Birds, Turtles & Experiential Learning at the Humber Pond

As part of the #HumberPondProject, we're building outdoor classrooms, living laboratories and wildlife habitats to advance learning and sustainability at Humber College and for our community. Since we completed the first phase of our project this September, we’ve been happy to see several new friends move in, including a great blue heron, a snapping turtle, and a great egret!

The Humber Pond is being used as an experiential learning space by a number of Humber College programs and classes including Civil Engineering Technology, Sustainable Horticulture, and Sustainable Energy and Building Technology.

Pond Phases

There are three phases to the project:

  • Phase 1 (April 2019 – September 2019): Re-construction of the Pond to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. This includes the construction of a step pool conveyance channel, sediment forebay, shoreline restoration, and porous treatment berms.
  • Phase 2 (Began in June 2019. Estimated to be complete by January 2020): The construction of a treatment wetland facility, final grading of the site and fixing trails, installation of benches, and community and Humber College staff, faculty, and student plantings of native trees and shrubs.
  • Phase 3 (pending funding): Designing and building an outdoor classroom and social gathering area on a large island in the Pond with involvement by Humber College students.

Want to get involved?

Stay tuned here for more updates and future opportunities to get involved! If you would like a guided tour of the Humber Pond and/or would like to discuss how your program or course could use the Pond for experiential learning, please contact arboretum@humber.ca.

This Project is possible because of the partnership between Humber College, Humber Arboretum, The Centre for Urban Ecology, City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry & Recreation division, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.