Donor support has spurred groundbreaking research and education in environmental studies, ecology and sustainability at the Faculty of Arts & Science. With exciting new developments in this area, A&S is uniquely positioned to tackle urgent environmental issues.
How It Started
In 1995, Marvelle and Murray Koffler donated Jokers Hill, their 350-hectare equestrian estate, to the University of Toronto. The Koffler Scientific Reserve at Jokers Hill is now internationally recognized for cutting-edge research and education in biodiversity, ecology and conservation biology.
Murray and Marvelle Koffler purchased Jokers Hill in 1968.
How It's Going
Construction is underway on new facilities to support students and researchers at the Koffler Scientific Reserve, the goal of which is to move toward a sustainable future through research and education on the environment, in the environment. The new building(s) will provide sleep accommodations as well as shared social, dining and learning spaces for researchers, students and visitors.
The new buildings will help advance important research and instruction in ecology and environmental biology.
Where We're Headed
With the School of the Environment's growth and prominence, it will continue to attract world-class faculty; implement a new mandate to develop research initiatives built around interpreting global environmental change, planetary health and the technology-society nexus; and launch two new programs. These changes will boost the school's educational and research capacities, strengthening its efforts to address environmental challenges.