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…

MWC Chair Peter Sale presents MWC member Richard Lammers with the stewardship award

MWC Helps Local Organizations Recognize Watershed Stewards

Muskoka Watershed Council is pleased to recognize a number of watershed stewards in 2023 through the Doug Cross Stewardship Recognition Program and the Robert Allen Memorial Stewardship Award. Worthy recipients…

Bracebridge Bay - Photo by John McQuarrie

Integrated management of the Muskoka River Watershed: Time to get started!

Integrated Watershed Management requires a culture shift in the way we think but is a more effective way to manage our environment and economy. By Kevin Trimble. Muskoka Watershed Council…

IWM Homepage Slider Graphic

Is sustaining the environment really important in Muskoka?

By Dr. Peter Sale. Our municipalities state that conserving and sustaining our iconic environment is a key objective in their Official Plans. Candidates for municipal councils almost universally include the…

2023 Muskoka Watershed Report Card Header

MWC Releases the Muskoka Watershed Health Report Card

Muskoka Watershed Council (MWC) is pleased to release the latest edition of the Muskoka Watershed Report Card, a comprehensive scientific assessment of the health of Muskoka's watersheds. Produced every five…

Neil Hutchinson

Our Changing Watershed: What Have We Learned, Muskoka?

Our Changing Watershed series illustrated problems and aimed to identify solutions. By Dr. Neil Hutchinson. We thank all of you who have read and followed our series of articles over…

Photo of a flooded boathouse by Richard Lammers

Our Changing Watershed: Apology for Muskoka environment as written 76 years from now

"I want to apologize to you and your generation for leaving the planet in such a poor state." By Richard Lammers. To my dearest great-granddaughter, As we approach the turn…