Earth Week an important reminder of Kawartha Conservation’s efforts locally

April 14, 2023 – Kawartha Conservation is excited to celebrate Earth Week with the theme 'Invest in Our Planet' from April 17 to 22, 2023. This year's theme is a reminder of the importance of supporting initiatives that promote sustainable practices and protect our environment.

“At Kawartha Conservation, we believe that investing in our watershed and our communities is essential to ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for everyone,” said Kawartha Conservation CAO Mark Majchrowski. “We are committed to the important work of our Stewardship department, our science-driven Integrated Watershed Management staff, and creating and maintaining conservation areas, trails and outdoor programming opportunities for everyone to enjoy through our CA Lands departments.”

“Our Stewardship program is a key component of our work, and help realize the goals of Earth Week on a local watershed level,” explained Stewardship and CA Lands Director, Kristie Virgoe. “We engage landowners in conservation practices that help protect and restore our natural environment, such as tree planting, wetland restoration, and habitat creation.

“Through stewardship, we work with local landowners and businesses to restore and enhance our watershed community to ensure that our water sources and natural areas are protected,” Virgoe added.

Focused on the science of watershed health, Kawartha Conservation’s Integrated Watershed Management team, collects and uses data and watershed science to inform decision-making, ensuring the organizations actions are evidence-based and effective in protecting our watersheds.

“Monitoring and measuring what is happening across our watershed, from cold water streams, to lakes and rivers to the impacts of development are critical to providing our departments, member municipalities, community groups and volunteers with information relevant to supporting our communities today and into the future,” said acting manager of IWM, Nancy Aspden.

One of the most public-facing aspects of the work at Kawartha Conservation is the care and management of four conservation areas and a natural area, including Ken Reid Conservation Area, Windy Ridge, Pigeon River, Durham East Cross Forest and Fleetwood Creek Natural Area.

“Our Conservation Lands staff works tirelessly to manage and maintain green spaces and trails for everyone to enjoy,” said Virgoe. “These areas not only provide recreational opportunities as well as places for visitors to support and improve their physical, mental and emotional health, but they also serve as important habitats for a variety of plant and animal species.”

As Earth Week kicks off on Monday, April 17, Kawartha Conservation would like to remind everyone of the importance of investing in our watershed health, communities and planet. By supporting initiatives that promote sustainability and protect our environment, we can create a brighter and healthier future for ourselves and future generations.

For more information about Kawartha Conservation's work, please visit our website at www.kawarthaconservation.com.