Topic collection
Water Quality
Lake health, monitoring, algae, runoff and the science behind clean water.
12 articles in this collection
Shoreline naturalization with Abbey Gardens
April 20, 2024A natural shoreline is the lake’s best defence: native plants hold the bank together, filter runoff before it reaches the water, and bring back habitat. Here’s how to naturalize yours — with local help from Abbey…
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What do warmer temperatures mean for the health of our lakes?
October 22, 2023Author: Arunemathi Shanmugam, University of Waterloo This July was the warmest on record and we expect to continue to see record-breaking weather in the near future. Warmer air temperatures will cause a variety of…
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CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY Your Boat
August 28, 2023Invasive species like zebra mussels and spiny water flea travel on boats — even between neighbouring lakes in our own watershed. Cleaning, draining and drying your boat is the single best defence, and since 2022 it’s…
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Shoreline Restoration
March 7, 2023For most people, when they think about their cottages or homes in Ontario’s “cottage country”, the first thing they think about is the lake! Campfires by the lakes, drinks on the dock, boating, fishing – so many things…
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Want to Restore Your Shoreline but Don’t Know Where to Start?
May 16, 2022This year we are happy to announce that we have received a grant from HCDC (Haliburton County Development Corporation) to help develop Shoreline Restoration Capability in Haliburton County with a focus on protecting the…
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DO YOU KNOW ALGAE?
May 16, 2022The Greenest, The Meanest and The Wiliest I am Blue Green Algae. I am the meanest and most of all wiliest algae in your lake Test your knowledge by ticking off all you already know. I can do things no other algae can do…
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Pretty Going Up, Toxic Coming Down
May 16, 2022Are Fireworks the Best Way to Celebrate? Fireworks are a tradition that have become synonymous with such events as New Year’s Day, National birthdays, special long weekends like the Victoria Day Weekend or the Labour…
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Are lakes nature’s bathtub?
April 12, 2022There are so many things we can do at the lake, such as swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing. One of the things we shouldn’t do at the lake is use it as a bathtub. Personal care products (including shampoo,…
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What is that slime?
March 14, 2022Have you ever noticed orange slime or a rainbow sheen in puddles on the dirt roads and ditches? This may look like someone’s car has leaked fuel or someone’s dumped something they shouldn’t have. The good news is you’re…
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Don’t Spread Invasive Species
June 28, 2021Moving boats from one lake to another can spread invasive plant and animal species that harm our lake ecosystems and reduce our enjoyment of recreational activities. For example, the thick mats created by invasive plant…
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Watch your wake to protect our shorelines
June 28, 2021Boat wakes erode shorelines, swamp loon nests and stir up sediment that harms fish habitat. Slow down within 30 metres of shore and be #WakeAware — here’s why it matters and how to help.
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Healthy Shoreline Contest
June 28, 2021Spend a hundred, win a hundred! This spring, the RLCA is delighted to be able to offer a ‘Native Plants’ raffle. Purchase a minimum of $100 worth of native plants for your property (especially for your shoreline!), and…
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