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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…

Man shovelling snow

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…

Wetland Photo - John McQuarrie

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…