Written By Emily Bacon I have had the privilege of working for Watersheds Canada for the past three summers while studying at Queen’s University. I am writing this blog, reflecting on my three wonderful summers, on my very last day with them. I have grown and learned so much which has truly been a one of a kind experience. It was an odd match at first – I’m in geological engineering and Watersheds is a non-profit organization dedicated to our lakes and rivers, but I wasn’t going to pass up ... Read More
Natural Edge – Spring Planting Success!
by Melissa Dakers, Lake Stewardship Coordinator As summer approaches and the spring planting season comes to a close, Watersheds Canada is proud to continue working towards shoreline rehabilitation through our Natural Edge program. This spring, we planted 21 sites on 9 lakes working alongside home and cottage owners in the rehabilitation and naturalization of their shorelines. Through these efforts, the Natural Edge staff have successfully planted a combined total of over 6121 square metres ... Read More
Process and Maple Syrup
by Barbara King, Executive Director I just had the most amazing experience from the simple task of making maple syrup from the trees around our property with our kids. It was an incredible feeling to make our own syrup even though it took 2 days, 5 trees, 10 hours of boiling, a million questions from my kids, and about $20.00 worth of propane to literally boil down to less than a litre. So how could this bring me so much joy! Maple syrup making reminds me of our work at Watersheds Canada in ... Read More
Maude Barlow at the Watersheds Gala
On January 22nd, 2015, we hosted our first fundraiser, the Watersheds Gala. We were honoured to have renowned author and citizens’ advocate, Maude Barlow, as our keynote speaker, and the energetic and revered Canadian professor and naturalist, Michael Runtz, as our Master of Ceremonies. With the generous support from our sponsors, Freshwater Future, Leo Adams Investments, McIntosh Perry, MEC, the Sharbot Group Inc., and TD Canada Trust, and several kind silent auction contributors, we could ... Read More
It’s all about the WHY!
by Barbara King, Executive Director I can honestly say I LOVE My job. How many people can say that about where they work? We have such a great team and workplace atmosphere here at Watersheds Canada… I wake up excited for my day. We actually have it backwards in the office and call it “Happy Monday” because we are all together and “Grumpy Friday” because we know we will miss our team and the great times we have together as we leave for the weekend. Now, don’t get me wrong, we actually DO work ... Read More
Lake Links 2014
"Lake Communities in Action" In preparation for the 2014 Lake Links workshop in Perth, a survey was conducted to learn about the experience of lake associations in preparing and implementing their lake plans. The theme of the workshop was 'Lake Communities in Action' and the responses from the survey provided significant insight about the benefits, challenges, and actions that are undertaken by many lake communities across Ontario. Please see the results of this survey here. This workshop ... Read More
Lake Links 2013
"The Lake Landscape: From Political to Practical" The 2013 Lake Links Workshop was held in Perth, Ontario, on Saturday, October 19th. View or download the Workshop Details. About the 2013 Lake Links Workshop – What’s it all about? This year’s workshop focused on strategies for community engagement. Representatives from local lake associations provided examples of hands-on strategies for bringing lake communities together to protect, improve and celebrate the health of their ... Read More
Lake Links 2012
"Climate Change - How to Build Resiliency in our Lakes" The 11th Annual Lake Links Workshop, Climate Change - How to Build Resiliency in our Lakes, was held at the Perth Civitan Hall on Saturday, October 20th, 2012. Over 100 attendees, including landowners, environmental group representatives, municipal staff members, and lake association members, partook in focused discussions and Q&A sessions on the topic of climate change. Five overarching themes were addressed during the ... Read More
Lake Links 2011
"The Lake Capacity Model" On Saturday October 29, 2011 at the Perth Civitan Hall over 160 participants gathered for a timely discussion on: The Lake Capacity Model, watershed planning tools and successful lake development case studies. View the Event Summary. View the Information Package, including the poster, agenda, and additional workshop information. View or download the guest speakers' presentations: Joy Steritt, Planning and Information Management Supervisor, Ministry of ... Read More
Lake Links 2010
"Celebrating Our Advances" Bringing Lake Links back to its roots, the focus of the 9th Annual Lake Links Workshop, held on October 30th, 2010 at the Perth Civitan Hall, was on networking and information sharing. The theme ‘Celebrating our Advances’ was the backdrop for learning more about each other, including projects, successes and challenges, and to celebrate the ongoing efforts in protecting our lakes and rivers. The Lake Links Workshop Organizing Committee conducted a survey of lake ... Read More