Fleming College

Lindsay, ON (Aug. 7, 2024) – A team of Fleming College students and faculty has been recognized as Environmental Heroes for their efforts in transforming Fleming’s Frost Campus into a bird-friendly environment.

Members of the Fleming Bird Conservation Committee (FBCC) received the designation from the City of Kawartha Lakes during a ceremony June 25.

This team has worked diligently to create a safe haven for birds around the Frost Campus through a multi-year project. The FBCC aims to have the Frost Campus, and Fleming College, designated as Canada’s first bird-friendly college.

It is estimated that up to one billion birds die each year in North America due to window collisions. It is one of the leading causes behind declining bird populations around the world, and a focus of avian conservation.

Using window decals designed to deter collisions, student volunteers installed the decals throughout the campus and spent a total of 449 hours surveying windows for any sign of a bird collision. Through applied research and observation, students were able to confirm that none of the treated windows were involved in a bird collision; however, untreated windows continued to be involved in bird collisions, resulting in significant bird mortality. This student-driven research has helped prove the effectiveness of window decals in preventing bird collisions.

The Frost Campus became the first applied testing ground for this product. This was funded through Fleming’s Office of Applied Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

The City of Kawartha Lakes recognized the FBCC for taking a leading role in the community and making a positive impact in mitigating threats to birds.

Fleming College congratulates the FBCC for this recognition, and all the success our students and faculty have achieved.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Sarah Deeth
Communications Officer
sarah.deeth@flemingcollege.ca
705-749-5530 ext. 1161

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.

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