News

As we move into February, we’re excited to share some of the innovative work and research our team has been focusing on to support a healthy and thriving watershed. This month’s issue highlights how we’re leveraging drone technology to identify areas of sediment and erosion control issues on development sites, helping us to address challenges more efficiently and effectively.

Kawartha Conservation is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Water Fund, offering funding, knowledge, and technical support to landowners and not-for-profit community organizations located within the Kawartha Conservation watershed. This includes parts of the City of Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region, and the Township of Scugog.

We’re excited to share that Kawartha Conservation has partnered with the BC Parks Foundation’s PaRx program to make accessing nature even easier. With a nature prescription, you can now enjoy a 25% discount on annual parking passes to explore our beautiful conservation areas, including Ken Reid, Windy Ridge, and more.

Kawartha Conservation is extending the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety, that was issued on January 14, 2025 effective now through noon on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Above seasonal temperatures on Friday, January 17 through Saturday morning, could result in melting, before temperatures drop dramatically Saturday afternoon into next week.

Kawartha Conservation is extending the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety, that was issued on Friday, January 10, 2025, effective now through till noon on Friday January 17, 2025.

The Trent-Severn Waterway is continuing to actively manage the water levels throughout the system to mitigate issues related to frazzle ice and potential flooding along the Otonabee River.  Water flows throughout the system may vary and as a result, ice conditions in lakes, rivers, and other water bodies may be unstable.

Kawartha Conservation invites you to experience a mindful journey in nature with two free Forest Therapy sessions, led by Kristie Virgoe, Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands and a certified Forest Therapy Guide. The 90-minute sessions will take place on Wednesday, January 22, at Ken Reid Conservation Area.

Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety, effective Friday, January 10, 2025, through the end of the day Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

The Trent-Severn Waterway is actively managing water levels throughout the system to mitigate issues related to frazzle ice and potential flooding along the Otonabee River. As a result, ice conditions in lakes, rivers, and other water bodies may be unstable due to increased water flow beneath the ice. Additionally, fluctuating temperatures and snowmelt are contributing to elevated water levels and flow rates in the Kawartha Lakes system.

The federal government’s recent extension of the 2024 charitable donation tax deadline to February 28, 2025, offers a timely opportunity to give back to your community. Kawartha Conservation invites residents and businesses to make a meaningful contribution, supporting cherished events and the preservation of natural spaces in the Kawartha watershed.

As 2024 comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on what has been an incredible first year creating the Watershed Watch newsletter with Kawartha Conservation. This journey has been such a privilege,
bringing together the inspiring work of our team and sharing it with you, our community. Each edition has been a chance to highlight the passion and dedication that drives our mission to protect and preserve
the natural beauty of our watershed.

Based on information received from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ministry of Natural Resources - Surface Water Monitoring Centre and Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement starting Saturday, December 28, 2024, and remaining in effect until the end of day Tuesday, December 31, 2024.