Kawarthas Northumberland is fortunate to have so much precious green space. From the dramatically varied landscapes that make Peterborough & the Kawarthas part of “The Land Between” to the annual Ganaraska salmon run in Northumberland County to the globally rare limestone plain landscapes of Carden Alvar in Kawartha Lakes, there’s a lot that must be preserved and protected.

Fortunately, ecologically minded groups throughout the region are ready to take on the task of being good stewards of the land. A prime example is Elmhirst’s Resort, a family-run accommodation that pulls off the tricky balance between sustainability and modern convenience with wisdom and style. You can see a few of the ways they strive to leave a small footprint in our short documentary, “Staying Rural.”

Of course, Elmhirst’s is just one of the places that’s working towards a sustainable future. Westben Centre for Connection & Creativity through Music is another excellent example of an organization that has integrated sustainability into their everyday operations. The result is an uncommonly artful, harmonious space for art and nature to blend—see the documentary below for more.

Keep scrolling to discover other ways people are working to tread lightly and respect the environment that supports us all.