Macroinvertebrate Biomonitoring: Small Creatures, Big Impacts

by Ty Fischer, Riparian Health Restoration Intern The word “spineless” is often used to describe something weak or purposeless. There is a certain irony, then, that macroinvertebrates – organisms that are “spineless” by their very nature – are actually vitally important in helping humans understand and monitor the health of freshwater ecosystems. Macroinvertebrates are any organisms that do not have backbones and are large enough to be spotted without the use of a microscope. In aquatic ... Read More

by Alana Coulombe, Education programs administrator Why do some plants along roadways have brown or scorched leaves or needles in the spring? Although road salts are widely used to combat icy conditions during the winter, the environmental consequences are often not obvious until the spring. Road salt sprays can harm nearby vegetation by penetrating leaf scars and killing dormant buds, and by accumulating in the soil where they are taken up following the same route as other nutrients in ... Read More

by Nathaniel Sneyd-Dewar, Riparian Habitat Restoration Intern Fireworks have long been a spectacular sight for people worldwide, but outside of the sounds and visuals, the effects of dispersed particles are less considered. While once reserved for national holidays and other major occasions, fireworks have become increasingly affordable, available, and used by families and friends in increasingly diverse locations. This shift presents a change from large shows in urban centres to firework ... Read More

by Nicole Dubé, Freshwater Health Coordinator Whether you are looking to install new heating units, enhance water efficiency, or upgrade to LED lighting, there are many changes, big or small, that you can make to help protect the environment. Learn about the benefits of green audits and retrofits, how different Ottawa, Ontario area organizations have made a difference in their communities, and how you can start your own project! Green audits and retrofits represent a pivotal step towards ... Read More

by Nicole Dubé, Freshwater Health Coordinator In the urban landscape of Ottawa, Ontario, greening initiatives are taking root—one small garden at a time. Across the city, community groups joined together to embark on greening projects. From pollinator gardens to rain gardens and community plots, these projects offer many benefits to both ecosystems and the communities they serve. Learn more about these local projects and how you can start your own! Pollinator Gardens Many of Canada’s ... Read More

by Andres Clavier, Freshwater Stewardship Education Intern Light pollution, often overlooked, is an environmental concern that affects our night skies, ecosystems, and even human health. Artificial light pollution disrupts the natural order of ecosystems, affects the behaviour of nocturnal animals, and disrupts human sleep cycles. Globally, nations are taking notice and implementing measures to combat the growing issue of over-illuminated nights. Here are some of the notable measures being ... Read More

by Andres Clavier, Freshwater Stewardship Education Intern Light pollution is excessive or misdirected artificial light and it is stealing our starry nights, posing substantial threats to wildlife and our own well-being. This has spurred a global push for 'Dark-Sky Reserves' — sanctuaries free from light pollution. Why are these areas crucial for both nature and people? Dark-Sky Reserves have many wildlife benefits. They act as sanctuaries for bird migration as many bird species, ... Read More

by Andres Clavier, Freshwater Stewardship Education Intern We live in a world constantly surrounded by artificial light, but we may not realize how much it affects us and the planet. Light pollution is a serious problem that goes beyond obscuring our view of the stars; it also has significant impacts on human and natural ecosystems. To understand the issue, we must explore the nature of light pollution, its various forms, and how it impacts our world. Light pollution is unwanted, ... Read More

by Andres Clavier, Freshwater Stewardship Education Intern Light pollution is becoming an increasing concern for urban and waterfront dwellers, wildlife enthusiasts, astronomers, and eco-conscious individuals. While we all enjoy the conveniences of over-lit streets, properties, and cities, the unintended consequence has been a sky filled with artificial glow that disrupts wildlife and ecosystems. What if we could have illuminated properties and cities without the negative ecological effects? ... Read More

by Ty Fischer, Riparian Health Restoration Intern In many ways, the shorelines of our lakes and rivers provide windows into the health of the freshwater systems themselves. For instance, lakes and rivers with dense vegetative buffers on their shorelines are more likely to have better water quality and healthier aquatic plant and animal communities, as opposed to those with barren shorelines that are more likely to suffer from increased toxin and nutrient input from runoff, high sediment ... Read More