A turtle emerges from a long winter in McLarens Creek Wetland in Ken Reid Conservation Area.

Join the Invading Species Awareness Program and partners in the 6th annual Garlic Mustard Pull, led by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, at Ken Reid Conservation Area. It's a great opportunity to learn about invasive plants, how they can affect the natural biodiversity in our ecosystems, and what you can do to help!

Gloves and refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP by May 14 to emily_johnston@ofah.org or 1-800-563-7711.

After being open for not even a year, Howlers Corners has become a popular destination. Dana Mumford, a retired GE employee, is a frequent visitor with his two dogs. He and his wife Jane find the off leash dog park, the first of its kind in the area, a suitable spot for their 9 year old chocolate lab, Leslie, and 8 month old Shih Tzu-Lhasa, Teddy.

"It is absolutely fantastic. The dogs love it. Everything they need is here. They run around and seem to enjoy it very much," says Mr. Mumford. "They also learn to socialize with other dogs and it is just great!"

Some reminders 

Being in a conservation area, all dogs must be kept on leash while outside of Howlers Corners. This includes when taking your dogs from the car to the calming area. This rule is enforced under the Conservation Authorities Act to protect other visitors and sensitive habitats and wildlife that can be easily disrupted. All poop must also be picked up and disposed of in the bins provided or taken with you out of Ken Reid Conservation Area.

To report an incident or anyone who is not following the posted rules, please provide a description of the person and their dog(s), as well as the type of car and license plate number where possible. This information can be provided to our front desk at the Administrative Centre across the driveway during business hours, or by contacting us at 705.328.2271 or GenInfo@KawarthaConservation.com. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Howlers Corners has its own Facebook page where we post information about maintenance and other activities. It's also a great place for park users to share information and photos, too!

Water spills over the banks of Emily Creek into the floodplain near Downeyville, off of Sturgeon Rd, on April 8, 2014

By mid-winter, our concern for spring flooding began as record amounts of snow were recorded at our monitoring locations across the watershed. The biggest fear was that we would get some really warm weather and rainfall in a very short period of time. This would have resulted in a quick melting of the snowpack and ice, and the frozen ground would have been unable to absorb any of the water runoff.

When measuring the snow on the ground, we look at how much water it contains, to be able to forecast how much water will be potentially released into rivers and lakes. The water content of the snowpack steadily increased throughout the season, reaching its peak at most stations on March 15, with a record 139 to 154 mm. The highest amount was at Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area on April 1, with 172 mm. This is the most we have ever recorded over the past 10 years!

Fortunately, as the warmer weather arrived, it came in gradually. Temperatures got up above freezing during the day, melting some of the snow, and then went back down at night, stopping the melting process. This occurred over a period of a few weeks; but, despite the gradual melt, we still experienced high water levels throughout the watershed due to the immense amount of water in the snowpack, along with some rain.

From April 1 to 15 much of the snow melted while we received 45 to 65 mm of rain. During this period, we went from a Watershed Conditions Statement all the way to a Flood Warning, the highest warning level. Many of the lakes and rivers came close to their critical levels which resulted in minor flooding in the near shore areas. The Burnt River exceeded its critical level on April 13, and then crested on April 16. It has dropped below the flood level since then. The Gull River is still flowing high.

Currently, smaller rivers and streams within the watershed are flowing at normal seasonal levels. Water levels in the large lakes, including Balsam, Cameron, Sturgeon, Scugog, and Pigeon, are still high, but are gradually declining.

We continue to maintain close communication with member municipalities and partner agencies such as Trent-Seven Waterway, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and adjacent conservation authorities to provide a coordinated response to a potential flood threat.

 

For the latest flood forecast, see our Flood Forecasting and Warning Program.

 

Our 2013 Annual Report is now available. It highlights a wide array of programs and projects that are contributing to a healthy watershed. These projects underscore our commitment to protecting and restoring our water resources and natural heritage systems, and developing watershed science.

Click here to view the report and a 2013 overview video.

Thank you to everyone who shared in our activities in 2013! The accomplishments highlighted in the report are a tribute to your support!

While grass-free landscaping is becoming more popular, people may still maintain grassy areas for various activities, while others just want that perfect, green lawn. The basic requirement for a healthy lawn is good soil, and there are excellent natural solutions you can use to improve your soil.

Get more free tips by downloading this guide

Let it grow. Longer grass (6 cm to 8 cm in length) will contribute to a healthier lawn by absorbing more water and nutrients, leading to improved root and soil structure.

Let your lawn breathe. Aeration creates small holes, loosens the soil, and removes thatch (dead grass) to allow water, nutrients, and oxygen reach the root system. Try wearing spiked golf shoes while pushing your mower. This will help ensure a lush, thick, green lawn that can out-compete most weeds.

Apply compost to your lawn. A thin layer of compost (or soil containing compost) applied each spring will contribute to a healthy lawn by nourishing the grass and increasing the organic matter in the soil.

Reduce foot traffic during wet periods. Compacted soils decrease the ability of roots to grow. Consider foot paths or stepping stones in high traffic areas.

By taking these steps to a healthy lawn, chemical fertilizers that can by washed into local rivers and lakes through the storm system will be a thing of the past. Keeping fertilizer and other nutrients out of the water reduces the potential for algae blooms and damage to the aquatic environment.