting diverse crops, avoiding the use of chemicals, and not using large machinery are all innovative – and environmentally friendly – ways in which small scale farmers are facing environmental challenges.

“And farmer’s markets give an outlet for these small scale farmers who may otherwise not be able to compete on a larger, supermarket scale,” says Johnston. “And local markets reduce food transport. So by choosing local markets, you’re contributing to a healthier environment.”

Johnston was first struck by the potential of local food initiatives after visiting , a community project that encourages visitors to think more sustainably about food, land, and the local economy. Stopping by Abbey Gardens after an academic retreat, she and her colleagues were given a tour by Operations Director, Heather Reid.

“I was blown away by the place and was asking a million questions,” says Johnston. “Heather saw that I was quite interested and we met over the next few months to discuss my potential involvement in a local research project.”

With support from CFICE’s Community Environmental Sustainability Hub, Johnston was able to officially partner with Abbey Gardens.

As part of the partnership, Johnston gained hands-on experience in the world of small scale agriculture. From working in the fields, to managing Abbey Gardens’ tables at farmer’s markets, Johnston also engaged with some of the community’s farmers.

“Through my conversations with people, I got a great snapshot of the Haliburton County food system and where local growers and farmer’s markets fit within it,” said Johnston.

In return for access to the community, Johnston provided weekly reflections. These reports offered new analysis and critiques of Haliburton’s food system, which were of benefit to Reid and other community food advocates.

Johnston specifically remembers Reid telling her that, being lost in the day to day shuffle, it was nice to take a step back with her and see the bigger picture.

While the season is wrapping up, and her work with Abbey Gardens has ended, the benefits of the partnership continue.

“My relationship with Heather continues,” says Johnston. “She has offered to support and advise me through the process of writing my thesis.”

As she moves into the writing stage of her thesis, Johnston hopes her research will give back to local farmer’s markets and strengthen the agricultural community.

“Going into my Master’s, I knew I wanted to help real people with real problems, and not just write a thesis that would sit on a shelf and gather dust,” says Johnston. “I want to find ways in which the community can support local farmers, and how local farmers can better serve the community.”