Water Quality Sampling

COVID-19 must not halt Muskoka’s environmental monitoring programs

By Rebecca Willison. Environmental monitoring was one of the first things cancelled or suspended as the COVID-19 pandemic descended on Canada. This was understandable, given that resources needed to be…

Does your shoreline have a Natural Edge?

Does your shoreline have a Natural Edge?

By Rebecca Willison and Rebecca Krawczyk. We are naturally attracted to aesthetic places and clean water—and so are the creatures we share this land and water with. The riparian zone…

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Creating climate-resilient communities in Muskoka

By Carley Rennie. Our world is changing in many ways and the old ways of doing things are no longer sufficient. Such times, although challenging, can bring new opportunities for…

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2021 Muskoka Summit on the Environment looks at climate resiliency

By Carley Rennie. Our world is changing in many ways and the old ways of doing things are no longer sufficient. Such times, although challenging, can bring new opportunities for…

Natural shoreline

Flooding and the elephant in our Muskoka watershed

We still have a lot more to learn about this elephant that we call severe flooding by Caroline Konarzewski. Who wants another flood? Not me! We hold our breath every…

Five-lined Skink by Ontario Nature

Saving Skinks!

By Jenn LeMesurier. Five-lined Skink (photo credit: ontarionature.org) The Common Five-lined Skink is listed as a Species at Risk in Ontario, and Muskoka provides habitat to this unique species. Specifically,…

Native shrub

Native Plants & Shoreline Buffers

Natural shorelines have long been recognized as an important component of healthy and productive waterbodies. Unfortunately, it is still all too common to see landowners clear away the “messy” vegetation…

Wetland Photo - John McQuarrie

The Importance of Natural Infrastructure

By Carley Rennie. Living in Muskoka, we are accustomed to the exceptional quality of our natural environment, which provides a year-round playground that supports our community. But our environment also…

Natural shoreline

Thinking Like A Watershed

By Rob Attfield. Imagine for a moment that you are no longer in human form but have been transformed into the vibrant and expansive Muskoka Watershed. This is your new…

Nature Apps Photo

Discovering your environment with appealing apps!

By Rebecca Willison. At this point in social and physical distancing, you’re probably tired of seeing the inside of your house. The mild spring weather means it’s a great time…

Mary Lake Dam

What Covid-19 Teaches Us About Dealing with Climate Change and Development Pressure

By Peter Sale. When the Covid-19 pandemic is past, and it will pass, we will still need to manage the Muskoka watershed – the environmental quality of this place we…

Earth Day 2020 Logo

Earth Day, Spring cleanup, COVID-19 and Geese!

By Pete LeMoine. We can celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day outside at home! The snow has melted, and we are all self-isolating and eager to be out in…