For the fourth year in a row, the Rotary Club of Peterborough is rewarding environmental innovators with financial support for local projects through the Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF).
During its regular meeting on Monday afternoon (May 11) at McDonnel Street Activity Centre, Rotary announced it is awarding a total of $10,000 for four innovative local environmental projects that range from using light to remove organic pollutants from water to creating a children’s book about wetlands. Three of the four projects are based out of Trent University.
Rotary launched REIF in late 2022 with a goal to promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and remediation by supporting new environmental initiatives in the Peterborough area.
Since then, the fund has awarded more than $40,000 for projects in the areas of biodiversity, water and wastewater technologies, climate change, sustainable living, pollution, waster disposal, and more.
Applications for REIF funds are judged based on how they might impact the local climate and environment, how innovative the project is compared to existing solutions, the practicality of the project, expected benefits, and how the funds would be used.
This year, the REIF committee receiving eight applications and awarded three projects were $3,000 each for their innovative approach and high potential for impact, and one project $1,000 in recognition of innovation, strong community roots, and environmental promise.
The 2026 REIF recipients are:
- Manan Ravat, Trent University – Photocatalytic Degradation of Water Contamination ($3,000)
- Leora Berman, Turtle Guardians – A Community-Powered Turtle Conservation Initiative ($3,000)
- Megan Ward, Trent University – Across the Wetland with Finn – A children’s book introducing young readers to the importance of wetlands, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship ($3,000)
- Shannon Learoyd, Trent University – Just Keep Skimming: Exploring strategies to lower wildlife mortality associated with inground pools ($1,000).
Supporting the environment is one of Rotary International’s seven areas of focus, and REIF is a local initiative that reflects the club’s commitment to service, innovations, and local impact.
