Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG) was formed in 2021 by local citizens concerned with negative behaviours in Ashburnham Memorial Park, such as illegal dumping, dangerous driving and fireworks. AMSG was built on the premise that encouraging more positive use of the park was an important first step in creating change.
Ashburnham Memorial Park is a 15 acre WW1 Memorial space in East City. It is bordered on the South/East by Hunter St., The Peterborough Liftlocks and the Trent Canal and on the North/West by McFarlane St. and Armour Rd. Situated on one of the tallest drumlins in Peterborough, it has a commanding view of the city and is an iconic Peterborough landmark. Known colloquially as Armour Hill or simply “The Tobogganing Hill”, this park is also home to over 400 species of birds, plants, animals and insects, which have been identified on our iNaturalist project.
Our volunteer-led community group is dedicated to promoting stewardship and respect for the natural, historic, and social aspects of Ashburnham Memorial Park. Since 2021 we have hosted nature hikes, bird walks, bat walks, a children’s art project, bat research, Trent Community Research projects and ten park cleanups, removing more than 243 bags of garbage and recycling and nearly 14,000 cigarette butts (also recycled), from the park. We have grown from a small group of 12 neighbours to over 200 volunteers and 5 steering committee members.
AMSG has developed a strong relationship with city councillors and staff, the local media and the community. We are proud to have received several awards and recognitions over the years.
Our
Supporters
With financial support from The United Way Peterborough Neighbourhood Fund, Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund and The City of Peterborough Community Grant, Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group is able to host community events such as the biannual garbage cleanups, nature walks, art projects, and more! We are grateful for this financial support so that we may offer these events free, to our community.
In addition, AMSG is thankful for our community partners. Through cooperation, collaboration and in-kind support, they help keep our projects moving forward with ease and success!
Our
Awards
2024 – A Year of Awards and Accolades – AMSG received multiple awards for its environmental stewardship and community impact, including honours from the City of Peterborough, Trent Community Research Centre, and the Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund.
On Sept 24, 2024, Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group received the Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability Award from the City of Peterborough in recognition for our contribution to the community during the year 2023.
Trent Community Research Centre Award – AMSG co-chair Jenn McCallum accepted the Certificate of Achievement Award for Community Commitment to Student Learning from Tina Namiesniowski, (Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development), at the Trent Community Research Centre, Annual Celebration of Research on March 28.
Rotary Environment Innovators – In 2024, AMSG received the Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund award accompanied by funding for the project – ‘From a Parking Lot to a Park’.
Contact Us
Anyone interested in more information or working with AMSG can email the group at: ashburnhamstewardship@gmail.com
Please follow us on:
Instagram: @armourhill_ptbo
Facebook: @amsg.armourhill