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. Funding support thanks to Peterborough K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation, and S.M. Blair Family Foundation.
Walleye river bed colouring sheet
Walleye spawning beds are typically gravel shoals or rocky shallows with wave action present. These moving waters prevent silt from accumulating on the rock. Silt would prevent eggs laid in between the rocks from being adequately oxygenated. Moving oxygen in the water is critical in facilitating spawning.
Water Quality Experiment
This document provides a guideline for pH in finished drinking water, with a preferred range of 6.5 to 8.2 for most aquatic life. Different factors can affect the pH of the water, such as algae blooms or pollution. Aquatic animals like dragonflies can be used as bioindicators of an ecosystem's health. The experiment involves testing water quality in different spots and recording findings to compare results.
Water Soldier Eradication Efforts in Ontario webinar with Robert McGowan
This is a handout from our webinar, "Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) Eradication Efforts in Ontario". The document discusses the eradication efforts of the invasive aquatic plant Water Soldier in Ontario. It explains how to help prevent its spread, including using the 'Clean Drain Dry' method, disposing of it on land, and reporting sightings. The document also provides information on the Water Soldier Working Group's monitoring projects and grant opportunities. Additionally, it includes identification and biology information about Water Soldier, as well as a management plan to prevent its introduction and spread in Ontario.
Water quality handout – Water Rangers and Watersheds Canada
The document is about testing the water quality in the Tay River using Water Ranger's tiny test kits. The kits have real scientific tools inside, and by using them, students become community scientists. The test kits include a thermometer, test strip container, and other tools to check the water's temperature, pH, and other factors. The workshop was made possible by various supporters and partners.
Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) Eradication Efforts in Ontario handout
The document discusses the eradication efforts of the invasive aquatic plant Water Soldier in Ontario. It provides information on how to help, including the 'Clean Drain Dry' method, disposing of the plant, and reporting sightings. The document also mentions the Water Soldier Working Group's monitoring projects and grant opportunities. Additionally, it provides information on the identification and biology of Water Soldier, including its appearance, growth habits, and reproduction methods. The document concludes with the Water Soldier Integrated Management Plan, which aims to prevent the introduction and spread of the plant, implement early detection and rapid response actions, eradicate established populations, and work with the private sector to identify and eradicate the plant from private waters.
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 Explorer – Family-Friendly Activities to Help You Explore Your Watershed by Watersheds Canada and Canadian Wildlife Federation
The document provides resources for kids, including lesson plans, educational materials, and conservation projects. It also connects families with the outdoors through the WILD Family Nature Club and offers activities like Day at the Beach and BioBlitz. The document highlights the importance of watersheds and provides a packing list for a Nature Discovery Backpack. Additionally, it offers resources for citizen science programs and a Watershed Explorer for family-friendly activities.