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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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, 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…
When it comes to road salt, a little can go a long way!
The overuse of road salt is damaging to our infrastructure, automobiles, vegetation, water quality and the environment, which is why it was added to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act's…
How our forests influence water flow in Muskoka
by Javier Cappella. Water and forests in Muskoka’s watersheds are intimately linked. Muskoka’s forests are unique in their abundance. Without the intense land use pressures of southern Ontario but still…
How important is that wetland?
By Peter Sale You’ve all seen wetlands. There are lots of them in Muskoka. Marshy, boggy, mosquito-infested, noxious places; neither a lake nor dry land; what good…