Lake Links Planning Committee – On October 24, 2020, lake stewards from five provinces and three countries participated in the first-ever online Lake Links workshop.

Due to current health guidelines and the safety of attendees, the 19th Annual Lake Links workshop was held exclusively online. Lake Links attracts citizens and scientists to share ways to help sustain their lakes and rivers. Expert speakers, breakout sessions, and dynamic presentations focus on the lake and river issues that matter most to attendees.

The theme of the 19th Annual Lake Links was “Effective Engagement for Positive Action”, and featured presentations from the University of Ottawa, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

“I’m so happy that we were be able to connect with so many participants safely. The online webinar format allowed us to reach a larger audience and share valuable stewardship information with more groups”, says Melissa Dakers, Watersheds Canada’s Lake Stewardship Coordinator.

Melissa Dakers welcomes participants from across the world to the 19th Annual Lake Links workshop.

One resource that was compiled from the event was a Community Initiatives Handout. Lake and nature groups submitted short write-ups on initiatives they have led. This handout showcases successful projects while also giving helpful tips for groups looking to launch new projects on their waterbody. All resources from Lake Links, including full video presentations, PowerPoint slide decks, and handouts can be found on the Lake Links website: Watersheds.ca/Lake-Links

A yearly tradition of the Lake Links workshop is the presentation of the Gord Rodgers Memorial Award. This award is given to someone who embodies the spirit of Gord Rodgers – someone who engages their community, promotes stewardship by example, and goes above and beyond for their lake community. The 2020 recipients were Karen and Murray Hunt who have worked tirelessly to protect and enhance Otty Lake for over 30 years.

Lake Links 2020 was a success thanks to the hard work and organization of the planning committee, which includes representatives from Cataraqui Conservation, Friends Of The Tay Watershed Association, Lake Networking Group, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, and Watersheds Canada.

In addition to the support and hard work of the planning committee, Lake Links received generous financial support from the S.M. Blair Family Foundation, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Cataraqui Conservation, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. The Lake Links planning committee would also like to thank the generous individuals who donated in lieu of the usual admission price.

The 20th Annual Lake Links workshop will take place on Saturday, October 23, 2021. More details will be posted to the Lake Links website as the date approaches: Watersheds.ca/Lake-Links

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Contact:

Melissa Dakers
Lake Stewardship Coordinator
Watersheds Canada
dakers@watersheds.ca