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.
Water – Change is Upon Us
This personal reflection from past executive director Barbara King discusses what is responsible for the inaction seen sometimes in the current environmental landscape. Read it to hear of her personal reflections and experiences with the power of change, and what she feels is missing.
Water, Water Everywhere!
After the drought in 2016, which saw hot summer days and very little precipitation, the change in the following year was resounding. 2017 brought intense precipitation and a variety of changes for our freshwater, from increases in our mosquito and black fly populations to explosions in the growth of native species. This personal reflection from Melissa Dakers tells of this time, and ties in the changes she saw to what the implications were for waterfront property owners.
Waterfowl on the Shore
The wellbeing of waterbirds is naturally intertwined with the health of shoreline and riparian ecosystems. Familiarize yourself with some common species and learn about the positive impact of naturalized shorelines on their populations in this blog post from a past intern of Watersheds Canada.
Watershed Explorers webinar by Kailey Setter
This is a handout from our webinar, "Watershed Explorer: Family-friendly activities to help you explore your watershed". This document provides resources from the Canadian Wildlife Federation, including lesson plans, educational materials, and conservation projects for kids. It also connects families with the outdoors through the WILD Family Nature Club. The document explains what a watershed is and provides handouts for activities such as hosting a BioBlitz and packing a Nature Discovery Backpack. Additionally, it offers resources for citizen science programs and a Watershed Explorer for family-friendly activities.
Watersheds Canada 1-pager Handout
Watersheds Canada understands the importance of preserving shorelines and water quality. They provide practical ways to restore deteriorating shoreline conditions and improve water quality. The organization offers various programs, including the Natural Edge Program, Fish Habitats Program, and Love Your Lake. These programs aim to protect, enhance, and restore freshwater fish habitats and promote sustainable waterfront development.
Watersheds Canada lesson 1 – Shoreland Health Q&A Teller Activity
The importance of site-preparation for pollinator gardens cannot be overstated. To prepare a site, eliminate existing undesirable vegetation, eradicate weeds, remove plant debris, and ensure a clean surface for seed to soil contact or transplants. Tilling should be avoided as it kills ground nesting insects and damages soil structure. Two effective site preparation methods are smothering and solarizing, which are chemical-free and can be up to 90% effective at eradicating weeds.
Watersheds Canada lesson 2 – Let's Shine a Light on Light Pollution lesson plan
The impacts of artificial light on wildlife behavior, human health, and the environment are explored through field observations, research, and educational activities. The effects of light pollution on freshwater resources, migratory birds, aquatic ecosystems, and human health are analyzed and discussed. Strategies for reducing light pollution, enhancing dark-sky-friendly outdoor lighting, and protecting freshwater habitats and water quality are presented. By raising awareness and promoting responsible practices, individuals can make a positive impact on the environment and their communities.
Watersheds Canada lesson 3 – At-Capacity Cold Water Lakes factsheet
This lesson plan aims to educate students about biodiversity, interactions between biotic and abiotic components, and the impacts of development on freshwater resources. Students will learn about the importance of protecting cold water lake trout lakes and create an informational poster on the topic. The activity will help students understand and communicate the importance of reducing the cumulative impacts of development on deep cold water lakes. Students will also assess the impact of human activities on the environment and analyze ways to mitigate negative impacts and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Watersheds Canada lesson 4 – DIY Shoreland Assessment lesson plan
Freshwater habitat and water quality are explored through field observations and research, highlighting the impacts of human activities on the environment and the importance of local actions to improve water quality. Shoreland assessments are used to evaluate the health and resilience of shorelands, identifying negative and healthy features and providing guidance on next steps and resources for further assessment. The collection focuses on building confidence and capacity to assess and protect freshwater habitat and water quality, empowering individuals to take local actions to address freshwater issues in their community. By understanding the impacts of development and human activities, users can develop effective strategies to enhance and protect freshwater resources.