A season of change and community action this September

As September arrives, we find ourselves at the turning point of the seasons - cooler mornings, earlier sunsets, and the first hints of colour brushing the treetops. It’s a time of both reflection and renewal, and in this issue of Watershed Watch, we share stories that highlight the many ways our watershed is adapting, growing, and preparing for the months ahead.

This month, we look at the generosity of community partners as planning begins for Christmas at Ken Reid, one of the region’s most cherished free family events. We highlight a series of Greenbelt hikes that bring together birds, forests, and climate to deepen our understanding of nature’s resilience. We take a closer look at why low water declarations take time, and the importance of the three-month average in guiding decisions that protect our communities and resources.

September also marks the start of hands-on tree planting initiatives at Durham East Cross Forest and Windy Ridge Conservation Area, offering volunteers a chance to restore ecosystems and leave a living legacy. And in the third installment of our watershed series, we go beneath the surface of Lake Scugog and its tributaries, exploring how creeks, rivers, and farmlands sustain both local economies and natural ecosystems.

As always, if you have questions, ideas, or suggestions for topics you’d like to see featured in Watershed Watch, please don’t hesitate to reach out to John Chambers by email at jchambers@kawarthaconservation.com. Your input helps shape the stories we tell and ensures they remain meaningful and relevant to our community.

Read the full September issue here