Forget just talking the talk – at HTS, we're walking the walk (and planting the plants and hatching the salmon!). Endangered species? We've got their backs. Citizen science? We're diving in headfirst!
Environmental stewardship is important not only for our HTS campus, but for our school community. We have a responsibility to maintain a healthy environment because it is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine, where the Rouge River begins, and is home to numerous endangered species. Stewardship initiatives also provide educational opportunities for students, teaching them about local ecology, citizen science and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
At HTS, hands-on learning and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Through a range of citizen science projects and sustainability initiatives, our students connect deeply with nature while contributing to real-world conservation efforts.
Students help monitor birdhouses on campus to collect data on tree swallows—tracking nesting habits, egg laying and hatching. This information is shared online to support broader ecological research. Our managed bee colonies are vital pollinators. We support their health through Varroa mite treatments and sugar water supplements during seasonal nectar shortages, ensuring they thrive and enrich our ecosystem.
Three thriving native species beds on the back berm support bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Carefully curated plant selections vary each year to create dynamic habitats that celebrate biodiversity. Installed as part of a Grade 1 project, bat boxes provide safe spaces for bats—a species in decline due to white-nose syndrome. Positioned away from predators and in full sun, they offer hope for future bat residents. Grade 6 students raise salmon eggs in classroom aquariums before releasing the young fish into the wild—an immersive experience in species protection and environmental care.
Each fall, we harvest honey from our bees and sell it at our Farmer’s Market. In previous years, we’ve even tapped maple trees for syrup. These rewards highlight the value of sustainability and connect students with the fruits of their stewardship. Fresh herbs from our raised garden beds go straight to the dining hall kitchen. It’s a delicious way for students to learn about local agriculture, reduce our carbon footprint and enjoy sustainable meals..png?width=247&height=247&name=Stewardship%20(Earth%20Month%202025).png)
Together, these projects immerse students in the rhythms of the natural world, teaching them the importance of biodiversity, conservation and the power of taking care of our environment.
This Earth Month, we are reminded of our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. By understanding and protecting our local ecosystem, we contribute to the health of our planet. Our efforts to support endangered species, control invasive species, and engage in citizen science projects are all ways we honour and celebrate the Earth. Let’s continue to learn, act and inspire others to care for our environment.