Septic Systems: they may be out of sight, but they shouldn’t be out of mind!

Guest blog written by Terri-Lee Reid, Conservation Researcher, Canadian Wildlife Federation When you love your lake, you will want to make sure your septic system is functioning properly. Improperly treated wastewater may contain bacteria, viruses, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Inadequate treatment can result in an overabundance of weeds and algal blooms. This can make a lake unpleasant for swimming and boating, affect water quality, fish, wildlife, and their habitats, and it can cause health ... Read More

by Samantha Cunningham, Ecological technician The first step in helping your new plantings is ensuring they are properly planted to start. Choose a location for your plant that is best-suited for its entire life-cycle. This includes checking its environmental preferences, for native species check out the Native Plant Database for this info. As well as ensuring the new planting will not need to be transplanted later in its life due to encroachment on pathways, water lines, and electrical wires ... Read More

by Samantha Cunningham, Ecological technician Ticks are a member of the arachnid family, like scorpions and spiders. They move through crawling movements only, and survive through feeding on whatever blood-flowing creatures are available, humans included. Ticks in Canada There are around 40 species of ticks in Canada which range in size from a pinhead to a dime. Ticks are present across Canada, living in wooded areas, tall grasses, and under leaf litter. Ticks can be present in urbanized ... Read More

by Samantha Cunningham, Ecological technician One of the best things about creating a pollinator garden is the diversity of beauty that can be included! However, not all pollinator gardens welcome the same diversity of species. Bees are the most important and common pollinator type, with over 800 species in Canada! Luckily everyone’s favourite gentle friend the bumblebee is not only cute, but a native species as well. Be sure to respectfully admire the females who can sting multiple times ... Read More

by Samantha Cunningham, Ecological technician While environmental organizations often differ in purpose and mission, one thing we all agree on is the importance of native plant species. Our Native Plant Database and Natural Edge program are based on equipping landowners with tools to best naturalize their shoreline using native plants. The Forest Gene Conservation Association is another organization educating the public about native plants and the importance of genetic diversity in ... Read More

by Samantha Cunningham, Ecological technician We often talk a lot about pollinators as a general grouping of insects we see in our gardens and hear about on the news. Recently, there are major concerns about the health of honeybee populations in North America and how a decline in pollinators has many severe implications. Aside from honeybees, there are about 800 other species of bees in Canada, and as well as countless other species of butterflies, moths, beetles, and hummingbirds that are ... Read More

by Samantha Cunningham, Ecological technician Winter in Canada officially lasts a total of 4 months, although sometimes it can feel much longer! This season can be a difficult one, especially for wildlife. Canadian species have either evolved to migrate to warmer climates, hibernate, or adapt to these seasonal changes. Some of these adaptations include hibernation, storage food, physical changes, and other location dependent characteristics. The increased development of natural areas has ... Read More

by Nicole Dubé, Freshwater Health Coordinator While Ontario winters can be cold and dark, there are still many ways you can enjoy the outdoors and spend time in nature. This list of ten ways to enjoy nature this winter will inspire you to get outside, help local species, try a new activity, and appreciate local nature with your whole family! 1. Build a Winter Shelter The word 'quinzee' or 'quinzhee' is of Athabaskan origin. A quinzee is a Canadian winter shelter made of snow that is ... Read More

You have helped protect Canada's freshwater this past year. You can continue to make a difference with your year-end donation before midnight on December 31st and receive a 2021 charitable tax receipt! One project your support made possible in 2021 was the restoration of in-water fish habitat on two lakes! Woody debris piles (pictured) provide critical habitat features for fish and turtles.   Your support in 2021 has resulted in on-the-ground, tangible impacts to protect and ... Read More

by Monica Seidel, Communications and Fundraising Manager, Watersheds Canada This past summer, you might have enjoyed the company of a northern map turtle, green frog, calico pennant dragonfly, or Great Blue Heron. Like you probably did, these charismatic and iconic species spent a large part of their summer near the shoreline. In fact, these species depend on the shoreline and riparian zone for their very survival. This zone includes the first 30-metres of land around a lake, river, or bay ... Read More