Shorelines:
for your Local
Watershed
August 2014

"Shorelines": Get actively involved in your watershed.
Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is committed to managing the health of our watershed. There are many ways for you to help us do that. Be a volunteer monitor, look after your waterfront, donate to our foundation, or just follow us online and share with your friends. It all makes difference. 

What's On:

Enjoy outdoor family fun at our conservation areas.  

Our new Picnic Shelter is ready for you to enjoy at the Mill of Kintail! Have your lunch there on your next visit or reserve it for your wedding or group gathering.

This shelter was made possible through a generous donation. You too can donate to your favourite conservation areas through the Mississippi Valley Conservation Foundation.
 
August means Sprinkler Party! Hosted by Children's Resources on Wheels
at the Mill of Kintail on August 20. It really is fun for the whole family. Money raised goes to both United Way and Mill of Kintail.
 
Still haven't made it to Morris Island? It's free and yes you can take your dog.Trails range from easily accessible to challenging. BONUS You can fish and canoe and it's close to urban Ottawa  
Landowners:
 
Healthy septic systems equal healthy waterfronts.
 
One of the potential dangers to water health is a poorly functioning septic system. This is a concern when dealing with the water quality and watershed health. 
 
To help educate landowners and support municipal initiatives, MVCA has partnered with Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
to operate the Mississippi-Rideau Septic System Office (MRSSO). 
 
The MRSSO administers septic re-inspection programs in five municipalities across both watersheds including: Tay Valley, North Frontenac and Central Frontenac, Rideau Lakes and Drummond North Elmsley.
 
Read more about the MRSSO or contact Eric at 613.253.0006 ext. 256. Be
 
Septic Smart. We can help. 
 
 
Get Involved:

Helping you get active for your health.
 
We manage conservation areas for their natural features but also to promote a healthy outdoor lifestyle.

We've created some videos to help you plan your hikes and adventures at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area.

Check out this series of exercise challenges...in the forest...on our Fitness Trail.

Watch Out of the Woodz natural health promoter Kristy Giles show us how it's done. You can do it too!

Join German Shepherd, Everett, as he and his master explore these trails (yes he is on a leash).
 




Education and Action

Algae and invasive species affect your water. Learn about them and report them.

We know algae is a problem on some lakes and we're doing something about it. The People, Aquatic Plants & Healthy Lakes and Watershed Watch programs focus on monitoring lakes and educating people on what unhealthy algae is, where it is and how it can be prevented.

Join  CitizenWaterWatch to identify and report algae activity on your lake.

Invasive Species are one of the greatest threats to the biodiversity of Ontario's waters, wetlands and woodlands. MVCA works with OFAH to prevent the spread of invasives in the watershed. Learn more about Invasive Species and how to get rid of them.

Check out OFAH Hit Squad rep Kelly Skaug as she helps us fight invasives. Join Kelly's challenge as she asks you to #NameThatInvasive on Facebook and Twitter .
Town Hall
 
We all live downstream. 
 
Working on local issues with local decision makers is key to successful watershed management. 

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is governed by a board of directors who represent each of the 11 municipalities in the watershed and funded by their municipal tax levies.

Our municipalities range from rural Addington Highlands in the west to urban City of Ottawa in the east. Members promote awareness and an understanding of issues and concerns from each region. Decisions are then made based on a watershed perspective. 

The Board of Directors meets regularly and the public may attend. The minutes and agendas and schedule are posted online. 

Contact your municipal representative to discuss water management in the MVCA watershed.
Conservation

What does climate change mean, globally and locally? 

There is so much information out there about climate change, what it means and how it will affect us in the years to come. We've taken a look at some initiatives taking place internationally, in North America and Canada, in Ontario and right here in the Mississippi Valley to help you get a better idea of what's happening and what it means to you. Read Climate Change: a Shared Issue.

MVCA has been working on climate change adaptation
since 2007 in an effort to ensure our water management strategy is in line with changes we've observed over 45 years of managing the watershed.

We will continue to work with our member municipalities and public agencies to educate and assist them with adapting to climate change in our watershed.

You can help too by doing small things every day to better the environment.

Stay Connected
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10970 Highway 7, Carleton Place, ON K7C 3P1
P. 613.253.0006  F. 613.253.0122
info@mvc.on.ca  mvc.on.ca