Kawartha Conservation

06/05/2026

Happy World Environment Day!

Today, we celebrate the incredible natural world around us and the many species that call our watershed home.

Protecting our environment means protecting clean water, healthy habitats, thriving wildlife, and a sustainable future for generations to come. Every action, big or small, helps ensure that people and wildlife can continue to enjoy every season together.

Take a moment today to get outside, enjoy the beauty of nature in spring, and reflect on the important role we all play in caring for the environment.

06/04/2026

Healthy waterways are about more than what we can see on the surface.

Some of the best indicators of water quality live at the bottom of streams, rivers, and wetlands. Aquatic insects, crustaceans, worms, and other organisms respond differently to pollution, temperature changes, sediment, and habitat conditions, helping scientists better understand the long-term health of a waterway.

Kawartha Conservation staff are conducting biomonitoring using the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) approach, a provincial standard for aquatic ecosystem monitoring.

Sampling involves “kicking and sweeping” the stream bottom to collect aquatic organisms in a fine mesh D-net, while also recording important habitat conditions such as water temperature, flow velocity, depth, and streambed composition.

Together, this information helps build a clearer picture of watershed health over time.



Conservation Ontario

06/03/2026

Have you ever wanted to meet a turtle up close?

Join the Kawartha Conservation Foundation for an upcoming Meet the Turtles event at Ken Reid Conservation Area and discover the fascinating world of Ontario’s native turtle species!

Learn from the experts at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre about the challenges turtles face, the important work being done to protect them, and how you can help make a difference.

You’ll learn:
• How to identify Ontario’s native turtles
• What to do if you encounter a turtle on the road or in the wild
• Ways you can help support turtle conservation
• Why turtles play such an important role in healthy ecosystems

This is a fantastic opportunity for nature lovers of all ages to connect with wildlife and learn how small actions can have a big impact on turtle conservation.

We hope to see you there!

Saturday June 13th, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Entry by Donation

Register Here:

https://events.kawarthaconservation.com/default/Register/2026-06-13-1030-Meet-the-Turtles-An-Interactive-Conservation-Exper

06/03/2026

Weekly Shoreline Tip #1: Keep it Gradual, Soften Your Shoreline 🌊

A gradual shoreline is a healthy shoreline. The shallow, sunlit nearshore area, known as the littoral zone or the “ribbon of life”, plays a critical role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 90% of freshwater species either live in or pass through this important shoreline habitat.

Rather than installing vertical retaining walls or impervious walkways, consider maintaining the natural slope of your shoreline by using sloped rock “riprap” to help dissipate the wave action’s energy and reduce erosion. Pairing this with deep-rooted native vegetation can help stabilize the shoreline, improve water quality, and provide valuable habitat for wildlife.

Interested in restoring a more natural shoreline? Contact your local conservation authority to discuss the potential for removing unnatural barriers and to learn more about shoreline permitting requirements.

Learn more: www.kawarthaconservation.com/shoreline

06/02/2026

Then & Now: Monitoring Our Waters Through the Years

While going through some historic Kawartha Conservation photos, we came across this image of a staff member measuring stream discharge many years ago, likely dating back to the early days of the organization.

Fast forward to today, and our seasonal Environmental Field Technician, Sydney, is still out in the field collecting data and monitoring our watershed. While the equipment and technology have advanced over the years, the goal remains the same: understanding our water resources and helping to protect them for future generations.

From manual measurements to modern monitoring tools, watershed science has come a long way, but the dedication to healthy lakes, rivers, and streams has never changed.

Here's to the generations of staff, technicians, and environmental professionals who have helped build our understanding of the watershed, one measurement at a time. 🌊

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

Don't miss out! Register now to Meet the Turtles! 🐢

Join the Kawartha Conservation Foundation and the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for an interactive and educational morning at Ken Reid Conservation Area, where you'll discover the fascinating world of Ontario's native turtle species and learn how you can help protect them.

During this unique experience, you'll learn:
• How to identify Ontario's native turtles
• What to do if you encounter a turtle on the road or in the wild
• The challenges turtles face in our region
• Simple ways you can support turtle conservation
• Ontario Turtle Conservation work

This is a fantastic opportunity for nature lovers of all ages to connect with wildlife, meet conservation experts, and see turtles up close while learning how small actions can make a big difference.

📍 277 Kenrei Park Rd, Lindsay, ON
Saturday, June 13
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Entry by donation

Registration is required, and spaces are limited. Reserve your spot today!

Register here:
https://events.kawarthaconservation.com/default/Register/2026-06-13-1030-Meet-the-Turtles-An-Interactive-Conservation-Exper

06/01/2026

🚗 Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride at Ken Reid Conservation Area

Our Conservation Lands team has been busy installing speed bumps throughout Ken Reid Conservation Area to help keep visitors safe this summer.

Following recent road grading improvements, we've noticed vehicle speeds beginning to increase. While smoother roads are great for access, Ken Reid is a place where people come to walk, cycle, explore nature, and spend time with family. On any given day, you may encounter hikers, cyclists, birdwatchers, children, and pets enjoying the conservation area.

A reminder that the speed limit throughout the conservation area is 30 km/h.

Driving at a safe speed helps protect everyone using the park and reduces wear and tear on the road surface, helping us maintain it longer and make the most of available resources.

Thank you for doing your part to keep Ken Reid Conservation Area safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all visitors.

05/30/2026

Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area is now back open to the public! 🌲

Our CA Lands crew has been working hard to restore safe access throughout the conservation area, including clearing trails and addressing hazards across the property.

Please note that the boardwalk remains closed at this time.

Thank you for your patience during the closure, and a huge thank you to our Lands team for their dedication and hard work in helping visitors safely enjoy the conservation area once again!