2020/2021 Annual Report Now Available

A message from the Chair of the Board of Directors, Mary Ellen Stoll: "This year was a year of both change and opportunity for Watersheds Canada. As with many other organizations, staff continued to work from home, and the Board of Directors got comfortable with Zoom. The COVID-19 pandemic gave us the opportunity and the challenge to look at how we deliver some of our programs, and where our staff were located. For example, the Freshwater Stewardship Community was launched in January 2021 and ... Read More

December 9, 2021 – There are some new homes on Olmstead and Jeffrey Lakes in Renfrew County, but not on the land. Fish, turtles, and macroinvertebrates like snails and dragonfly larvae now have more natural areas to rest, grow, and hide from predators thanks to a community-led effort that added 18 piles of woody debris back into the two lakes. Local organizations and volunteers came together on September 28, 2021 to gather on-land woody debris like sticks and snags, tie them together with ... Read More

We know that you care about your lake, river, or tributary. As fall comes to an end, and we think back to all the times we turned to nature this year, we know that nature is still in need of our help. Together, we can protect the very waters that sustain us. Watersheds Canada continues to deliver programming that sees more shorelines re-naturalized, more wildlife habitat created, more education resources distributed, more outreach programming delivered, and more opportunities for freshwater ... Read More

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 ... Read More

October 26, 2021, Perth, Ontario – A momentous first step was taken last month to restore a historic lake trout spawning bed in the Madawaska Valley region. Diamond Lake, located near Combermere, Ontario, is one of only twelve trout lakes in Renfrew County. For many years the trout population has been experiencing struggles on the lake, with the once productive spawning bed being recently damaged by siltation. The Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund donated critical funds to launch ... Read More

MEDIA RELEASE Community support and actions in Quinte watershed growing for Pugnose Shiner fish, a Species at Risk Perth, ON, October 18, 2021 – Cathie Coultis has lived in the Quinte watershed for almost 15 years. In the past few years, though, she is seeing dramatic changes on West Lake. More invasive phragmites are spreading in the water, and she is seeing an increase in shoreline development, resulting in increased sedimentation and removal of aquatic vegetation. Cathie is the ... Read More

Watersheds Canada is honoured to be a finalist for the Nature Inspiration Awards in the Not-For-Profit (Small and Medium) category. The Nature Inspiration Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose specific projects encourage Canadians to take an interest in natural history, create links with nature and contribute to its preservation. Specifically, our innovative Natural Edge Program, the only program of its kind in Canada, has been recognized with this nomination. Award winners ... Read More