Signs of the Season, Stories from the Watershed

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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.

This month, we shine a spotlight on five remarkable but often overlooked creeks - Emily, Fleetwood, Hawkers, Janetville, and Jennings - and their vital role in supporting agriculture, biodiversity, and flood resilience. In our second installment of the Watershed Series, we explore how these tributaries are helping shape the health and future of our lakes and communities.

Meanwhile, our Conservation Lands team continues their tireless work behind the scenes, clearing storm debris, repairing infrastructure, and making sure each visitor’s experience is safe, welcoming, and inspiring. Their summer is a story of sweat equity, stewardship, and the power of persistence.

But not all stories this summer have been welcome ones. Reports of dead fish in Sturgeon Lake and the growing threat of drought across the region serve as stark reminders that our watershed is vulnerable. Fish die-offs, while often natural, highlight the delicate balance of our aquatic ecosystems. And with rainfall levels falling below normal in many areas, we’re reminded that even in the land of lakes, water is a finite resource.

From the resilience of small streams to the dedication of field crews and the importance of water conservation, this month’s stories paint a picture of a watershed in motion - challenged, changing, and cared for.

As always, we want to hear from you! If there are stories, projects, or topics you’d like to see covered in future issues of Watershed Watch, we’d love to know. Please share your ideas by emailing jchambers@kawarthaconservation.com.

Stay connected. Stay informed. And most of all, stay engaged with the land and water that sustain us all.

Warm regards,
The Kawartha Conservation Team