Durham College partners on Memory Forest project at Whitby Campus

Durham College (DC), Trees for Life, and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario are working together on a Memory Forest project at DC’s Whitby campus, with support from the Barrett Family Foundation.

A ceremony was held at the site on September 16 to mark the start of project with the planting of a single tree. Over the coming months, a section of the Whitby campus grounds will be developed as an accessible green space for people living with dementia, their caregivers, and other community members.

Plans for the space include native tree planting, accessible pathways, high-contrast wayfinding, tactile features, sensory plantings, and gathering areas. Trees for Life is contributing knowledge of native tree planting and urban greening as the site is developed, while the Alzheimer Society of Ontario is providing expertise related to dementia inclusion.

The Memory Forest will also involve DC learners in the care and development of the site. DC will lead the design of nature-based programming, while learners can contribute to stewardship activities and gain hands-on experience.

“The Memory Forest is a great example of how partnerships can create opportunities for DC and the broader community,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College. “We’re pleased to be working with Trees for Life and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario on this project and to provide a space that is welcoming to people living with dementia and their caregivers.”

Development of the Memory Forest is expected to continue into 2027 as DC and its community partners work to establish the new space at the Whitby campus.