Blog

Annabel first heard of Watersheds Canada many years ago when she was trying to learn how to better protect Lake Simcoe. She was a part of Ladies of the Lake which was involved with lake health on Lake Simcoe and remedial action. Annabel was one of many who responded to Executive Director Barbara King’s recent letter outlining the struggles Watersheds Canada is facing because of COVID-19. “The letter struct a chord with me. I wanted to help when I saw was needed. I encourage others to support ... Read More

Wildlife face increasing pressures to find suitable habitat and food sources near human development. There is increased pressures from flooding, erosion, and pollution along shorelines. Wildlife need safe and natural areas to raise their young to ensure their populations stay healthy. Here are five ways you can help local wildlife on your shoreline property. GENERAL DISCLAIMER: The need for permits for work in or near water, and the governing body responsible for those permits, varies from ... Read More

Nous avons récemment produit 7 ressources en ligne en anglais sur la nature. Compte tenu de leur succès auprès des enseignants et des parents qui les utilisent pour enseigner de la maison, nous avons produits 6 de ces ressources en français. Elles sont disponibles gratuitement en ligne en suivant les liens ci-dessous: L’atlas du Canada en ligne Apprendre sur la forêt Apprendre sur les espèces en péril au Canada Ressources pour éducateurs de la fédération canadienne de la faune ... Read More

Many of our native wildlife populations are declining due to urban development and the removal of natural habitat features. However, there are many ways that landowners can preserve and create habitat on their property so that we can co-exist with these species. Celebrate Earth Day by protecting sensitive shoreline habitats and the wildlife that live there. In many cases, creating wildlife habitat is as easy as doing nothing! Allowing vegetation to grow naturally to create “no mow” areas, ... Read More

Helping with homework and trying to maintain a schedule for children during these challenging times is something we understand many parents are struggling with at this time.  Now, with the likelihood of extended school closures, parents and educators are scrambling to find educational and free resources to keep their children occupied while at home.  Here are 7 free educational and curriculum-linked resources to keep children of all ages (and adults too!) occupied, learning about nature, and ... Read More

By Monica Seidel Did you know that there are over 300 butterfly species in Canada, with 150 in Ontario alone? While most people are familiar with the iconic monarch and swallowtail butterflies, there are many other species fluttering around that would love to meet you. Great spangled fritillary You may have seen this butterfly on a large native plant, like milkweed or spotted Joe-Pye weed. Great spangled fritillaries are found from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, living in marshes, ... Read More

Andress’ Your Independent Grocer in Smiths Falls will be celebrating World Water Day (March 22nd) by partnering with Watersheds Canada. With your $2 donation, you will help fund local freshwater initiatives, including naturalizing shorelines with trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, and educating people on in-water fish habitat. You will have the opportunity to write your name on a water drop tag and have it on display at the front of Andress’ from March 15-21st (pictured, right). “Wanita and I ... Read More

As our team continues to work on big plans for 2020, we can't help but remember all of the amazing projects we were able to take part in last year. Here are just a few of our favourite memories from 2019: "I loved working with the Muskrat Watershed Council, Algonquin College Waterfront Campus, and all the landowners and volunteers on our Muskrat Watershed Rehabilitation Project. I had so much fun and lots of laughs with everyone involved. I really enjoyed being outside for the fall and it ... Read More

The Latornell Conservation Symposium, hosted November 19-21, 2019 in Alliston, Ontario, drew together conservation authorities, ENGO's, students, businesses, and Indigenous communities. Watch as Monica Seidel, Watersheds Canada's Digital Communications and Marketing Intern, takes you on a tour of the Symposium and what she learned. Watersheds Canada would like to thank the Latornell Conservation Symposium Grant for funding the full attendance and accommodation of Monica to attend the 2019 ... Read More

It was clear from the first day’s morning keynote speaker, Rebecca Thomas, that the Latornell Conservation Symposium was taking the current environmental and social crises seriously. Rebecca, a Mi’kmaw poet and activist, effortlessly blended her personal story with jarring poetry that covered topics of identity, the “creation” of Canada, and including Indigenous perspectives. Rebecca taught about Netukulimk – “I cannot take too much of anything” – and made everyone think about what good ... Read More