Watershed Watch Newsletter June 2025

Inside This Issue: Lake Health, Pollinator Power, and Wetland Wisdom

June in the Kawarthas brings a vibrant return of life to our landscapes - from the gentle hum of bees and the croak of frogs in local wetlands, to the dedicated fieldwork underway on our lakes and shorelines.

In this month’s edition of Watershed Watch, we’re shining a light on the important work being done to protect and understand the health of our watershed. You’ll read about the launch of our five-year Lake Health Monitoring Project, designed to provide critical data on 11 local lakes to guide long-term stewardship and management. We’re also celebrating National Pollinator Week by highlighting the actions landowners, farmers, and community members are taking to support the bees, butterflies, and birds that keep our ecosystems thriving.

We take time to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Walkerton tragedy, 25 years later - a moment that reshaped how Ontario protects drinking water at the source. Through Source Water Protection programs, education, and collaboration with landowners and municipalities, we continue to safeguard the water that sustains us all. And as our wetlands reach their summer peak, we explore the ecological importance of these often-overlooked ecosystems - from filtering runoff and preventing floods to providing habitat for countless species.

This season reminds us that conservation is a shared responsibility, and that every garden planted, wetland preserved, or lake monitored is part of a larger story of resilience. Whether you’re a waterfront property owner, rural land steward, or in-town resident, we all have a role to play in protecting the natural heritage of the Kawarthas - now and for future generations.

John Chambers

New Multi-Year Lake Health Monitoring Project Launches Across the Kawartha Lakes

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.

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Small Wings, Big Impact: Supporting Pollinators Across the Kawartha Watershed

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.

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25 Years Later: Protecting Our Drinking Water at the Source

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.

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Get to Know Your Local Wetlands: Nature’s Summer Symphony and Ecological Powerhouse

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.

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