June 8, 2021, Watersheds Canada – This Rivers to Oceans Week, Watersheds Canada and Pinegrove Productions are excited to announce the development and delivery of a multimedia project to help youth see, discuss, and understand how human actions on their lake have significant ecological impacts above and below the water. Comparisons between developed and natural sites will be made as youth explore underwater impacts on wildlife living on their lake.

“There is a profound need for Ontario’s youth to use this program in light of increased development along Ontario’s shorelands. Youth are future landowners, decision-makers, and environmental leaders. This program will bridge the gap between youth who may not understand their impacts on aquatic ecosystems and the positive actions they can take.” – Monica Seidel, Communications and Fundraising Coordinator, Watersheds Canada

Generously funded by Wildlife Habitat Canada, the Ontario Shoreline and Freshwater Health Multimedia Experience will provide youth and their families with:

1. An educational video lesson produced by Pinegrove Productions;
2. Online workshops and an assessment exercise led by Watersheds Canada staff; and
3. The re-naturalization of shoreline properties through the Natural Edge Program.

After its pilot year, this project will be available online for free use by Canadian freshwater and nature groups who want to educate and engage more youth in conservation.

Shoreline ecosystems, or riparian zones, are especially valuable habitat for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. The shoreline area includes the first 30 metres of land and is considered the “ribbon of life” because it supports 70% of land-based wildlife and 90% of aquatic species at some point in their lifetime.

Native plants planted along a shoreline can filter and remove up to 90% of suspended sediment and pollutants, preventing them from entering the lake. These plants also benefit native wildlife like fish, waterfowl, and migratory birds who depend on healthy water and natural components like woody debris and aquatic vegetation for food, shelter, nesting, and breeding.

Watersheds Canada is a registered Canadian charity committed to providing programs to communities across the country to engage and help individuals enhance and protect the health of their lakes and rivers. Since 2002, they have delivered freshwater stewardship programming, shoreline naturalizations and assessments, and in-water habitat restorations. To learn more, visit Watersheds.ca

The team at Pinegrove Productions has over 15 years’ experience producing environmental education multimedia resources for youth, landowners, and the general public. To see some of their work, visit PinegroveProductions.ca

Wildlife Habitat Canada is a non-profit organization that has been providing grant funding opportunities to like-minded conservation organizations throughout Canada for over 35 years. In 2020, they introduced the Community Conservation Action Program as a pilot to help smaller organizations access the funding they need to make a difference in conservation within their community. To learn more, visit WHC.org/CCAP

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Media contact:

Monica Seidel
Communications and Fundraising Coordinator
Watersheds Canada
seidel@watersheds.ca