|
|
Muskoka Summit on the Environment
Register by April 15th for Your Chance to Win!
Register for the 2014 Muskoka Summit on the Environment before April 15th for a chance to win a one-year family membership to the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto!
The Summit runs from May 8th to 9th and features renowned Canadian wildlife artist and conservationist Robert Bateman and CBC Radio's Paul Kennedy, host of the show Ideas.
The theme for the 2014 Summit is Environment vs Economy: Resolving the Dichotomy and will bring together leading experts from across North America to explore the relationship between the environment and economy, including:
- Robert Sandford, a leading thinker on the impact of climate change on freshwater resources.
- Elena Bennet, who studies the benefits natural systems provide to human well-being.
- Terre Satterfield, whose work focuses on culture and justice as they influence environmental values.
- Daniel Simberloff, a leading terrestrial ecologist and expert on the biology of invasive species.
- Peter Victor, an economist who works on environmental issues.
Register now or learn about sponsorship opportunities at www.muskokasummit.org.
|
|
Are invasive species impacting your watershed? Should you be concerned about the calcium levels in your lake?
The 2014 Muskoka Watershed Report Card will be released in May and will include several new indicators of watershed health, including Calcium Levels, Invasive Species, Algae, Species at Risk Habitat, and Development Impacts.
The Report Card will be distributed in What's Up Muskoka in May. Leading up to the official launch, What's Up will also publish articles about the Report Card, providing readers with information about the indicators and grades.
Look for your copy in May!
|
|
|
Help Bring the Report Card to Life!
MWC needs your help! Creating a new interactive online Report Card that allows you to access more information about your watershed and your lake takes money. MWC has launched an online crowdfunding campaign to bring the 2014 Muskoka Watershed Report Card to life. For as little as $10, you can help support this important project!
If you love Muskoka and care about protecting its natural beauty please get involved! There are many ways you can help:
- Receive exciting rewards by DONATING.
- Leave COMMENTS on the campaign page for a chance to win a $100 gift card. See details below.
- SHARE the link with interested friends and family members.
Please visit the campaign page for further details about this project. A small contribution can make a big difference to the protection of our environment.
|
|
Win a $100 Gift Card to Algonquin Outfitters!
Tell us what you love about Muskoka for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Algonquin Outfitters! Simply leave your comment on the Indiegogo Muskoka Watershed Report Card campaign page (www.igg.me/at/StewardshipWorks) to be entered into the draw and the winner will be posted on the campaign page on April 28th.
|
|
|
New Chair for MWC
At the MWC meeting in January, Dr. Peter Sale was elected as Chair of MWC, replacing Patricia Arney, who completed her 2 year term.
At the same meeting, long-time MWC member Lou Guerriero was elected as Vice-chair.
Peter's first act as MWC Chair was to present Patricia with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of her commitment and dedication while serving as MWC Chair since 2012.
Photo by Lyndsie McGregor
|
|
|
MRX Donates to FMW
Organizers of the Algonquin Outfitters’ Muskoka River X (MRX) paddling race presented a cheque for $1,000 to Friends of the Muskoka Watershed in January to support the work of MWC. MRX is the longest single day paddling expedition in the world.
Registration is currently open for this year’s Muskoka River X race, which will take place from September 12-14th, as well as for the Big East X, a 40 km paddling race happening June 21st in Huntsville. For more information about these races, visit www.muskokariverx.com.
MWC Chair Peter Sale (left) and FMW Chair Norm Yan accept a cheque for $1,000 from Muskoka River X race directors Mike Varieur (centre) and Rob Horton and major MRX sponsor Rich Swift (right) from Algonquin Outfitters.
(photo by Lyndsie McGregor)
|
Are You a Friend?
2013 was a big year for MWC with the creation of a new supporting non-profit organization, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FMW).
By becoming a member of FMW for just $25 a year, you help support important MWC programs like the Muskoka Watershed Report Card and the Environmental Lecture Series.
Already a member?
Thank you for supporting FMW in its inaugural year. It’s now time to renew your membership for 2014, which is easy to do either online, by mail, or over the phone (705-646-0111).
Remember, FMW members receive discounts at FMW and MWC organized events, including the upcoming Muskoka Summit on the Environment, so renew your membership or become a Friend today!
|
|
Raffle to Support the MSE Research Grant
Raffle tickets are available for a draw to win one of three signed Robert Bateman items. Tickets are $5 each or 5/$20 and can be purchased from members of the MSE Organizing Committee, at the MWC office (16 Robert Boyer Lane in Bracebridge) or online. Tickets may also be available for purchase at the Summit in May.
The draw will take place during the 2014 Muskoka Summit on the Environment on Friday, May 9, 2014 at 12:00 pm in the Multi-purpose Room at the Bracebridge Sportsplex. Winners will be notified by phone and/or email and do not need to be present at the draw. Proceeds from the raffle will go towards the MSE Research Grant.
|
|
|
Invasive Species Monitoring & Reporting
Reporting invasive species has become easier with the new EDDMapS Ontario online and mobile App for Android and Apple devices. If you see an invasive species, simply take a picture with your mobile device and report it. It's that simple!
The App also allows you to search for data and distribution maps, get email alerts and learn about more than 150 invasive species. The data collected will help with Early Detection and Rapid Response efforts. The data may also be used to report on the Invasive Species indicator in future Muskoka Watershed Report Cards.
The App was developed by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Invasive Species Centre and the University of Georgia Centre for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.
Proposed Invasive Species Act
The Ministry of Natural Resources has introduced legislation to combat invasive species in Ontario. The legislation is intended to provide a framework to prevent, detect, eradicate and manage invasive species that impact on the natural environment and can have a detrimental effect on our fish and wildlife populations. The draft Invasive Species Act has been posted on the Environmental Registry for comment until April 14th.
|
|
|
|
Species at Risk Spotlight
WEST VIRGINIA WHITE BUTTERFLY
Pieris virginiensis
Status: Special Concern
There are now 42 Species at Risk in the Muskoka-Parry Sound area, including one of the first butterflies active in the spring, the West Virginia White Butterfly.
Learn about this species at risk, where you're likely to find it in Muskoka, and how you can help protect it and its habitat in the Species at Risk Factsheet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|