Our Story
Since 1992, GreenUP has worked diligently to empower climate action and inspire lasting change. Founded from recommendations by Mayor Sylvia Sutherland’s task force on Sustainable Development, GreenUP has grown from a small, community-focused environmental group to a dynamic, comprehensive environmental education organization. Our work today covers many aspects of sustainability including community building, green infrastructure, sustainable transportation, waste management, and energy efficiency among other themes.
In 1993, Cathy Dueck founded the Ecology Garden, which officially joined GreenUP and established the Ecology Park at Beavermead. This legacy, along with the City of Peterborough’s ongoing support, remains central to GreenUP’s mission. Between 1990 and 1995, environmental sustainability was a priority for the Provincial Government. During this time, GreenUP was recognized nationally and internationally as a model for meaningful, on-the-ground action, leading to the launch of Green Communities Canada in 1995. GreenUP was a founding partner of this national network of local environmental organizations and remains an active member today.
Our programming now reaches over 10,000 children each year, and we have worked with 700+ local businesses and supported 40% of all Peterborough homes in energy efficiency and ecological landscaping. Our work is sustained through funding from all levels of government, private foundations, businesses, individual donors, and revenue from our social enterprise — the Native Plant and Tree Nursery located in Ecology Park.
As we approach 2030, the urgency of addressing climate change is critical. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes the need for drastic emissions reductions by 2030. GreenUP reflects on 30 years of success and looks ahead, aware of both governmental policy changes and ecological shifts that highlight the need to ramp up the scope and scale of our collective action.
In the coming decades, GreenUP will continue to support residents in building knowledge and taking action on issues that matter to them, we will engage businesses to create positive change, and deliver exceptional environmental education for young people. We will also leverage our partnerships with municipalities and serve as community experts in achieving needed change.
Looking forward, GreenUP envisions a future where we have collectively invested in stabilizing the climate, while celebrating the diversity and success of our region. We remain grateful for the community support and partnerships that have grown stronger year after year. Together, we know that positive action can happen quickly, especially when we work as a community.
Our Vision & Mission
VISION: An environmentally healthy and sustainable community
MISSION: To inspire and empower environmentally healthy and sustainable action in our community
Our Current Strategic Plan
GreenUP’s current strategic plan lays out five directions to guide our program delivery.
Click here to download the complete strategic plan.
Examples of Our Programming
Sustainable Gardening and Nature-based Education
GreenUP Ecology Park is seen as an excellent example of blending environmental education, community involvement, urban forestry and attractive landscaping. Thousands of people visit GreenUP Ecology Park each year to learn about native species, habitat enhancement and nature connection. GreenUP operates a Native Plant and Tree Nursery in Ecology Park and where you can purchase native trees and shrubs as well as compost and mulch.
GreenUP Ecology Park also has a tremendous impact on local children. The park is a popular destination in the spring and fall when schools bring their students for curriculum-based learning activities. The learning continues during the summer as GreenUP presents our Earth Adventures and Urban Bike Adventures summer camps.
Home Energy Efficiency Services
GreenUP employs NRCan certified Home Energy Advisors who perform comprehensive assessments of home energy performance for our clients. Home energy retrofits performed by GreenUP have helped thousands of local homeowners save money on heating bills, create a more comfortable home and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. A home energy assessment can be booked with GreenUP online and our staff can help you to understand current rebate and loan programs that may be available to support your energy efficiency upgrade.
Water Protection and Conservation Programs
GreenUP leads the education component of the City of Peterborough Rain Garden Subsidy program. Our staff provide professional consultation services to support you in planning and installing a rain garden.
GreenUP is a founding partner of the Peterborough Children’s Water Festival. The Festival is a two-day educational event for students in grades 2 to 5. The students participate in hands-on, interactive educational activities to help them learn about water, where it comes from, why it’s important.
GreenUP sells rain barrels and provides customers with access to the Rain Barrel Rebate programs, as applicable.
In the past, GreenUP launched a program that focused on shoreline properties and a consultation service performed by trained staff for urban, rural and shoreline properties.
Waste Reduction Initiatives
GreenUP’s waste reduction initiatives are to encourage the Five R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Refuse, Rethink, Recycle) as well as composting.
In the past our educators have visited dozens of local schools to get students involved in classroom activities with our curriculum-linked waste audits and litterless lunch education.
Community Outreach
GreenUP reaches a wide audience with its communications. We have a weekly column in the Peterborough Examiner and KawarthaNOW online. Follow our programs and events on our Facebook, and Instagram pages via @ptbogreenup and read past GreenUP columns on our Blog.