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 local and regional IWM advocates.

MWC Chair’s Annual Report for 2023

Delivered by outgoing MWC Chair Peter Sale at MWC’s Annual General Meeting held on February 23, 2024. The monthly meetings of Muskoka Watershed Council (MWC), usually with informative presentations on…

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…

Doug Cross Stewardship Recognition Program Logo

Register now for the Doug Cross Stewardship Recognition Program to recognize good watershed stewards

Our watersheds are made up of thousands of people who take small actions everyday to help keep our watersheds healthy and beautiful, and Muskoka Watershed Council (MWC) wants to help…

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…