Research and Innovation

Understanding Woodland Caribou and Boreal Ecosystems

Lakehead University researchers are contributing to research on woodland caribou, one of the most iconic species of Ontario’s boreal forest. Research examines caribou populations, habitat use and movement, as well as how forestry, roads and other landscape disturbances influence the species. This research provides information that can support conservation planning and sustainable forest management in Northwestern Ontario.

Lakehead’s Living Laboratories

Lakehead University’s Jack Haggerty Forest and Legacy Forest provide living laboratories for research into sustainable forest management. Researchers and students use these forests to examine how different forest-management practices affect forest ecosystems and long-term sustainability. The research helps improve understanding of how forests can be managed for resource production while maintaining ecological functions, biodiversity and healthy terrestrial ecosystems.

Claude E. Garton Herbarium

The Claude E. Garton Herbarium (LKHD) at Lakehead University conducts research and monitoring at the Greenwood Lake Conservation Reserve, a unique remnant of old-growth white pine forest in Northwestern Ontario. Research at Greenwood Lake has included tree surveys and monitoring of white pine regeneration. A research survey found that mature, approximately 200–300-year-old white pines continue to dominate portions of the reserve, while recruitment of young white pine is minimal. The research established a baseline for future monitoring and identified concerns about the long-term regeneration and conservation of this old-growth forest

Teaching and Student Life

Learning about Ecosystems Through Education and Research

Lakehead University provides students with a range of opportunities to study ecosystems, biodiversity, natural resources and environmental sustainability through undergraduate, graduate and doctoral education. Undergraduate programs including Biology, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Sustainability Sciences, Outdoor, Recreation & Tourism and Water Resource Science provide students with opportunities to explore environmental systems and the relationships between people and the natural world. At the graduate level, students can pursue research in areas including Biology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Management, Forestry and Forest Management, while doctoral studies are available in Natural Resources Management and Forest Science.

Learning on the Land

Lakehead’s commitment to experiential learning includes opportunities for Indigenous youth to connect with science, culture and the land. In collaboration with Confederation College, Lakehead hosts the Aki Kikinomakaywin Camp, meaning “learning on the land.” The week-long program offers hands-on STEM and arts learning while exploring Indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental stewardship.

Sustainability and Foraging Programs

The Office of Sustainability offers free educational programs, including sustainability and foraging walks, that engage students and the public in learning about Lakehead University’s natural environment, local ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable practices. These hands-on programs provide opportunities to explore the campus and surrounding environment while learning more about sustainability and the importance of protecting local natural spaces.

Campus Biodiversity Research

In 2024–25, Lakehead Natural Resource Management students conducted research examining biodiversity on the Thunder Bay campus, including an undergraduate thesis reviewing ground beetle biodiversity. This research contributes to understanding terrestrial species and biodiversity within the university's own campus environment and provides opportunities for students to participate in field-based ecological research.

Lakehead University Farm Tours and Garden Education

Lakehead's Agricultural Research Station (LUARS) conducts research on crop production, weed and pest management, crop rotation, and agricultural development in Northwestern Ontario. Lakehead also supports community education through sustainable agriculture research, seed-saving initiatives, and short-season gardening outreach.

Lakehead University’s Farm Lab at the Orillia campus provides hands-on educational opportunities that connect students and community members with sustainable agriculture, food production, and the natural environment. Through guided garden tours, school field trips, and educational programming, participants can learn about growing food, gardening practices, and the importance of sustainable local food systems. These activities encourage environmental awareness, promote food literacy, and provide opportunities to explore how food is produced and how communities can support more sustainable approaches to food production.

Community Impact

Connecting Youth with Science and Nature

Lakehead also provides opportunities for younger learners to explore science and the natural environment. Nature Explorers with Technology (NEWTs) is a nature exploration and science program for youth aged 15–19, jointly run by the Thunder Bay Field Naturalist club and Lakehead University’s Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies. The program encourages participants to explore the natural world while developing scientific skills and an appreciation for local biodiversity.

Restoring Forests and Habitat on Campus

Lakehead University staff, faculty and students planted approximately 300 white spruce, white birch and poplar trees on the Thunder Bay campus. The initiative was supported by EcoSuperior, Lakehead’s Office of Sustainability, the Thunder Bay Remedial Action Plan and the Lake Superior Living Labs Network. The project was designed to reduce forest fragmentation, increase species diversity and support forest succession. Planting in the Climate Action Park also expanded the riparian buffer, reduced the amount of lawn requiring mowing and contributed to habitat restoration along the river.

Ontario Master Naturalist Program

Lakehead’s Ontario Master Naturalist Program provides community members with hands-on learning about Ontario’s biodiversity and natural environment, including plants, insects, birds, wetlands, geology and ecosystems. Through field-based education and practical experiences, participants develop the knowledge and skills needed to better understand and monitor local species and habitats. The program also encourages participants to share their knowledge within their communities and become active stewards of Ontario’s natural environment, supporting greater awareness and conservation of local ecosystems.

Global Reach

Supporting Global Forest Adaptation

Lakehead researchers played a central role in FORSCALE, an international research network focused on helping forests adapt to climate change. Funded by Germany’s Eva Mayr-Stihl Foundation, seven Lakehead professors from the Faculty of Natural Resources Management contributed to research spanning tree genetics, ecosystems, policy and land-use planning.

Administration and Operations

Approximately 8% of food procurement has been sourced from local suppliers, with opportunities for local purchasing influenced by seasonal availability and the shorter growing season in Northwestern Ontario.

Lakehead University supports responsible and sustainable food sourcing through its food service partnerships with Aramark and Dana Hospitality. These providers incorporate sustainable sourcing practices that consider environmental stewardship, ethical and responsible procurement, animal welfare, human rights, and sustainable agricultural and fishing practices. Lakehead works with its food service partners to support sustainable consumption, reduce the environmental impacts of food procurement and operations, and advance responsible purchasing practices across its campuses.