A watershed moment: When perfect strangers connect on the values of conservation

by Robert Pye, Executive Director “Any luck?” The question was clear but a visual on whomever asked it was not. In mid-retrieve, my spinner bait lost momentum when I paused to reply in the direction of the inquiry. I knew it came from the cottage that was set back from a vegetated shoreland and in the early morning shade. “Only little ones so far,” I said, keeping my vibe elusive yet positive. On the water, that’s my signature response to help protect my fishing pride, and my fishing ... Read More

by Monica Seidel, Communications and Fundraising Manager Watersheds Canada is a special organization. I have had the pleasure of being a part of this small team for over three years now. I have been mentored, taught, and encouraged by countless volunteers, community groups, and colleagues who all have a passion and dedication for coming together to protect Canada’s freshwater. While my job title mentions communications and fundraising, I have a deep passion for outreach and education. ... Read More

Thank you to everyone for supporting Watersheds Canada's first-ever 50/50 charity lottery event! Because of you, we are able to bring nature back to our shores, fund fish spawning habitat, and promote hands-on lake and river stewardship programs. Environmental commitment and generosity always inspires the Watersheds Canada team, especially over the past six weeks of the Water 50/50 charity lottery. In total, $4,585 in prize money was awarded to three early bird winners ($150 each), and one ... 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 Andres Clavier, Freshwater Stewardship Education Intern World Habitat Day, October 2nd, offers a moment to reflect on the interconnectedness of life within our Canadian landscapes. To commemorate, let us delve into the fascinating world of a prolific Canadian salamander species: the Eastern Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus). This amphibian can teach us much about the value of shoreline habitats and the crucial role that we can play in conserving these unique ecosystems. From ... Read More

by Chloe Lajoie, Natural Edge Program Manager Today is a special day - today is World Rivers Day. As the program manager of Watersheds Canada’s Natural Edge program, I have helped landowners, students, community partners and volunteers, and municipalities plant over 104,000 native species to bring nature back to severely degraded shorelands. That work is happening right now! However, our fall planting season is tall on restoration site demands and short on funds. You help us get more ... Read More

by Ty Fischer, Riparian Habitat Restoration Intern Lakes are to Ontarians what the Rocky Mountains are to British Columbians – places of humbling grandeur, of ineffable richness and diversity, and of truly iconic and symbolic importance for our province. It is very fitting, then, that Watersheds Canada and Canadian Wildlife Federation's lake shoreline assessment program be called “Love Your Lake”. I have been fortunate enough to take part in this initiative and to personally witness this ... Read More

by Andres Clavier, Freshwater Stewardship Education Intern Every year in the fall, millions of monarch butterflies embark on a long-distance journey, migrating thousands of kilometres from North America to California and even central Mexico. This incredible phenomenon is an essential event for our environment as these butterflies are important players in pollination and food chain integration for the geographies they cover. Because of this long journey, these beautiful creatures are facing ... Read More

by Nicole Dubé, Freshwater Health Coordinator Do you love to play in the water? If your summer was anything like mine, it was full of cannonballs off the dock, rope swings into the river, and paddle boards across a back bay. There's nothing better than freshwater fun, right? Even as fall approaches, I am excited to share that you can continue to play in the water with our new 50/50 campaign called water5050.ca. Watersheds Canada is making its debut splash into our first-ever charity ... Read More