November 12, 2021, Perth, Ontario – We all value our lakes and rivers, but taking steps to protect and enhance freshwater health can be overwhelming. How can we ensure these beautiful areas are protected for future generations of people and wildlife? The annual Lake Links workshop helped to equip over 80 live attendees with new research, stewardship resources, and networks to see how much of an impact they can actually have.
This year’s workshop focused on taking the challenge of connecting our values to our actions in order to protect our lakes and rivers. Individuals representing a diversity of stakeholders attended the 2.5-hour session including those from municipalities, academia, lake and river associations, conservation authorities, government, and non-profit organizations. The day featured presentations from the University of Ottawa, Dog and Cranberry Lakes Association, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, and Cataraqui Conservation on behalf of the Lake Links Planning Committee.
“It is hard to believe we have been connecting with freshwater stewardship partners for twenty years and I’m so proud to be a part of this”, says Melissa Dakers, Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager, Watersheds Canada. “Hosting the workshop online allowed us to reach people across Canada and into the United States; many more than would have been possible with our typical in-person workshop. I am excited to see Lake Links continue to grow and equip individuals and community groups with the resources they need to protect their lakes and rivers.”
Melissa Dakers, a representative from the Lake Links Planning Committee, welcomes everyone to the 20th annual Lake Links workshop.
All of the presentation recordings and resources mentioned during Lake Links 2021 are now available for free on the Lake Links webpage: watersheds.ca/lake-links-2021.
A yearly tradition of the Lake Links workshop is the presentation of the Gord Rodgers Memorial Award. This award is given to someone who embodies the spirit of the late Gord Rodgers – someone who engages their community, promotes stewardship by example, and goes above and beyond for their lake community. The 2021 recipient was David Overholt who is an active member of his local lake association, a member of the Lake Networking Group advisory committee, and have been extremely active in bringing education, awareness, and control to the issue of the invasive phragmites plant.
The success of this collaborative workshop can be attributed to its strong community roots; from the attendance of multiple stakeholders each year, to the various partners across the environmental sector who make up the Lake Links Planning Committee. In 2021, this Committee included members from Cataraqui Conservation, Friends of the Tay Watershed, Lake Networking Group, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, and Watersheds Canada.
In addition to the support and hard work of the Planning Committee, Lake Links 2021 received generous financial support from the S.M. Blair Family Foundation, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Cataraqui Conservation, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. The Lake Links Planning Committee would also like to thank the generous individuals who donated in lieu of the usual admission price.
The 21st annual Lake Links workshop will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2022. More details will be posted to the Lake Links webpage as the date approaches: watersheds.ca/Lake-Links
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Contact:
Melissa Dakers
Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager
Watersheds Canada
dakers (at) watersheds.ca