A NEWSLETTER FROM THE CATARAQUI REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

CAT TALES Spring 2015 Issue

IN THIS ISSUE Cataraqui Source Protection Plan in Effect • The most voracious The Cataraqui Source Pro- tions, but regionally sensitive to put the Plan into action. killer to invade tection Plan made under groundwater is also consid- You can learn more about continues its march. the Clean Water Act is now ered. The map below shows the actions that are required Read about the emer- approved and it became ef- all the areas covered by the or recommended for your ald ash borer on page 2 fective on April 1, 2015. Plan. community by visiting www. • Maple Madness was cleanwatercataraqui.ca and a sweet and popular The Plan is part of a provin- Wellhead protection areas using the interactive maps un- early spring treat for cial initiative to provide clean and intake protection zones der the resources tab. There thousands of area resi- and plentiful drinking water have been determined you will also learn about the dents. Photos and story and compliments the efforts around municipal well sup- steps you can take to reduce on page 5 of water treatment plant plies (green arrows in the the risk of polluting municipal • There is a lot to do at operators. Source protection figure below) and intakes and private drinking water CRCA Conservation is all about keeping pollution (purple arrows). Specific supplies. Areas this spring and from affecting our drinking actions are outlined in the summer. See ‘What’s water, now and in the future. Plan to reduce the risk of For more information about Happening’ on page 5 Some types of pollution are these drinking water sources source protection plan and 6 very difficult and expensive becoming polluted. implementation, please • Learn about all the ac- to clean and treat. In some As you can see, more than contact Holly Evans, CRCA tivities and initiatives of cases, drinking water sources 90 percent of the Cataraqui Environmental Technician at the Cataraqui Conser- can be ruined forever. Keep- Source Protection Area is [email protected] or 613-546- vation Foundation on ing water clean is the best either a highly vulnerable 4228 ext. 233 page 8 course of action to keep aquifer (yellow) or a signifi- • New blog project will ourselves safe. cant groundwater recharge For a list of the top 10 actions help connect the CRCA area (orange) (i.e. regionally you can take to help keep with those it serves. For Required actions and recom- sensitive groundwater areas). drinking water sources clean more info see page 10 mendations in the Plan focus Municipalities, provincial • Trumpeter swan pro- mainly on municipally-owned ministries, the Cataraqui see page 8. gram at Mac Johnson drinking water systems that Source Protection Authority Wildlife Area continues serve residential popula- and others are responsible to grow and thrive. See page 11 From left to right: 1. Sandhurst Shores 2. A.L. Dafoe (Napanee) 3. Bath CATARAQUI 4. Fairfield (Amherstview) REGION 5. Point Pleasant (Kingston) CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 6. Kingston Central 7. Sydenham 1641 Perth Road, P.O. Box 160 8. Cana (Kingston Mills) Glenburnie Ontario, K0H 1S0 9. James W. King Phone: 613-546-4228 (Gananoque) Toll-free (613) area code: 1-877-956-CRCA 10. Lansdowne Email: [email protected] 11. Miller Manor Websites: crca.ca & cleanwaterataraqui.ca (Mallorytown) 12. Brockville Spring 2015 Issue Spring 2015 Issue 2 CAT TALES CAT TALES 3

CREATURE FEATURE - Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) New Faces on the CRCA Board Back in the day, the term has even been spotted as far After the 2014 fall municipal voted in as Vice-Chair. ‘creature feature’ referred to north as Sault Ste. Marie. election the Cataraqui Region CRCA Board Members are a horror movie that high- Trees infested with emerald Conservation Authority appointed by the 11 mu- lighted some terrible, scary ash borer have some distinc- (CRCA) has a few new faces nicipalities that are within monster wreaking havoc and tive characteristics: trees around the boardroom table. our jurisdiction and all the mayhem upon the world. appear to be thinning at the Of the 16 board members, appointments are made by crown, have lots of dead 10 are new around the table the elected council of the For us, it’s been the clever branches and leaves are turn- and they are all elected municipality. The number of name for our regular wild- ing yellow. The adult beetles council members from their representatives each munici- life feature in this newslet- emerge in the late spring, various municipalities. Of the pality can appoint is based on ter. But for this installment from the middle of May to six returning board members, the municipal population. It is both meanings are apt as we the end of June and exit from three are elected municipal the responsibility of the Board examine one of the most de- on to lay anywhere from 40 weaker trees; it will go after a D-shaped hole. The larvae councillors and three are Members to represent the structive pests to hit Ontario to 200 eggs. This is where younger, healthier trees as are generally creamy white citizen appointees. views of the citizens within for quite some time, one that the true problem lies. The well. Those under 10 years in colour with a light brown their respective municipali- 2015 Board Members: has systematically attacked eggs are usually housed in the old are then killed before head. On January 28, 2015 the Full ties. and wiped out one particular various cracks and crevices in they reach the age when Authority AGM was held and Athens - Rob Layng Kingston - Lisa Osanic species of tree in communi- the bark on all species of ash they would begin to create So how did this incredibly Robert Morrison, longtime The current list of Board Brockville - Davis LeSueur Kingston - Laura Turner ties across the province, and trees. When they hatch the seeds – almost like rubbing destructive creature come CRCA board member was Members and their contact Brockville - Phil Deery Leeds & 1000 Islands - Jeff Lackie indeed throughout great larvae then begin to methodi- salt into the wounds of the to be such a plague on our voted in as the new Board information is listed on the Elizabethtown-Kitley - Al Hanes Loyalist - Bert Herfst swaths of North America. cally chew – or bore – their ash species. Not only does ecosystem? Chair. Morrison has been a CRCA website at www.crca. Front of Yonge - Robert Morrison Loyalist - Penny Porter way into the more vulnerable the pest kill lots of trees, but The insect is native to a member of the CRCA Board ca/board. All CRCA board Gananoque - Vacant - Doug Good We’re talking, of course, interior of the trees, particu- it kills many that would have region of Asia that includes since 2004 and has held the meetings are open to the Greater Napanee - Max Kaiser South Frontenac - Alan Revill about the voracious, seem- larly their vascular system. helped to perhaps prop up parts of eastern Russia, position of Chair and Vice- public and meeting sched- Kingston - Richard Allen South Frontenac - Ross Sutherland ingly indestructible and highly Like our bloodstream, this is the species. northern China, Japan and Chair during his time. New ules, agendas and minutes Kingston - Kevin George resilient emerald ash borer- a how trees receive and spread Korea. Over there it has member Ross Sutherland are available for download on pest that truly defines the water, nutrients and sugars. While the bug only migrates natural predators, including from South Frontenac was our website. concept of the invasive spe- a few kilometres a year a specific type of wasp that cies, and one that is of grow- This means the trees don’t naturally, the movement of uses the recently-emerged ing significance throughout get fed and die … in large logs, lumber, firewood and adult beetle as feed for its Working Near Water? the continent. own young. And the trees numbers. Sources with both wood chips by people is Do you have a building works may also be covered For planning applications, For shoreline, in-water works are generally more resistant the Canadian and American what is causing the spread to project or doing some work under the CRCA’s regulations. regulation permits or devel- (e.g. docks, shoreline retain- The adult beetles are general- to it over there. Here, there governments report that once be more rapid. After starting along your shoreline? If you Before formally submitting opment inquiries please call: ing walls) and enforcement ly about 8.5 millimeters long are no natural barriers to the the emerald ash borer has its journey in Michigan, the are planning to build or alter your application to your 613-546-4228 inquires call: and 1.6 millimeters wide, and spread of the emerald ash made its home in a woodlot, emerald ash borer has spread land (excavation, filling) near municipality, we recommend feature what is actually kind borer, which accounts for its 99 to 100 per cent of the across all parts of southern a wetland, watercourse or that you consult with a CRCA Andrew Schmidt, Develop- Jason Messenger, Devel- of an attractive bright metal- rapid spread and the incred- ash trees in that stand will be Ontario, including the catch- along a shoreline, you may planner in order to make the ment Review Manager at ext. opment Officer at ext. 286 lic green hue. These adults ible number of trees that it dead within six to 10 years. ment area of the Cataraqui require a permit or planning process as smooth as possible. 224 (Greater Napanee, Loyal- (all of the above mentioned don’t live very long and are has killed – a number that is Region Conservation Author- approval from the CRCA. ist and South Frontenac) areas). primarily around strictly to easily in the tens of millions. And the emerald ash borer ity, and is now appearing in The CRCA planning staff mate, with the females going doesn’t pick on the old and western parts of Quebec. It Continued on page 4 Planning and development are accessible, easy to talk Michael Dakin, Resource For information on CRCA pol- staff would like to remind to and can help guide you Planner at ext. 228 (Leeds icy and guidelines or to find a residents, developers and through the permit process. and the Thousand Islands, fee schedule and application others that shorelines, flood- So if you are planning an Athens, Front of Yonge, form please visit our website CAT TALES plains, wetlands and lands addition to your lakeshore Elizabethtown-Kitley and at www.crca.ca/planning- Cat tales is published three times per year by the adjacent to them post natural home, changes to your dock Brockville) permits. Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority. hazards including flooding or any other projects that and erosion. Development may be within 50 metres of Christine Woods, Resource EDITOR: Krista Fazackerley & Jim Barber LAYOUT: Krista Fazackerley projects, including decks, water please give them a call. Planner at ext. 235 (Rideau CONTRIBUTORS: Jim Barber, Holly Evans, Krista Fazackerley, Shannon Fleming, Stefan Foerster, Stana Luxford Oddie, Erin Murphy-Mills, boathouses, docks and altera- Assistance from the CRCA Lakes, Kingston and Ganan- tions to watercourses, may planning staff can save you oque) Send comments to: Editor c/o Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority P.O. Box 160 Glenburnie ON K0H 1S0 require planning approval time and money. Email: [email protected] Phone: 613-546-4228 Toll-free (613) area code: 1-877-956-CRCA (2722) from your municipality. These Spring 2015 Issue Spring 2015 Issue 4 CAT TALES CAT TALES 5

Enjoy the Outdoors with your family! CREATURE FEATURE - continued Maple Madness Draws Thousands of Residents and Students Did you know that the Cataraqui Region Conservation Author- The first official report of It’s one of the sweetest an- The CRCA education pro- throughout the program. bush at the Little Cataraqui ity owns more than 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) of land? the beetle in North Ameri- nual events on the Cataraqui gramming staff did its usual Special programming dur- Creek Conservation Area on This includes seven Conservation Areas, eight boat ramps and can came in June of 2002 Region Conservation Author- superlative job in organiz- ing Maple Madness included the tractor-drawn wagons. seven water access points suitable for kayaking and canoeing. in Michigan and they were ity’s calendar, and one that ing the various events and puppet shows at the Outdoor Kindergarten to Grade 2 stu- It also includes the Cataraqui Trail, a multi-use trail along a most likely brought to the never fails to draw a crowd. displays, and received lots of Centre, First Nation’s displays dents used a fun riddle and former railway bed stretching from Strathcona to . continent in packing crates Maple Madness was once assistance from CRCA opera- hosted by local teacher/elder scavenger hunt game to visit or palettes that came over again held to great acclaim tions staff, as well as volun- Paul Carl which showed how the various stations and learn We encourage you to get outside this spring and summer and from Asia in the cargo holds at the Little Cataraqui Creek teers and Queen’s University the people who essentially how syrup is made, starting enjoy our facilities. You could: of a ship. The impact of the Conservation Area as it has teacher candidates. invented maple syrup har- with learning how to identify • launch a canoe or kayak at one of our water access points devastation the emerald ash been since the sugar bush vested, boiled and created it. sugar maples, through to the and explore a lake or river that you have never seen. borer continues to unleash is As well, many governments, opened in 1983. A great way Approximately 8,500 area There were also regular tree processing of the sap into • cool off with a refreshing swim at Gould Lake or Lyn Valley remarkable in its scope and including in Ontario, have for folks to come and see residents came out to Maple tapping demonstrations, a syrup and maple sugar. Grade Conservation Areas scale. It means loss of habitat set quarantines meaning ash how maple syrup is made Madness this year, which maple taffy demo, an after- 3 students experienced the • pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of our picnic areas and food sources, decreased wood in any form cannot be both yesterday and today, the is up from about 7,800 last noon of traditional pioneer bush in the manner of early • go bird watching (see crca.ca/good-birding-practices) biodiversity which means transported from where it was event was held this year from year. 2013 was a particularly sugar bush chores, a treasure European settlers, while stu- • take a nature hike along one of our many trails these areas are even more cut. The Ontario Invading March 14 to March 22 (the good year, as 11,000 people hunt and more. dents from Grade 5 and up • launch a boat at one of our boat ramps and go fishing (in exposed and vulnerable to Species Awareness Program entirety of the March Break) came out to participate. One practised their mathematics accordance with MNR regulations) other invasive species. advises folks to use local fire- and the following two week- of the highlights of the event For the school programs – skills through ‘Maple Math.’ • cycle or horseback ride along the Cataraqui Trail wood and burn it on site. ends: March 28 and 29, as is the chance to sample some which were actually extended CRCA staff looks forward to • rent a canoe, kayak or pedal boat (crca.ca/canoe) One of the biggest challenges well as April 4 and 5. Numer- pancakes smothered in genu- for more than a week and next year’s Maple Madness facing those looking to stop Secondarily, ash is a popular ous school groups throughout ine locally-produced maple a half because of popu- fun. Visit our website at www. Just remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. the onslaught is that the em- species used in the creation the region also came out syrup. CRCA Outdoor Centre lar demand – hundreds of crca.ca to find out when If you are visiting one of our Conservation Areas with your dog erald ash borer is not readily of furniture, recreational for curriculum-based Maple staff estimated that 13,700 students were taken back Maple Madness is happening please ensure it is on a leash at all times for the comfort and detected when it first moves products (i.e. baseball bats) Madness programming. pancakes were gobbled up to the demonstration sugar in 2016. safety of all users. Don’t forget to stoop and scoop! into a new area. It’s only after and in construction, mean- the pest has become rela- ing these sectors may have Find a Conservation Area near you: tively well established in an to switch to more expensive Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area (Kingston) area that it is discovered and wood. Losing your primary Lemoine Point Conservation Area (Kingston) by that time, it’s probably too resource could have a dev- Gould Lake Conservation Area (South Frontenac) late. astating effect on companies Lyn Valley Conservation Area (Elizabethtown-Kitley) that would not be able to Mac Johnson Wildlife Area (Elizabethtown-Kitley, Brockville) Economic impacts of the come up with an economi- Marshlands Conservation Area (Kingston) spread of this invasive species cal and effective contingency Parrott’s Bay Conservation Area (Loyalist) are generally two-fold: plan to losing their ash supply. First, there are the extraor- For further details on the CRCA’s Conservation Areas please dinary costs involved in What can be done? visit our website at www.crca.ca/conservation-areas any number of schemes to The general public, and espe- deal with the spread of the cially those who own prop- beetle – usually borne at erty with trees, are encour- the provincial or municipal aged to study the warning government level. It’s possible signs and ways to identify that anywhere from $11 to when the emerald ash borer $25 billion would be spent is present. As well, they are by governments throughout reminded, as stated above, North America to contain and to not move infested wood in hopefully curtail the problem the quarantine areas. If you over the next 15 to 20 years. spot signs of an infestation, call the Ontario Ministry of What essentially has to hap- Natural Resources at 1-800- pen is governments need to 667-1940 or the Canadian identify infested trees and re- Food Inspection Agency at move them and treat the area 1-800-442-2342. There is with pesticides that would kill also the Invading Species Ho- off the emerald ash borer. tline at 1-800-563-7711.

THE CATARAQUI REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY SPRING - SUMMER CALENDAR THE CATARAQUI REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY SPRING - SUMMER CALENDAR WHAT’S HAPPENING 2015 WHAT’S HAPPENING cont.

Spring and summer are During July and August, regardless of the weather. MAC JOHNSON Work-Bee Wednesday’s admission fees apply. Rent- LYN VALLEY surface, a 2” tire is recom- ideal times for visiting entrance fees to Little Cata- Cost is $40 per child. Ad- WILDLIFE AREA (8:30 a.m. to noon) als at Little Cataraqui Creek CONSERVATION AREA mended); horseback riders; one of our Conservation raqui Creek Conservation vance registration is required. Explore the trails, pond and Mac Johnson Wildlife Area Conservation Area are avail- Cool off at Lyn Valley this snowmobilers with a current Areas! Enjoy , pad- Area are reduced to $5.00 Space is limited for this reservoir at the Back Pond! Calling all volunteers! Join able Monday to Friday at the summer! The small spring-fed Ontario Federation of Snow- dling, bird watching and per car. popular program, so register Enjoy 11 km of hiking trails, the Friends of Mac Johnson CRCA administration office lake provides an excellent mobile Clubs trail permit; and early. Register online at www. a Nature Centre, picnic Wildlife Area and CRCA staff from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. swimming spot with a sandy cross-country skiers. Except nature appreciation or HOURS OF OPERATION crca.ca/online-services. For facilities and canoe and kayak for Work-Bee Wednesday’s. beach to relax on. Picnic for trail maintenance and cool off with a refreshing Conservation Areas are more info call 613-546-4228 launches. Help out at the tree nursery, GOULD LAKE tables and change rooms are emergency vehicles, mo- swim. To find the Conser- open only during daylight ext. 251. with tree planting events, CONSERVATION AREA also available. Lyn Valley is tor vehicles are not allowed vation Area closest to you hours. Directions: Take Highway brushing or with work on the Enjoy the warm weather at open from May to Septem- on the Cataraqui Trail. This visit www.crca.ca. Little Cataraqui Creek Out- LEMOINE POINT 29 north from Brockville to trails. Locations and duties Gould Lake Conservation ber and located north-west means that vehicles such as door Centre is open from CONSERVATION AREA Tincap, turn east on Debruge to be determined each week Area this summer with a of Brockville on Lyn Valley ATV’s and dirt bikes are not 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mon- Lemoine Point is located in Road and drive 2 km to the and will be posted on the picnic, swim, or paddle in a Road. For more information permitted on the trail. Visit day to Friday (other times the west end of Kingston main entrance. There are also CRCA’s Facebook page at canoe or kayak. There are 20 visit our website at www.crca. www.cataraquitrail.ca for available by appointment). on the shore of Collins Bay. two entrances off Centennial www.facebook.com/Catara- km of hiking trails for you to ca/conservation-areas. a trail map and information Closed weekends from May There are entrances off Front Road and the entrance at the quiRegionCA. enjoy with many spectacular and also check them out on to September except during Road and Coverdale Drive. Broome-Runciman Dam has views of the lake. CRCA staff CATARAQUI TRAIL Facebook at www.facebook. programs. Room rentals are a canoe launch and a small RENT A CANOE, KAYAK OR are available at Gould Lake Take a hike, go for a run, com/CataraquiTrail and Twit- also available. Native Plant Sale picnic area. PEDAL BOAT THIS SUMMER from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. cycle, or ride your horse on ter www.twitter.com/Catara- Saturday, May 23 Explore the waters at Gould on weekends only during the Cataraqui Trail - a 104 quiTrail for news, photos and LITTLE CATARAQUI CREEK (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Mother’s Day Tree Sale Lake and Little Cataraqui May and June. During July km multi-use trail that runs information. CONSERVATION AREA Join the Friends of Lemoine Saturday, May 9 Creek Conservation Areas! and August staff are there from Strathcona to Smiths Little Cataraqui Creek is lo- Point for their annual Spring (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) During the summer months daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 Falls. The trail is located on a Bike or Hike Fundraiser cated 2km north of Highway Plant Sale. Buy some trees, Come out and support the we rent canoes, kayaks and p.m. former CN Railway line so the Saturday, August 29 401 on Division Street. shrubs or wildflowers for your Friends of Mac Johnson pedal boats - pedal boats Gould Lake has a daily entry terrain is flat with a mainly Chaffey’s Locks home garden. All plants are Wildlife Area’s annual spring only available at Gould Lake. fee or you can buy an annual gravel surface. Help raise funds to support Spring Fling P.A. Day grown at the Lemoine Point tree sale. All trees and shrubs Rental rates being at $8.00 vehicle pass. The Conserva- the Cataraqui Trail at the an- ENTRANCE FEES Program Native Plant Nursery. Pro- are native stock grown at the per hour and include pad- tion Areas is located 5 km The following users are nual Bike or Hike event. For Gould Lake and Little Catara- Friday, May 22 ceeds from the sale help to Mac Johnson Wildlife Area dles, life jackets and safety northwest of Sydenham. For permitted on the Cataraqui further details and registra- qui Creek Conservation Areas ages 6 to 11 support the nursery and the nursery. The sale takes place kits. more information visit our Trail: walkers, hikers, joggers, tion forms please visit www. have a daily entry fee of: (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) tree stock grown to support at the Centennial Road (south Rentals are available from website at www.crca.ca/ naturalists and bird watch- cataraquitrail.ca • $5.50 for adults and REGISTRATION REQUIRED local forestry programs. entrance) parking lot. May to September. Daily conservation-areas. ers; cyclists (due to the gravel children over 12 Give your child(ren) a P.A. • $3.00 for children 12 Day full of spring adventure and under and fun. We’ll be exploring • maximum fee of $14.00 the fields, forests and marshes per car of the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area. Activities Annual passes are available include searching for sala- for $80 per year and provide manders, making friends with entry to both of these Conser- frogs, singing with the birds, vation Area. playing games and having wonderful experiences in the Donation boxes are located great outdoors. at our other conservation areas and at our boat ramps. Drop off begins at 8:30 a.m. Your donations help to main- and the program runs until tain these facilities, so please 4:30 p.m. Bring your own make a contribution each snacks, drinks and lunch time you visit. as well as suitable outdoor clothes. The program will run Spring 2015 Issue Spring 2015 Issue 8 CAT TALES CAT TALES 9

Help Keep Your Drinking Water Safe News from the Foundation Winter Fun in Abundance at CRCA - Top 10 List 2015 marks 50 years since the Cataraqui Conservation Foun- Conservation Areas dation was established to raise funds for the Conservation Au- Here are the top ten actions you can take to help keep drink- thority to support education programs and land acquisition. At Even though there were lots of folks complaining about what ing water sources clean: the website www.cataraquiconservationfoundation.org there was perceived to be a perpetually frigid and unpleasant winter, is an opportunity for supporters to leave a legacy for ongoing there were many others who loved it because of the abundant 1. Handle and dispose of waste properly: reduce you waste conservation and education. seasonal recreational pursuits that it allowed. production, use local hazardous waste collection pro- grams, and pick up pet waste. Partner in Education Mailing Two of the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority’s Con- 2. Maintain heating oil tanks and fill lines: inspect your oil As spring is now finally upon us, Foundation board members servation Areas, Mac Johnson Wildlife Area in Brockville and tank regularly, upgrade to a modern fuel tank, install a have been busy mailing out annual appeal letters for Part- the Little Cataraqui Creek in Kingston, were busy with outdoor drip pan, and use oil land/gauge protectors. ners in Education, in support of the conservation education enthusiasts even on the most blustery and bitingly cold days. 3. Maintain and use septic systems properly: know the loca- programs for children and youth offered at the Little Cataraqui At Mac Johnson Wildlife Area, the free Saturday skates began tion of your tank and bed and protect it from damage, Creek Conservation Area. Many of you receiving the letter Jan. 10 and ran until early March, bringing hundreds of fami- have the tank pumped out every three to five years, con- have been remarkably generous in the past. We hope that lies and individuals out to the pond for some fresh air and serve water, and avoid the use of bleaches/harsh cleaning your generosity will continue and that you will be able to give exercise. The cold air didn’t dampen spirits but it meant the products. as much or more to this worthy cause. Your continued finan- volunteers in the skating shelter served a lot of hot chocolate. 4. Maintain wells: inspect your well at least once a year, cial support will help ensure that as many areas students as The 13th-annual Winter Fun Day at Mac Johnson Wildlife keep potential pollutants (i.e. livestock, septic systems, possible will benefit from these wonderful educational oppor- Area was also a big hit. It featured dog-sled races organized by fuel sources, gardens) away from you well, and test your tunities. the Mush Larose Association Training Division, as well as skat- well water regularly for bacterial contamination. ing on the pond, cross-country skiing and free snowshoeing for 5. Hire a licensed well contractor to upgrade your well or the kids. properly plug unused wells: be sure to use a Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change licensed contrac- Family Day on Feb. 16, also brought out a hardy crowd of tor for well upgrades and to properly decommission an skaters, snowshoers and cross-country skiers as the tempera- unused well. ture plunge just meant more vigorous exercise on the pond or 6. Avoid or limit the use of road salt: wear sturdy footwear, trails. A special barbecue hosted by the Friends of Mac John- switch to snow tires, and use traction aides (i.e. sand), in son Wildlife Area kept folks warm and their tummies full. combination with smart salt practices. Conservation education programs at the Little Cataraqui Creek 7. Practice smart agriculture: fence livestock away from Early Bird Nature Program Registration watercourses, practice conservation tillage, mix/apply Conservation Area had great turn-outs, according to our edu- chemicals away from water bodies, follow the manufac- cation and Outdoor Centre staff. Participants ranging from kin- Sign up online for our Nature Programs for Early Learners and turer’s directions for storage and application methods, dergarten students, to English as a Second Language exchange Home Learners. Space is limited so secure your spot today for and establish and maintain a buffer zone near water- students from Queen’s and many ages in between were able programs starting in the fall of 2015 and winter/spring 2016. courses. Volunteer Board Members Needed: to snowshoe, cross-country ski and explore the winter wilder- 8. Practice water conservation: use a rain barrel to water You can have a say in ensuring that children throughout our ness. There were also a good numbers participating in winter The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority offers quality your garden, install low flow shower heads and toilets, watershed continue to have access to excellent conservation sports P.A. day programming. outdoor and environmental education programs for preschool and fix leaking taps. education programs, and learn lessons that will help them age children (2.5 to 5 years old). Children in the Early Learn- 9. Use green products: for household cleaning, personal make a positive impact on their world by becoming a Founda- As well, there were regular cross-country ski lessons, snowshoe ers Program experience a connection to nature through songs, care and lawn care. tion board member. If you are interested, please contact the demonstrations, skating opportunities and more throughout puppetry, touch tables, exploring, stories, games and hands-on 10. Work together to find opportunities in your community secretary at [email protected]. January and February. The Owl Hoot and Coyote Howl on Jan. activities. The Nature Program fosters a strong connection to to better protect water. 17 had a full slate of registrants, as did the Valentine’s Evening nature by guiding children with their head, heart and hands. Forever Green Gala Skate on Feb. 14, the Family Day Skate on Feb. 16 and the Mark you calendar today for the annual fund-raising gala, always popular Scat and Tracks Hike on Feb. 22. Come explore the wild spaces of Little Cataraqui Creek Con- Forever Green, to be held this year on Saturday, November 7 servation Area with other home learners. Our outdoor and at the Italo-Canadian Club. Take note of the new location and One of the highlights of the winter was the Starlight Snowshoe environmental education programs for Home Learners will be prepared to have a great time. Hike on Feb. 28, which saw participants experience a unique teach children ages 6 to 14 about nature and conservation and night-time trek through the wilderness under a starry winter they will come away with a better appreciation of the natural Annual General Meeting night’s sky. world. This is a drop-off program. For more information on the Cataraqui Source Protection Foundation board members will gather for the Annual General Plan please visit www.cleanwatercataraqui.ca or contact Meeting, on Thursday, May 14, at 4 p.m., in the boardroom For all the winter recreation activities, the number of partici- CRCA Nature programs take place at Little Cataraqui Creek Holly Evans, CRCA Environmental Technician: of the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority administration pants was high and the ski and snowshoe rentals were always Conservation Area. Programs are $63 ($7.00 x 9 visits) and 613-546-4228 ext. 233 or [email protected] building, located at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Are, doing a brisk business. For more information on all the sea- registration is required. Register online at www.crca.ca/online- 1641 Perth Road. Everyone is welcome to attend. It’s a chance sonal activities at all our conservation areas, visit www.crca.ca. services. For more information visit www.crca.ca/nature-pro- to learn more about the Foundation and its important work. grams or call 613-546-4228 ext. 251. Spring 2015 Issue Spring 2015 Issue 10 CAT TALES CAT TALES 11

CRCA to Use Blogs to Connect with Area Residents Swans Thrive at Mac Johnson Wildlife Area Thanks to Public Support The Cataraqui Region Con- introducing a new blog fea- get through more effectively education, citizen science, The Trumpeter Swan Restora- cavity. That’s why staff stress servation Authority is always ture to our website. Instead and audience members will flood forecasting and warn- tion Program at Mac Johnson the importance of not feeding looking for new ways to con- of more staid and institutional take it to heart. ing, watershed protection, Wildlife Area in Brockville birds with mouldy bread. nect with the people living in sounding general posts, each tree planting, planning and continues to be a remark- And on the subject of bread, the communities it serves. blog entry will be written by People like to read their fa- regulations and much more. able success story since it was it may seem a trivial matter a member of the CRCA staff vourite newspaper columnist, established in 1999. but folks should understand We have an active and and each posting will be re- see Don Cherry’s pontifica- The blogs will also be interac- A total of 15 Trumpeter that there are certain breads popular website at www.crca. lated to their particular realm tions on Hockey Night in tive, allowing for questions Swans decided to make their that are more beneficial than ca, and an ever-increasing of expertise. Canada, or look forward to and commentary. We might winter home (a term known others – the same as it is for presence on social media the regular tweets from their even use them to answer as over-wintering) at Mac humans. Many visitors to the platforms such as Facebook, The style of the blogs will be favourite celebrity. questions coming from mem- Johnson this year. Cataraqui area come to feed the swans, Twitter, Instagram and Pinter- comfortable and conversa- bers of the public directly. Region Conservation Author- so besides not feeding them est. Part of the goal of these tional - as if you were sitting It’s the same with our pro- ity staff said they showed up mouldy bread, it’s best to communication channel is across the table from them posed blogs. We believe the We will also try to include on Jan. 31 after their favou- not feed the waterfowl white to help folks understand the having a coffee. And they will content will be compelling visual elements such as pho- rite wintering spots on the St. bread either as it is calorie varied roles and responsibili- consist of stories, anecdotes in and of itself, but when it’s tos, graphics and/or video to Lawrence River froze over. neutral – meaning they burn ties that the CRCA has in the and perhaps the occasional presented in a manner that is enhance the reader experi- The CRCA swan feeding pro- more energy eating it than region. humorous observation, as more relaxed and conversa- ence which will increase the gram was of great help in en- they get from ingesting it. to set-up an “ice-away” has produced seven cygnets well as key facts, figures and tional, it will be more effec- likelihood they will be shared suring their health as it was a Whole wheat and/or rye machine out on the reservoir (baby swans). They will be Many people may know us informative tips or advice tive. around the various social particularly harsh winter with bread is generally seen as the during the winter to provide a provided supplemental feed for one aspect of our man- about something applicable media channels. This increas- prolonged periods of bitter preferred choice. small patch of open water for from a hopper located at the date or another. They may to most people’s lives. Final details are still being ing the awareness or ‘brand temperatures and ice thick- Just to be clear, while the the swans. Open water is im- end of the North docks at the know of our Conservation worked out, but the structure awareness’ of the Cataraqui nesses not seen in decades. Cataraqui Region Conser- portant for two reasons: the Mac Johnson Wildlife Centre. Areas, education programs So why a blog? of the blog will see a regular Region Conservation Author- This contributes to making vation Authority does not water itself helps the swans At this location the swans can and special events like Maple It had been shown in mass roster of five or six CRCA ity and its work. food difficult to attain. promote the general concept eat because it ‘washes’ the be observed at most times Madness. Or they may have media, advertising and mar- staffers contributing once a The swans were fed a mixture of feeding wildlife, the swan food down their long necks. throughout the year, but they had dealing with us because keting that you can connect month. There will also be a All in all, it will be a positive of whole corn and a spe- feeding program is a unique And as with people and other remain elusive during nesting planning and regulations more profoundly with both number of what we are call- process for all concerned. It cially formulated duck/goose exception as it is meant to animals, it helps break the times. permits or development pro- print and online readers if ing ‘general purpose’ blogs, will give us a chance to talk growth-promoting feed. The help the overall restoration food up for more efficient A word of warning to cano- posals. They also may know you can ‘put a human face’ written by the Communica- about our ongoing work, program continues to be the program, particularly through digestion. ers and kayakers: swans are of us as key players in Source on the story you are telling or tions Department. special projects and upcom- beneficiary of many generous the winter. It’s also important The second reason the open known to be very aggressive Water Protection. Very few the information you are im- ing events, and it will edu- donations of swan food from to the process of ‘imprinting’ water is important is for during nesting season and people know that we do all of parting. If visitors to the blog Subjects to be blogged about cate and hopefully entertain local residents. CRCA staff the swans with the CRCA preening: being on the open capable of overturning canoes this and much more. feel ‘connected’ to the person may include: species at risk, a growing number of our (and we presume the swans staff so the birds can be more water allows the swans to if sufficiently vexed by intrud- writing the blog, and form a invasive species, plant and friends and neighbours living themselves) wanted to thank easily captured and banded. preen (straighten out and ers. There have been record- So with that in mind, starting bit of an attachment to them, wildlife identification, Source in the CRCA Watershed. all those individuals and This helps the Canadian clean) their feathers. And ed instances of swans killing later this spring we will be it will mean the message will Water Protection, outdoor groups who made a donation, Wildlife Service (CWS) keep although it may make them people who approached to including the always-helpful records on the development more attractive to a potential close to a nesting sight. Once Friends of the Mac Johnson and tracking of the swan’s mate it serves a more signifi- in the water and without a Your photos on ODC TV Wildlife Area. Donors have Atlantic migration route. The cant and practical purpose live jacket the swans could the option of dropping off feeding program will also and that is to preserve the in- potentially drown an unlucky You may have noticed something new in the Outdoor Centre whole corn at the Mac John- help to supplement normal sulating quality of their down. boater. at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area on your last visit - son workshop, or donating feeding during the fall and This was very important this But this happens rarely and we have a new TV! Each month we will be displaying informa- money at Ritchie’s Feed and spring to give the birds every past winter, which saw our re- generally speaking our visitors tion about our upcoming events, photos of wildlife and scenery Seed in Brockville. That’s advantage they can get to gion endure temperatures of usually do their best to keep from our Conservation Areas and general information and tips. where the seed is stored, and help them survive and thrive -10C and below throughout a distance from swans in the it’s only removed as needed and to have their numbers most of February. nesting season. We would love to showcase some of your photos on our TV. in order to prevent it from continue to grow at the Mac As of the writing of this For more information on the If you have photos of wildlife, scenery or you and your family getting mouldy at the work- Johnson Wildlife Area and article, there is one pair of Trumpeter Swan Restoration enjoying one of our Conservation Areas please send them to shop. beyond. wild resident trumpeter swans Program at the Mac Johnson us and we will include them in our monthly slideshow. You can Mould is quite harmful to One interesting development preparing for another breed- Wildlife Area, visit crca.ca/ email photos to [email protected] or drop them off on CD waterfowl such as ducks and that has generated some ing season. This pair has trumpeter-swan-restoration- or USB stick at the CRCA Administration Office. geese as it causes congestive discussion is the prospect, put been successfully breeding in program issues in the eyes and nasal forward by the Friends group, the area for three years and Spring 2015 Issue 12 CAT TALES

Social Media Channels It’s almost a ridiculously servation Authority under- (including flood warnings), obvious statement to say that stands this and is quite active planning and regulatory social media platforms such on a number of these social issues. And we also like to as Facebook, Twitter, Pinter- media platforms. At the time repost interesting information est and Instagram (to name a of the writing of this article, or photos from folks visiting handful of the most popular) our Twitter handle of @Cata- our site. Most of the posts link have become a dominant raquiRCA has 2,071 followers back to specific pages or the force in the way people inter- and has issued nearly 2,400 general landing page of our act with one another. ‘tweets.’ We also follow popular website, www.crca. And not just individuals, but 937 other Twitter accounts, ca. non-profits, artists, corpora- primarily related to conserva- And for dedicated follow- tions large and small, sports tion, nature and environmen- ers of Pinterest, our page at teams, political organizations, tal concerns, although we www.pinterest.com/catara- cultural groups and even so- do also follow many local, quirca features 17 different called ‘celebrities’ commu- regional and national media boards showing loads of pho- nicate with their ‘followers’ outlets and individuals who tos of our conservation areas, and those who ‘like’ them routinely tweet about envi- programs and special events. in growing numbers in this ronmentalism or sustainability Many are our own ‘pins’ manner. If it is done strategi- issues. while others coming from our cally and with solid planning, At www.facebook.com/Cata- followers. social media can be a very raquiRegionCA we regularly We would love for you to powerful, efficient and cost- post about events happening share with us your photos effective way for businesses at our various conservation and experiences from our and organizations to ‘stay in areas as well as important Conservation Areas, our touch.’ And it’s also a lot of information regarding source events or our school programs fun. water protection, watershed by tagging us in your photos, The Cataraqui Region Con- preservation, water levels posts and tweets.

CRCA Staff Comings and Goings The CRCA is pleased to our new part-time Com- welcome back Michael munications and Marketing Dakin, Resource Planner, Specialist. An award-winning who took some time off for journalist for more than 20 parental leave. Michael is years - including 11 years one of three resource plan- as an editor - he is now a ners that review planning and freelance writer and commu- regulation permit applications nications/marketing consul- throughout the watershed. tant who has called Greater With Michael’s return we say Napanee home for nearly Michael Dakin Jim Barber goodbye to Resource Plan- seven years. Jim has a B.A. ning Assistant Stephen Bohan. from Trent University and a Stephen assisted CRCA staff Diploma in Print Journalism in the review of policy and from Centennial College. development proposals while Michael was on leave. Best of David Ringuette joins us as a luck Stephen! contract Watershed Monitor- ing Assistant. He will assist We also have two new faces the watershed management joining the CRCA team, Jim team with various aspects Barber and David Ringuette. of our watershed monitor- Jim Barber comes to us from ing enhancement initiatives. the world of the community Welcome Jim and David! Stephen Bohan David Ringuette newspaper business and is