News

February 19, 2021

New Story Trail takes families under the snow

WESTPORT, Feb. 19, 2021 – A new story trail adventure at Foley Mountain Conservation Area is bringing new meaning to Ontario’s winter wonderland as families get outside this winter. “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner with art by Christopher Silas Neal brings to life the magical world happening under the snow while teaching kids how different animals survive the winter. From hibernating bumblebees to “tough guy” chickadees, the book “evokes a lot of imagination,” said site supervisor Rebecca Whitman, who is also the lead outdoor educator at the park. “Kids can connect the words to what’s happening in…

Published in Media Release

February 08, 2021

One Tree Planted to support 40,000 new trees in rural Ottawa

OTTAWA, Feb. 8, 2021 – Rural Ottawa landowners can access an additional 40,000 trees thanks to a generous donation from One Tree Planted. RVCA’s tree planting program helps private landowners turn farm fields and other marginal land into thriving forests of the future. This is the second year of support from One Tree Planted, which will transform 20 hectares of idle land into functioning green infrastructure. Forests protect soil from erosion, improve nearby water quality, reduce flooding risks, capture carbon, improve wildlife habitat and increase biodiversity. Environment Canada recommends 30% forest cover in any community to sustain biodiversity and enjoy…

Published in Media Release

February 03, 2021

January-February 2021 Around the Rideau Newsletter now available!

Watch the Hutton Marsh Come Alive — The Hutton Marsh near Lombardy is in transformation, and now you can watch it happen! We’ve got exciting drone footage of the construction from winter 2020, and a glimpse of the new and improved marsh from last summer. Check out our new Hutton Marsh Restoration video on RVCA’s YouTube channel @RideauValleyCA — and don’t forget to subscribe! For more information contact DAN at . If you enjoyed this story, why not read the rest of the Around the Rideau newsletter, or better yet, subscibe and the next edition will be waiting for you in…

Published in Other News

January 29, 2021

Cold Weather this weekend could cause localized frazil ice formation and flooding in Rideau Valley Watershed

WCS - R02/2021 January 29, 2021 – Environment Canada is forecasting very cold weather beginning today and continuing into Sunday before returning to normal range on Monday. This includes night-time wind chill temperatures in the range of -20 to -30 degrees Celsius. In areas where there is a lack of ice cover along with turbulent flow, these cold temperatures can trigger the formation of frazil ice which can accumulate quickly on bridge abutments, piers and riverbanks resulting in increased water levels and flooding in low-lying areas. The small rivers and streams with open water, such as the Tay River, are…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

January 28, 2021

Lakeshore donation a welcome addition to protected lands

TAY VALLEY, Jan. 28, 2021 – A beautiful piece of Tay Valley shoreline will be preserved in perpetuity thanks to a generous land donation to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF). The 12-acre swath of forest and wetland is part of a thriving ecosystem and home to countless creatures – some of them currently at risk in Ontario. It is classic grey ratsnake territory, supporting an important species at risk in the Frontenac Arch biosphere. The Eastern wood-pewee, a species of special concern in Ontario, has also been spotted nearby. The property is mostly mixed hardwood forest, with a small…

Published in Media Release

January 13, 2021

Mild Winter Causing Unstable Ice Throughout Rideau Watershed

WCS – R01/2021) January 13, 2021 – Environment Canada is forecasting mild temperatures for the remainder of this week, with daily temperatures above zero each day and some rain expected on Friday and Saturday. This follows a warmer than usual December and a mild January to date. As a result of a significant rain event on December 24 and 25, water levels are above normal for this time of year in the some of the lakes and rivers in the Rideau Lakes and Tay Valley sub-watersheds. Generally, water levels are at normal levels for the remainder of the watershed. Although…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements