Newsletter

As August settles into the Kawartha watershed, signs of summer are everywhere - from families exploring sun-dappled trails to the quiet trickle of creeks navigating parched landscapes. But beneath the beauty lies a complex and ever-changing relationship between people, land, and water.

Summer is in full swing across the Kawartha Lakes, and the season is inviting us all to slow down, explore, and reconnect with the natural beauty that surrounds us. Whether you're paddling across a quiet lake, hiking under a canopy of green, or enjoying the chorus of frogs at dusk, it’s clear: water is at the heart of summer in the Kawarthas.

Kawartha Conservation has launched a five-year Lake Health Monitoring Project to assess and protect the ecological health of 11 key lakes in the Kawartha watershed. Running from 2025 to 2029, the program will track indicators like water quality, aquatic plants, and shoreline conditions. Starting with five lakes in 2025, the rotating schedule allows for in-depth monitoring over time. The data collected will support long-term lake stewardship, planning, and informed decision-making to protect freshwater resources for the future.

Kawartha Conservation is highlighting the importance of pollinators like bees and butterflies ahead of National Pollinator Week (June 17–23). Through free Healthy Garden Guides and on-the-ground support for farmers, the organization is helping residents and landowners create pollinator-friendly spaces across the watershed. From gardens to farms, every action - big or small - can support pollinator health, biodiversity, and food systems in the Kawarthas.

Twenty-five years after the Walkerton tragedy, which led to illness and loss of life due to contaminated drinking water, Ontario now leads in source water protection. Kawartha Conservation plays a key role in implementing science-based policies, working with landowners, municipalities, and farmers to reduce risks at the source. Through education, inspections, and collaborative solutions, they help ensure safe, clean drinking water for current and future generations.

Wetlands across the Kawartha watershed are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, filter water, and reduce flooding. Often underestimated, these natural areas act as sponges during storms, improve water quality, and provide habitat for species at risk. Kawartha Conservation highlights their importance during the summer peak season and encourages residents to learn more, visit local wetlands, and support protection efforts for these ecological powerhouses.