Blog

Pruning is a technique used to help support the growth of native trees and shrubs, and while it is not required, it may be a good option for your property to protect pathways, sight lines, or protect plants from neighbouring competitors. It can be a tricky and overwhelming task if you don't know what to look for or how to properly prune. What Should I Prune? First, you will want to determine which species you want to prune. It is best if you watch your property throughout the year while ... Read More

Though we don't always see them, bats are incredibly important to the spaces where we live - they eat thousands of insects each night, and act as important pollinators, bringing pollen further than a butterfly or bee would be able to. Bats need your help - they are threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and fear and misinformation leading people to remove their homes and roosts. This Halloween, you can provide a home for your local bat species! Bat houses provide a place to roost and ... Read More

We are excited to announce that the 19th Annual Lake Links workshop is taking place on Saturday October 24th, 2020 from 10am-12pm. Due to current health guidelines and the safety of attendees, this year's workshop will take place exclusively online. You will receive log-in information for the webinar closer to the date. We encourage you to register early to stay up-to-date! Free registration can be found here. This year's theme is "Effective Engagement for Positive Action". The day will ... Read More

In 2019, Watersheds Canada, in partnership with the Daniel and Susan Gottlieb Foundation, granted volunteer groups with funding support towards projects that had a positive impact on the health of lakes and rivers and involved their lake community. Here are 5 activity updates: Shoreline Naturalization Program & Lake Protection Booklets The Cavendish Community Ratepayers Association Inc. was able to secure shoreline plants and the Lake Protection Workbooks for their community. More ... Read More

Love Your Lake (LYL) surveys continued on Kashwakamak Lake in North Frontenac Township as Maggie completed the surveys on behalf of Watersheds Canada, a LYL delivery partner in Eastern Ontario. She was out throughout July to assess the shoreline properties using the detailed protocol, ultimately creating a customized report for each property owner that is filled with voluntary recommendations to naturalize their property. In total, 674 properties were assessed. While things may look a little ... Read More

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