The Channel Darter: Ontario’s endangered bottom feeder

by Alexa Button, Climate Change Resiliency Intern The Channel Darter is a rare small member of the perch family. In 2019, the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario populations were placed on the endangered species at risk list (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2024). In Ontario, this species can be found in the following waterbodies: St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Detroit River, Trent, Salmon, and Moira River watersheds as well as the Ottawa River (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2024). This ... Read More

by Alexa Button, Climate Change Resiliency Intern The term “minnow” is often used broadly to refer to any small fish, however minnows range from small to large freshwater fish belonging to the order Cypriniformes and the families Cyprinidae and Leuciscidae (Coad, 2015; Conservation Commission of Missouri, 2025). However most minnows in Canada, including the at risk Pugnose Shiner, Bridle Shiner and Cultip Minnow, belong to the “true” minnow family, Leuciscidae, within the order of ... Read More

Finding the perfect gift can be hard. Most people know at least one person who feels impossible to buy for. We hunt through gift guides and wander aimlessly through stores trying to find the present that shows the one we care about how much we appreciate them. Celebrate those you care about in a meaningful way with a tribute gift from Watersheds Canada! A tribute gift is not like most items you can find on the shelves; it’s not wrapped in plastic and won’t be re-gifted later. Along with the ... Read More

by Jonathan Miller, Freshwater Conservation Intern Each spring, long before summer wildflowers begin to bloom, two important native pollinators emerge across Canada: the tricoloured bumble bee (Bombus ternarius) and the Canadian tiger swallowtail (Papilio canadensis). These species are more than beautiful signs that warmer weather has arrived; they are essential ecological partners to our forests, gardens, and early-spring plants as they help drive the success of our ecosystems. By ... Read More

by Andres Clavier, Freshwater Stewardship Education Intern Planting Around Your Septic System Septic systems are integral to many homes, particularly those not connected to municipal sewage systems. While they are vital in managing household waste, landscaping over septic systems can be a tricky challenge. It is important to choose the right kinds of native plants for planting over your septic system, and equally as important, to know which plant species to avoid and plant further away. ... Read More

by Amy DeBoer, Riparian Habitat Restoration Intern Canadian winters can be cold and dark, but that just means we get to be more creative in how we enjoy the outdoors! Here is a list of 10 activities to inspire you and your family to enjoy all the winter season has to offer. ​1. Decorate the Windows A Canadian winter tends to be less colourful than our other seasons, so why not add some ourselves! Using washable paint or markers, you can create temporary window designs. This craft can ... Read More

by Andres Clavier, Freshwater Stewardship Education Intern Canada's commitment to preserving its pristine water bodies is reflected in its regulatory framework. The primary legislation governing boat discharge is the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Act. This law covers pollutants ranging from oil and chemicals to sewage from marine vessels. Under this Act, all vessels with installed toilet facilities are required to have a marine sanitation device on board. This device is intended to ... Read More

by Paige Jessup, Climate Change Resiliency Intern The loss of biodiversity in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems has been a growing issue for freshwater communities. Run-off from improperly installed or unmaintained septic systems are one of the ways that untreated wastewater gets into freshwater bodies. Things like cracks in the tank can also cause nutrients from the wastewater to leach into the soil, which can lead to highly undesirable changes in local ecosystem structure and ... Read More

by Paige Jessup, Climate Change Resiliency Intern Our septic systems are often something that are out of sight and out of mind. Some people may not even know what a septic system is, especially if you live in a city or town that has a wastewater treatment plant. No matter where you live, we should all be thinking about where our wastewater goes when we flush.  Where is Untreated Wastewater Going? If you live in an area that is connected to a municipal sewer system, the water that is ... Read More

by Paige Jessup, Climate Change Resiliency Intern Proper design and maintenance of your septic system is important in ensuring it functions properly and will not end up costing you and the environment. Improperly treated wastewater may contain bacteria, viruses, phosphorus, and nitrogen. If this gets into the ground water or nearby water body, it can get into drinking water and also have devastating consequences for aquatic ecosystems.    Choosing and Designing your Septic ... Read More