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Pigeon Lake Open Houses a Success!
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 Thank you to all who attended our Open Houses to discuss the Draft Pigeon Lake Management Plan! Three Open Houses were held (in Omemee, Bobcaygeon, and Lakehurst) between August 20 th and September 1 st, with the purpose of presenting science, background information, and draft management actions for comment to all who are interested. Our goal is to develop a plan that encourages a balance between human use and a healthy aquatic ecosystem in order to maintain a sustainable Pigeon Lake. The Open Houses had an overwhelming turn-out, with over 250 people attending, and representation from our Community Advisory Panel as well as Municipal representation from the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Attendees heard from speakers representing Kawartha Conservation, The Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Association, The Land Between, and Fleming College on the topics of aquatic plants, invasive species monitoring, local biodiversity projects, and shoreline ecology. Valuable audience questions and feedback ensued, primarily on the topics of wild rice, septic systems maintenance, decommissioning of hardened shorelines, and invasive species programs. The Open House presentations are available online on our Lake Management Planning meetings webpage.
Following the Open Houses, we are reviewing the comments and feedback recorded from the meetings and updating the Plan accordingly. The next steps include one-on-one meetings with key stakeholders, agencies, and organizations, and meetings with our Community Advisory Panel and Science and Technical Committee. There will be further opportunity for public comment on the Plan later this year.
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| Outdoor Classroom Constructed at Ken Reid |
Earlier this fall, we launched a pilot outdoor education program after receiving grant support through the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation's (CST) Inspired Minds Learning Project. Using a recently constructed outdoor classroom at Ken Reid Conservation Area, students have the opportunity to learn in a structured classroom environment in the 'great outdoors', or explore their surroundings via curriculum-linked programming that will take them out onto the trails at the Conservation Area.
For more information on our Outdoor Classroom and our outdoor education program visit our Education webpage. |
| Take me Outside to Learn! |
Local parents will have an exciting and free opportunity to get their kids outside
and have some fun this weekend! The Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) has partnered with Kawartha Conservation to bring the popular Take Me Outside to Learn event to Ken Reid Conservation Area in Lindsay this Saturday, October 3rd.
Families with children up to age eight are encouraged to visit the Conservation Area from 10:00 a.m. until noon to explore the possibilities of learning outside. Children will have access to a number of staffed learning stations that will be set up throughout the Conservation Area and will allow families to embark on a self-guided learning journey through nature. Some of the topics covered at the learning stations will include water bugs, trees, the connections between art and nature, and healthy active living. READ MORE |
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 We are very excited to announce that we are now on Twitter! We encourage you to follow us at @KawarthaConserv for exciting project updates, job opportunities, and information about events and workshops!
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The Blue Canoe is Docked for 2015!
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Our Blue Canoe team paddled their way across 14 lakes this summer,
speaking with shoreline property owners about protecting water quality and ecological health. With two teams and two canoes, they reached nearly 4,000 people, sharing information on docks, doorsteps, and at various events and meetings. The Blue Canoe Program is supported by the City of Kawartha Lakes, Municipality of Trent Lakes, OMAFRA, and RBC Blue Water Project, and has reached nearly 8,000 people in the Kawarthas since 2012.
The team was encouraged by the level of interest property owners had in taking action on their properties, as well as by the number who had already taken positive steps to improve water quality. The support of cottage and road associations, along with enthusiastic community members, made a significant impact and was very much appreciated!
Many thanks to everyone for another great year! |
| BlueScaping Off to a RoRing Start in Rosedale! |
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At the junction of Balsam River and Highway 35, the Rosedale Parkette was once an inviting place for locals, boaters, and highway passers-by to stop for a scenic picnic lunch. The quarter-acre park at this prime "Gateway to Balsam Lake" location eventually fell into disuse, becoming home to unwanted cars and other items.
Just over a year ago, inspired residents of Rosedale (now known by the acronym "RoR") approached us for support to revitalize their only neighbourhood park. We facilitated land use agreements for use of the public property, and restoration ecology students at Fleming College presented their designs for the space to RoR for consideration.
The final design uses naturalization techniques and an innovative pervious paving product to wind a trail through the site---with picnic tables along the way. Naturalization replaces the previous invasive vegetation with native plants, which have deeper roots that better withstand erosion and absorb more nutrients and runoff. The pervious pathway means that rainfall soaks into the ground right where it falls. Together, these lot-level techniques contribute to a healthier lake, which is the emphasis of our BlueScaping initiative promoting urban stormwater landscaping.
To celebrate National Tree Day, Shields Home Hardware in Coboconk supported the planting of native trees. With support from various community funds, seeding is in progress, and soon perennials will be planted on site as well. Our collaboration with RoR, and support from local businesses and organizations, has led to the beautification of a shared community space. RoR's work can serve as example of community members taking positive action to initiate community stewardship projects.
If you wish to learn more about this project and volunteer opportunities, email Greg Bunker or call him at (705) 328-2271 ext. 242.
We will also be hosting BlueScaping workshops for creative stormwater landscaping ideas on residential properties this November and December.
Keep an eye on our 'In Town' Stewardship webpage for BlueScaping updates, or contact Greg for details!
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