Water Blogs
These blogs will address various topics surrounding water in the Land Between region, including lake and aquatic species health.
Our Shoreland Naturalization Program Review 2021 is now available
With the support of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation in 2021, The Land Between charity and partners, including Watersheds Canada and Botanigals Ecological Consulting, were able to develop tools to support landowners in designing customized native shoreland gardens that are aesthetically-pleasing, functional and support lake health for future generations. We have created a Shoreland …
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What’s an “Ecotone”?
The striking physical features of the Canadian Shield ecosystem, known for bare outcrops of granite rock, of small lakes and thin layer of soil contrast with the St. Lawrence Lowlands ecosystem known for flatter lands, dominated by agriculture and limestone bedrock.[1] These landscapes are well known throughout south-central Ontario, however as ecosystems overlap and transition …
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Lessons From the Graylings of Red Chalk Lake
At The Land Between, stories are important to us. Stories are great at sharing knowledge between generations and individuals. This particular story comes from my Grandfather who was born and raised on the edge of Muskoka and Haliburton county as well as things I later learned at school. Near the town of Dorset, where my …
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Future-of-our-Shores Report Highlights Need for More Shoreland Best-practices and Education
Media Release from Watersheds Canada – In partnership with a volunteer project steering committee of the Planning for our Shorelands project, Watersheds Canada is excited to announce the availability of the project’s first report, The Future of our Shores. The Future of our Shores provides critical insight into complicated questions related to: shoreland development and …
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Phrag Fighters Help Save Lake and Wetland Habitats
Invasive Phragmites is a large grass-like plant that is taking over Ontario’s wetlands and reducing biodiversity. The plant colonizes ditches, bays and wetland pockets. It grows in such thick mats that turtles, frogs, and other animals cannot move through their native habitats. The plant is also tall, and blocks sight lines along roadsides. In the …
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What the Phrag?! All You Need to Know About Invasive Phragmites
Phragmites australis australis, otherwise known as European Common Reed or Invasive Phragmites, is a fast-spreading, perennial aquatic grass found growing in wetlands, shorelines and roadside ditches. This aggressive plant crushes biodiversity by outcompeting our native plants. In 2005, Invasive Phragmites was named Canada’s worst invasive plant species by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. What Does It …
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Are We Losing the Loons?
What is Happening to Our Loons in Ontario? The Common Loon (Gavia immer) is Ontario’s provincial bird and a well-known character in cottage country – its mournful wails and uplifting laughter play the song of summer for many who retreat to the wilderness for peace and relaxation. With their striking appearance, magnificent diving skills …
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Clogging the Lakes- Eurasian Watermilfoil
Understanding Eurasian Watermilfoil: What is it, How Did it Get Here, What are its Impacts, and What Can We Do to Prevent its Spread? What is Eurasian Watermilfoil? Eurasian Watermilfoil is an alien of sorts…but not the kind of alien that you may be thinking of! It is called an alien, or invasive species, because it …
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Busy Beavers, Our Essential Ecosystem Engineers
Beavers are easily one of the most fascinating and unique creatures in our landscape with their impressive paddle-like tails, lush shiny fur, self-sharpening teeth, and ear and nose valves that close when diving. As such, it may seem quite surprising that they share many similar traits with human beings. For one, they too live in …
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