Photo of a woman holding a Lake trout.

Muskoka’s iconic lake trout need help in face of warmer water, new species in area lakes

Where do things stand for Lake trout now? By Steve Scholten. Lake trout in Muskoka face a number of threats. New management guidelines have been released to help address them.…

One of the Canada jays found last year in northern Muskoka that verified that the location was still being used by the species. Photo by Aaron Rusak.

Will loons still call across Muskoka in 30 years?

Birds say a lot about the status and health of our forests. By Aaron Rusak. One of the Canada jays found last year in northern Muskoka that verified that the…

Photo of a Blanding's Turtle

Is biodiversity declining in Muskoka?

Sightings of 48 species at risk within the watershed can be logged online to find out. By Dr. Peter Sale. The Blanding's turtle is one of Muskoka’s species at risk…

A Biomonitoring Technician from the District of Muskoka collects a benthic sample on Stewart Lake

What are the bugs in the mud of Muskoka area lakes telling us?

By Rachel Plewes. A Biomonitoring Technician from the District of Muskoka collects a benthic sample on Stewart Lake. In Muskoka, lake monitoring is done to answer two questions: 1) Is…

Photo of a Water Quality Technician collecting water samples to phosphorus analysis

Phosphorus can be cleaned up from Muskoka’s lakes

New sources and 'internal loading' need to be addressed, though. By Dr. Neil Hutchinson The District of Muskoka has monitored phosphorus concentrations in Muskoka area lakes for over 40 years.…

People playing on the ice on Brandy Lake in 2021

Less ice cover in Muskoka impacts winter sports and could mean ‘more dried up wetlands and streams’

There are ecological consequences fewer days of ice cover. By Dr. Peter Sale. Opportunities to skate on the lake, such as on Brandy Lake in 2021, are becoming less frequent…

Citizen scientist collecting data for the Algae Monitoring Program

Harmful algal blooms: What is the cause and what can Muskoka residents do?

Make sure municipal, provincial and federal representatives know research funding is needed. By Geoff Ross. Citizen science plays a major role in most programs that monitor lake waters in Muskoka,…

A photo of Duck Chutes on the Muskoka River taken by Kevin Trimble

What is watershed health?

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card describes some disturbing trends in a number of environmental variables. By Kevin Trimble. Muskoka’s healthy natural environment provides numerous opportunities for enjoyment, including Duck Chutes…

Tapped maple tree to collect sap to make maple syrup

‘Ecological osteoporosis’ in our lakes and forests

Calcium is a critical element for all life. By Dr. Neil Hutchinson. A study by the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed shows that higher calcium concentrations in soil increases the…

Photo of a flooded boathouse by Richard Lammers

What do we know now about climate change in Muskoka?

Winter will not go away, but it could be very different than what we have experienced in the past. By Dr. Richard Lammers. Flooding on the Muskoka River. Nearly 40…

Excessive salt use on roads

Economic and environmental costs of using road salt in Muskoka are not trivial

Integrated watershed management and safe winter driving. By Dr. Neil Hutchinson. December arrives and we are planning for how we will adapt to this winter and wondering what kind of…

Bracebridge Bay - Photo by John McQuarrie

Integrated management of the Muskoka River Watershed: Time to get started!

Integrated Watershed Management requires a culture shift in the way we think but is a more effective way to manage our environment and economy. By Kevin Trimble. Muskoka Watershed Council…