Celebrating healthier habitats on Canadian campuses as seven post-secondary schools earn WWF-Canada’s 2025 certification
TORONTO, September 4, 2025 — From planting 1,700 trees and recording 3,400 nature observations to removing invasive reeds across 31,000 square metres of wetlands, seven WWF-Canada Living Campuses made an outsized impact for nature to earn their 2025 certification.
WWF-Canada is proud to congratulate the post-secondary institutions that have achieved certification in 2025 in recognition of their impressive accomplishments for conservation. Here are the 2025 WWF Living Campuses and some notable examples of the valuable projects that they completed:
Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont. — Applied functional artwork on the exterior of a building’s windows to prevent bird injuries and deaths caused by collisions with glass.
Concordia University, Montreal, Que. — Planted more than 1,700 trees and shrubs of mostly native species, expanding habitat for birds, mammals, insects and other wildlife as well as spaces for research and recreation.
Niagara College, Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. — Removed invasive Phragmites reeds across 31,000 square metres of wetlands, giving turtles better access to nesting sites and supporting students in developing hands-on skills.
Seneca Polytechnic, Toronto, Ont. — One hundred students, staff and faculty attended “Sustainability Days on Campus” events, including a native plant seed giveaway.
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont. — Their third annual campus-wide “Bioblitz” was attended by a record-setting 200 students, staff, faculty and community members and resulted in 3,400 recorded nature observations inventorying the community’s biodiversity.
Vanier College, Montreal, Que. — Planted 481 native plants and shrubs, including common milkweed, goldenrod and New England asters that provide food needed by monarch butterfly adults and caterpillars.
York University, Toronto, Ont. — Planted native fruit-bearing shrubs including serviceberry, bearberry and elderberry to support birds and other wildlife as part of revitalizing the site of a studio and gallery space for Indigenous and environmental art.
This is the second year earning the annual certification for each of these campuses, all of which previously earned it during the Living Campus program’s inaugural year. Investing the resources needed to achieve certification during a time of financial uncertainty demonstrated how dedicated these post-secondary institutions are to being leaders in conservation and attracting students with similar dedication.
“Being part of the Phragmites removal project was a really meaningful experience for me,” said Nitisha Patel, an Ecosystem Restoration Student at Niagara College. “Seeing the impact of invasive species firsthand and getting to be part of a real solution made the work feel urgent and empowering. It wasn’t just about pulling plants; it was about protecting biodiversity and helping our campus ecosystems thrive again.”
“The inspiring efforts of post-secondary schools to meet certification requirements have benefits for wildlife today and into the future,” says Kate Landry, Senior Manager, Community Action for WWF-Canada. “Habitat creation and stewardship initiatives give nature a home on campus, including in urban areas, and provide services like erosion control, shade and recreational space to local communities. These institutions are also increasing awareness of conservation issues and supporting students in becoming environmental leaders in their careers. We applaud them for their leadership.”
The Living Campus certification is offered through WWF-Canada’s Living Planet @ Campus program. Living Planet @ Campus is in partnership with The Barrett Family Foundation.
About World Wildlife Fund Canada
WWF-Canada is committed to equitable and effective conservation actions that restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change. We draw on scientific analysis and Indigenous guidance to ensure all our efforts connect to a single goal: a future where wildlife, nature and people thrive. For more information visit wwf.ca.
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