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.
Salt Pollution in Ontario: Exploring Challenges & Cross-Sector Solutions
This is the handout from our webinar, "Salt Pollution in Ontario: Exploring Challenges & Cross-Sector Solutions". Millions of tonnes of salt are applied every year to combat ice and snow in Ontario. Salt pollution harms plants and animals, infiltrates groundwater, and is corrosive to cars and infrastructure. Removing salt from the environment is difficult, and current guidelines are not adequately protecting ecosystems. Changing current practices requires investment in new equipment and maintenance plans.
Salt Tolerant Native Plants
This document lists salt-tolerant native plants in Eastern Ontario. It includes 40 species of plants, along with their scientific names, common names, and types. The list is likely intended for use in landscaping or conservation efforts in areas where salt tolerance is a concern. The document also includes references to external sources of information on salt tolerance in plants. The list of plants is organized by type, with shrubs, trees, and vines listed separately. Each plant is listed with its scientific name, common name, and type. The document also includes links to external sources of information on salt tolerance in plants.
Salting our Freshwater Ecosystems webinar with Lauren Lawson
This is a handout from our webinar, "Salting our freshwater ecosystems: Understanding consequences of road salt use in Canadian watersheds". The use of road salt in Canadian watersheds has various consequences, including increased saltiness of freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands, and changes in turnover dynamics in lakes. High chloride concentrations can affect fish growth and egg production, and multi-level effects can occur from increased stress on ecosystems. Animals are attracted to roadways, causing an increased risk of collisions, and birds consume small grains of salt, which can become toxic. Additionally, plants and vegetation can be damaged or have reduced growth, and there is a risk of drinking water contamination and change in the taste of water.
Saltwater Pools, Hot Tubs, and Freshwater: Is this the Best Alternative?
Is saltwater the most environmentally safe alternative to the chlorine, bromine, and other chemicals historically used in pools and hot tubs? Read this blog post to find out how this salt can end up in freshwater, how it can impact freshwater ecosystems, and what some other alternatives to salt are that will keep our pools and hot tubs safe to swim in without the environmental consequences.
Saving our Turtles! webinar with David Seburn
This is a handout from our webinar, "Saving Our Turtles!". Canada is home to eight species of native freshwater turtles. These species are at risk due to various threats. To help, you can assist turtles crossing roads, build nest protectors, and join conservation groups. Additionally, if you find an injured turtle, contact the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre or a licensed wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Seed and Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity in plants is crucially important; a large enough gene pool is necessary to ensure offspring have the best chance of survival. One way that nurseries, greenhouses, and growers ensure they have the best seed possible to grow their plants is by working with seed collectors. Read this blog post to hear from a seed collector about the topics of seed collection and maintaining genetic diversity!
Septic System Starter
Installing and maintaining a septic system is crucial to prevent devastating consequences for freshwater ecosystems. This blog post provides tips on funding, designing, and installing a septic system, including exploring various funding options, selecting the right type of system, and understanding the permitting process.
Septic Systems: they may be out of sight, but they shouldnt be out of mind!
Septic systems are an integral part of a cottage's infrastructure, but it's important to be careful about their use and maintenance to ensure they don't cause environmental problems. This blog post provides a list of dos and don'ts to help you reduce the environmental risk associated with these systems, in addition to sharing some signs of problems that you need to keep an eye out for that let you know when to contact a professional.
Service Learning Project activity
How can you take action in your community to protect the environment and local lakes and rivers? Consider leading a service learning project with your class, family, or friends using this activity!