Blog

After retiring and moving to the countryside seven years ago, Alan and Joyce are enjoying the peace and quiet of life on the water. Having both grown up going to cottages for vacation, they now are able to spend more time in nature and enjoy the panoramic views with little evidence of people around. “Natural shorelines are important to us because it draws in more nature – plants and animals – to our property. We enjoy looking around and seeing and living beside the natural shoreline”, said Alan, ... Read More

Shorelines are one of the richest environments on earth, but they are also among the most threatened. Habitat loss and degradation, water quality impairments, and increasing pressures from shoreline development can deteriorate our lakes and rivers, making them a priority for environmental stewardship and restoration. The Natural Edge Program helps shoreline property owners restore their shoreline, protect their water quality, and create habitat for wildlife and pollinators. Trained staff walk ... Read More

This webinar will explain the Natural Edge program, showcase how the program works, what landowners can do on their own property, and what they get with the Starter Kitts. Before and after photos will also be showcased, followed by a Q&A with Natural Edge program manager, Chloe Lajoie. Once you register, you will be sent an email with information to log-in and view the webinar. This will happen closer to June 23, 2020. Register here! This event is done in partnership with the White ... Read More

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