Written by: Melissa Dakers, 2017 As we approach the mid-summer point of 2017, I keep thinking to myself, what a difference from last year! With very little precipitation and hot summer days, 2016 was one of the biggest droughts that Eastern Ontario has experienced. Seeing the rivers and creeks running dry and thinking about all the ecosystems and wildlife that were affected, makes me ever grateful for the amount of rain that we have received in 2017. Sure it has been a summer of ... Read More
Wild Edibles For Your Health
Written by: Emily Batten, 2017 *Disclaimer* I am not a doctor, registered dietitian, or nutritionist. My goal is to share personal experiences with wild edibles and my research on their benefits. Please do your own research and speak with your family doctor before taking anything for health improvement. Nature is full of bounty, and you can utilize many of its native edibles, some could be in your own backyard. Foraging for wild edibles is a great practise to master for your own enjoyment, or ... Read More
The Many Health Benefits of Nature
Written by: Chlöe Lajoie, 2017 Spring is here! That means that it’s time to start spending more of your days outdoors. Have you ever noticed how you feel better, both mentally and physically, when you spend some time in nature? There’s a reason for that: there are many health benefits related to being outside. Vitamin D Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that your body requires to function properly; without it, you’re at risk of muscle weakness, increased blood pressure, cardiovascular ... Read More
Enhancing Fish Habitat with Woody Debris
Written by: Melissa Dakers, 2017 Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy! The Benefits of Adding Woody Debris to Enhance Fish Habitat With the warmer weather upon us, many Canadians start dreaming about heading to the lake. Visions form of standing on the dock or heading out in the boat and casting a line, hoping to catch the big one! Every fisherperson has their “spot” where they know the fish will bite. But have you ever thought about what makes that “spot” the perfect habitat? Many fish species like ... Read More
A Letter of Appreciation to All Volunteers
Written by: Brent MacDougall, 2017 Ever worked too hard, and too long, for no pay? Thanks for volunteering! I would like to take a moment to deviate from our usual style of posting to thank all of the wonderful volunteers who devote personal time to worthy causes. Whether it be the lake resident who devotes endless amounts of time to ensure proper water quality sampling procedure and standardization, or the individual who selflessly spends hours preparing delicious treats for a community ... Read More
Lakeside Living: Changing the Paradigm
Written by Heather Murphy, 2017 Lakeside living is a dream that many Canadians aspire to attain at some stage in their lives. By putting in the time with their 9-5 jobs, working hard and saving their money, maybe just maybe, they might be lucky enough to own a little slice of heaven on a lake somewhere. The “Great Canadian Dream”, for some, of owning waterfront has gained massive popularity with retirees looking for a quiet retreat and working professionals trying to escape the perpetual rat ... Read More
Relationships and Water
Written by: Barbara King, 2017 I spend a lot of time working with small groups and individuals that are working to change the way that people act towards our freshwater and over the past 15 years have come to the conclusions that we need to change the way that we talk to people about freshwater issues. As environmentalists, we often come at things the wrong way when working in our communities. This isn't to say that there isn’t a time to fight but generally when you get down to the fundamental ... Read More
Cities In Bloom
Written by: Jorden Keeley, 2017 Due to the nature of our work here at Watersheds Canada, we are constantly surrounded by an abundance of plants, fish, and wildlife. Admittedly, often times we take our surroundings for granted. Visiting city centres often helps us to appreciate our unique work environment, by allowing us to recognize the contrast that urban development has created. Moving from a rural environment to an urban one forces you to notice whatever tiny patches and parcels of green you ... Read More
Thank you for a great year!
As 2016 draws to a close, it provides us with an opportunity to look back at everything we have accomplished. It has been a fantastic year at a Watersheds Canada due to all the amazing support we have received from our staff, board, volunteers, and financial supporters. We are so excited for 2017, during which we will continue to increase our efforts to protect and restore our lakes and rivers! In looking at what we have accomplished this past year, we would like to highlight a few exciting ... Read More
Microbeads – Not a Very Tiny Piece of Jewellery
Written By: Brent MacDougall In today's realm of environmental awareness, the majority of citizens would be unlikely to discard plastic directly into our fresh and oceanic water systems. However, unknowingly ordinarily environmentally conscious individuals may be polluting our water systems through washing their face, brushing their teeth or scrubbing their body. The reason individuals may be performing an act of pollution is due to one word, "microbeads"! Now, you may ask what ... Read More