Welcome to the Watersheds Canada Resource Library!
Here you will find a comprehensive collection of free educational resources dedicated to helping rural shoreline property owners, families, municipalities, lake groups, and educators protect their lakes and restore natural habitat. Explore guides, best practices, case studies, lesson plans, and tools to become a freshwater protector. All resources are freely shareable so please include them in a newsletter, on social media, or printed for a community booth!
Funding support thanks to Peterborough K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation, and S.M. Blair Family Foundation.
Fish Habitat Enhancement Toolkit evaluation
This report evaluates the Fish Habitat Enhancement Pilot Project conducted by Watersheds Canada. The project involved four habitat enhancements in three habitat types and the development of a Habitat Enhancement Toolkit. The evaluation was conducted through semi-structured interviews with key participants and a review of the toolkit resources. The results show that the project was successful in improving fish habitats and that there is a need for continued habitat improvement work. The evaluation also highlights the importance of seeking permits and consulting with stakeholders when designing specific interventions and selecting sites.
Fish Habitat Projects: LUSH Impact Report, 2018-2020
Watersheds Canada, in partnership with local organizations, worked to protect and enhance freshwater fish habitats. Six fish habitat projects were completed from 2018-2020, supported by LUSH Charity Pot. The projects included brush bundle installations, cold-water creek enhancements, and walleye spawning bed restorations. The organization also created and distributed a free Fish Habitat Enhancement Toolkit to help community groups enhance fish habitats. The report highlights the impact of these projects on aquatic ecosystems and the communities involved.
Fish Habitat craft lesson PDF
This lesson plan introduces students to different fish species found in the Ottawa area, their basic needs, and how people can help protect and restore their habitats. Students will learn about the characteristics of healthy fish habitats and how to create a habitat for their fish using paint and pencil crayons. The lesson plan includes materials, procedures, and objectives for a 90-minute duration.
Fish Identification matching handout
Learn about different fish species found in the Ottawa area by matching the photo to the name! This handout is suitable for young children (grades K-2).
Fishing Through a Lens webinar with Dr. Rowshyra Castaneda
This is a handout from our webinar, "Fishing Through a Lens: Using underwater cameras to detect freshwater fishes". Freshwater fish play important roles in aquatic ecosystems but many species are at risk. Conventional fish sampling methods can be stressful and even deadly for these fish. Underwater cameras can be used as a non-invasive method to detect freshwater fish populations. This method is as effective as conventional methods and can be used in standardized monitoring programs.
Flood Impact Maps webinar by Dr. Slobodan Simonovic
This is a handout from our webinar, "Flood Impact Maps: A Standardized Approach of Understanding Vulnerable Landscapes". The document discusses the use of Canada Flood Impact Maps for understanding flood hazard, identifying high-risk areas, and investigating regional impacts. It also explores the Flood Map Viewer, a web-based tool that helps the public understand flood risk in their area. The document highlights changes in floodplain regimes over Canada due to climate change and provides additional resources for learning more about flood impact mapping. The Flood Map Viewer is a tool that includes visualization of flood and complementary maps, methodology used to produce the flood maps, and a download page for maps and other files.
Flying Fish Race activity
This lesson plan introduces students to five different fish species found in the Ottawa area and teaches them to match different local fish to their respective habitats. The activity encourages teamwork and understanding of the natural environment. Students learn about the importance of habitat features for fish survival and participate in an over-under relay race to help their fish find its way home. The lesson plan is designed for 20-40 minutes and is geared for young students (grades K-3).
Forest Kit Workbook
This activity book is designed for students to learn about nature and the riparian zone. It provides tips for safely exploring nature, activities to discover wildlife and ecosystems, and ways to help protect the environment. The book includes information on bird identification, native wildflower seed kits, and community science programs. It also provides resources for further learning and encourages students and families to take action to protect nature.
Freshwater Kit Workbook
This booklet is designed for students to explore and learn about nature. It includes activities and exercises to help students understand different species, ecosystems, and the impact of human activities on the environment. The booklet also provides tips on how to safely explore nature and how to contribute to conservation efforts. Through the activities and exercises, students will develop their observation, identification, and critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world.