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.
Plants for the Pugnose Shiner handout
This document highlights native plants that can help improve watershed health and support species recovery in eco-zone 6a. The plants listed are tolerant to a wide range of soil, light, and moisture conditions. They provide benefits such as stabilizing banks, controlling erosion, and supporting pollinators. Choosing native species will help shorelines and the wildlife that live there.
Plastic pollution in the Laurentian Great Lakes webinar with Eden Hataley
This is a handout from our webinar, "Plastic Pollution in the Laurentian Great Lakes: What we know and how we can act". The Great Lakes are affected by plastic pollution, which breaks down into smaller pieces and can harm aquatic biota. Microplastics have been reported in all five Great Lakes and their watersheds. Nearly 10,000 metric tons of plastic debris enters the Great Lakes every year. To get involved, one can participate in a cleanup, learn about waste reduction tips, or support initiatives like the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup.
Plastics in our Waterways webinar with Jake Wilson
The document links from our webinar, "Plastics in our Waterways". It lists 22 sources on the topic of plastics and their impact on the environment. The sources include articles, research papers, and reports from various organizations. The document provides a comprehensive overview of the issue of plastic pollution and its effects on the environment.
Pollinator Champion Feature – Alan and Joyce
Let us introduce you to two pollinator champions: Alan and Joyce. After participating in our shoreline naturalization program, The Natural Edge, their shoreline became a hub of biodiversity. This interview with them shares their experience with our program and the changes they saw after the project was completed.
Pond Study
This activity aims to find and identify different creatures in a pond or lake using identification guides. It provides tips for a successful study, including handling creatures gently and washing hands before handling. The activity encourages students to think about the biodiversity and health of their freshwater body.
Precipitation Projections webinar by Alex Cadel
This is a handout from our webinar, "Precipitation Projections: Understanding the Latest Climate Data". Analyzing trends in precipitation variables can support decision-making. Climate data helps learn about typical precipitation patterns in local areas. Insights from climate data can help the water resources sector make informed decisions. Climate change adjusted IDF curves can provide insights into extreme rainfall.
Process and Maple Syrup
This reflection from past executive director Barbara King tells of her experience making maple syrup and ties it into our work at Watersheds Canada. She shares what makes our approach so unique and powerful.
Protecting Canadas Water Quality with Native Plants: My Time at Watersheds Canada
Read this blog post to learn about the experience of Chantal Lefevre, National Edge Regional Coordinator, with our shoreline naturalization program. Hear about the highlights of her time with The Natural Edge, about the impacts she has seen so far, about the process behind our work, and much more.
Protecting Your Gardens, Lawn…and Your Lake by Love Your Lake
Many people work hard to have a lush, green lawn. However, what we do on our properties can impact the health of our lakes. Up to 35 per cent of precipitation can run off lawns and enter nearby water bodies. Alarmingly, a U.S. Geological Survey study found higher concentrations of some pesticides in urban waterways in comparison to agricultural settings.