Blue Canoe representatives Erinn Lawrie and Colin Carter paddled their way across seven lakes this summer, speaking with shoreline property owners about protecting water quality and ecological health. They reached more than 1,025 people, going from dock to dock and door to door, and sharing information at various events and meetings. The Blue Canoe Program is supported by the City of Kawartha Lakes and the RBC Blue Water Project, and has reached over 3,375 people in the Kawarthas since 2012!

PART 1 - Get Started!

What is a rain garden? How does a rain barrel work? Should I install a permeable patio? Learn about the newest trends in residential landscaping and how to use them to add pizzazz to your property.

PART 2 - Learn About Native Plants & Ask the Experts

Native Plants can add dazzling elements of colour and shape to any garden! Gain inspiration and know-how to create your own natural garden oasis. AND Get one-on-one expert advice about your plans from landscapers, engineers, garden gurus, and staff from Kawartha Conservation and other organizations.

Mrs. B is a 90+ year old Blanding's turtle, shown by Jeff Hathaway from Scales Nature Park during an open house. This species is listed as "Threatened" in Ontario, and likely to become endangered if steps are not taken to address the issues threatening it. The Blanding's Turtle is the only Ontario turtle with a yellow chin and throat.

At three open houses held in August, over 135 attendees provided important input on lake management plans being developed across the Kawartha Lakes. Combined with scientific research, the observations and concerns of people who use the lakes are shaping the actions and recommendations in each lake management plan.

Some of the comments we received included the need for practical and immediate solutions to help control aquatic plants that limit access to the lake; how visitors to the area need to be aware of best practices for preventing the spread of invasive species; where there are opportunities around the lakes for stewardship projects; and dozens of other important comments.

Trumpeter Swans, making a comeback in Ontario, feed on the wild rice off the shore of Ken Reid Conservation Area on Sturgeon Lake.

The harvest of wild rice in the Kawartha Lakes by First Nations has a long history, and continues to this day. 

Buttonbush is a shoreline shrub with distinct white blossoms. Its deep roots help protect against erosion.

We're now taking orders for our 2015 seedling distribution! There are 11 tree species, 8 shrub species, and 3 grass species available, most of which are native, and all suitable to growing conditions in the Kawarthas. 

Whether you are creating a natural oasis on your property, building property value, or using plants to create windbreaks, you will find a range of species for your project. 

Visit our website for details about each species, including their preferred sites, characteristics, and the benefits to your property and watershed. Order forms are now available for download. 

We've received some great feedback about the new trails opened earlier this summer in Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area. The new trails total 4.3 kilometres in the south end, and are accessible from a new parking lot at 4531 Boundary Rd. They include the new South Forest Loop which is 2.3 km long, taking you beneath a forest canopy of large Red Oak, Red Pine, White Pine, and Sugar Maple. The Main Access Trail from the north end, at 4560 Devitts Rd., has been expanded all the way to the south end parking lot, allowing visitors to hike the whole span of the conservation area.

An opening was held on June 26 with Durham MPP Granville Anderson, Scugog Mayor Chuck Mercier, and Brock Mayor Terry Clayton, along with partner organization representatives from the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, Ontario Heritage Trust, Durham Field Naturalists, Oak Ridges Trail Association, and others. During the event, our CAO, Rob Messervey, highlighted 5 properties that were acquired over the past 3 years through $350,000 in support from the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, Durham Region, and the Township of Scugog. The properties protect fragile natural habitat, and are designated as a Natural Core Area on the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Off-road motorized activity is strictly prohibited within the conservation area to ensure the safety of visitors, and also to protect sensitive natural features. Off-road motorized activity has, however, been reported. Durham Regional Police, along with a private security company, are now patrolling the area and laying charges.

If you spot any illegal activity, please note any license plate numbers, along with a description, and contact us at 705.328.2271 ext. 212 or JJames@KawarthaConservation.com. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Risk Management Official - 2 Year Full-Time Contract - Immediate Opening
Apply by September 14, 2014

The Risk Management Official is responsible for performing statutory duties of the position as prescribed under Part IV of the Clean Water Act, 2006, which primarily includes negotiating risk management plans; the issuance of orders, notices, and reports on related activities with various stakeholders under the direction of Kawartha Conservation, and on behalf of the City of Kawartha Lakes. The Risk Management Official will be responsible for enforcement activities in consultation and interaction with the City officials to ensure compliance with the applicable Source Protection Plan.

Sept. 24 - Greening Your Grounds, Part 1, Fenelon Falls

Sept. 25 - Greening Your Grounds, Part 1, Greenbank

Sept. 26 - Streamlining Process and Approaches to Agricultural Applications in Municipalities and Conservation Authorities

Oct. 1 - Greening Your Grounds, Part 1, Lindsay

Oct. 8 - Greening Your Grounds, Part 2, Fenelon Falls

Oct. 9 - Greening Your Grounds, Part 2, Greenbank

Oct. 15 - Greening Your Grounds, Part 2, Lindsay

Oct. 21 - Greening Your Grounds, Part 1, Port Perry

Oct. 28  - Greening Your Grounds, Part 2, Port Pery