Living in our changing watershed: MWC looks at integration and relationships
This series will include essays on what we as citizens value in our watershed. By Neil Hutchinson. The 2023 Muskoka Watershed Report Card said we need to be wary of…
The state of our environment: MWC responds to the challenge.
It is not all bad news and, for the most part, we know what sorts of action we need to take to make things better. By Peter Sale. Muskoka is…
Valuable wetlands in Muskoka deserve our care
Climate change is likely to be hard on wetlands, so we need to be vigilant in conserving and protecting them. By Jan McDonnell. Wetlands can bring the joy of adventure…
How healthy are our forests in Muskoka?
Have you ever stopped to think about the forested landscape of Muskoka? By Javier Cappella. The forest at Huckleberry Rock. Photo by Mike Peitz.. We see them everyday. The trees…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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,…
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…