RIDEAU RIVER WATERSHED (Westport, Perth, Smiths Falls, Kemptville, Ottawa and all the wonderful watershed communities along the way), October 2, 2020 — Members of the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) celebrated 50 years of conservation at its September 23 Annual General Meeting. Since 1970, the RVCF has dedicated itself to raising funds that support important conservation efforts throughout the Rideau River watershed. Efforts include conservation land acquisition, tree planting, outdoor education, water quality monitoring, infrastructure improvements at conservation areas and so much more.

“We are very proud of the work we do,” said RVCF Chair Jason Kelly. “Since 1994, we have raised over $6.6 million for our conservation work and we are guardians to over 525 hectares of important natural spaces. We are inspired and look forward to continuing the good work that keeps our watershed healthy and resilient.”

And while the COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on RVCF anniversary celebrations, it has shone a light on the ongoing need to protect natural lands — a cause that the RVCF holds very close to its heart.

“More than ever, we need natural spaces for our health and wellbeing. Local conservation lands provide safe and accessible trails and outdoor learning opportunities — places for physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation,” said Mr. Kelly.

To achieve this aim, the Foundation’s 2020 fundraising campaign looks to grow the Steve Simmering Conservation Land Endowment fund, which ensures our local, conservation lands are protected, improved and held safely in public hands for future generations to enjoy. Established in 2010 in memory of Steve Simmering, an active outdoorsman and vice chair of the RVCF, the endowment has been slowly growing and supporting the Rideau Valley’s vibrant and vital outdoor spaces. So far, RVCF has received over $30,000 in donations of the $125,000 it seeks to raise. The RVCF looks to find new supporters so it can continue important conservation efforts.

If you love your local conservation lands and green spaces, please consider donating to the Steve Simmering Endowment Fund. Every dollar donated contributes to excellence in conservation for the benefit of generations to come. Visit www.rvcf.ca to donate or for more information.

The RVCF wants to thank its partners, supporters, donors, staff, and its board of director members over the past 50 years for their help, dedication, and support,” says Mr. Kelly. “Truly, we couldn’t have done it without you. We look forward to successful conservation work in the future.”

RVCF’s Highlights

• Founded in 1970
• Raised more than $6.6 million in support of conservation work
• Proud custodian of over 525 hectares (1,299 acres) of conservation land
• Celebrates and acknowledges over 330 watershed donors
• Supported planting 6.6 million trees to date
• Funds conservation area infrastructure work such as the boardwalk and pedestrian bridges at the Chapman Mills Conservation Area
• Supports conservation projects such as the Hutton Creek Marsh Restoration Project
• Provides subsidies to schools for outdoor education programs
• Launched Steve Simmering endowment Fund in 2010 to protect vital conservation lands
• Accredited member of Imagine Canada’s Standards Program since 2017
• Joined Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code Program in 2010
• Proud member of Ontario and Canada Land Trust Alliances

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For more information:
Diane Downey, Executive Director
Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation

RIDEAU LAKES / WESTPORT, October 1, 2020 – Foley Mountain Conservation Area is a popular fall destination. Known for its breathtaking views and scenic hiking trails, Foley Mountain continues to welcome guests for much needed outdoor fun.

“Fall is an exceptionally popular time to experience Foley Mountain,” said Rebecca Whiteman, Foley Mountain Conservation Area Supervisor. “And while we continue to welcome guests, we want everyone to be prepared for a safe and enjoyable experience.”

What does that mean? Well, during these Covid-19 times here are a few things to know before making the trip out:

• Practice physical distancing rules.
• Wear a mask at viewing locations such as the popular Spy Rock and anytime when physical distancing is not possible.
• Follow directional signs on trails and yield to oncoming trail users when necessary.
• Come equipped with water and hand sanitizer (outhouses are open).
• Pay $7 day pass using credit card or coins (bills are NOT accepted) at the pay machine or purchase your pass online using the PayByPhone App when you arrive on site (visit rvca.ca/foley-mountain for details). Staff will not be accepting cash payment on site.
• You may be turned away if park capacity has been reached. Be sure to have alternate plans in the surrounding area if you are making a special trip.
• As visitors leave the park, others will be allowed to enter. Please limit your visits to allow others an opportunity to enjoy these parks.

Staff will be onsite during busy weekends to limit the number of visitors in the park and those gathering on viewing platforms. The Spy Rock viewing area will be limited to 25 people and masks are strongly recommended.

“Our guests continue to grow in number. We want to remain open, but want everyone to be as safe as possible,” says Whitman. “Everyone’s cooperation is greatly appreciated.”

To learn more about Foley Mountain Conservation Area, visit www.rvca.ca/foley-mountain or follow the Foley Mountain Facebook page at @foleymountain.

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For more information:
Rebecca Whitman
Foley Mountain Conservation Area Supervisor
613-273-3255

RIDEAU, GOULBOURN AND WEST CARLETON, September 28, 2020 — Tired of looking at empty fields, don’t know what to do with idle farmlands or marginal land? Why not fill them with healthy, native trees! Sign up now and take advantage of RVCA's subsidies to convert idle land into tomorrow’s forests.

“RVCA’s tree planting programs come with significant subsidies that will help landowners plan, prepare, plant, and maintain their new forests,” said Dan Cooper, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) Director, Conservation Lands and Stewardship. “What better way to transform fallow land into future woodlands.”  

Typical costs for the RVCA’s full-service tree-planting program are $0.15/tree ($120/acre). The RVCA and its planting partners cover all additional costs. Landowners interested in having one acre or more (0.4 hectares) planted in trees should meet with RVCA staff to start planning now.

“We've been planting trees since 1983 and, in total, we’ve planted more than 6.6 million trees. We are looking to plant more!” said Cooper. “Helping landowners meet their reforestation needs is our goal — our tree planting programs are low-cost and full-service!”

Idle and unproductive land can eventually establish new forests by natural succession, but this takes many, many years. A faster way is to opt for RVCA’s tree planting programs. They will help move the process along by planting healthy, native tree seedlings suited for the specific site.

Once signed up, landowners can expect an RVCA forestry expert to meet with them to discuss their specific needs. Staff will assess the site and create a unique, individualized planting plan. You can bet RVCA will plant the right tree in the right place to ensure the best chance of survival and growth.

To plant this coming spring, book your free site now. Contact Dan Cooper, RVCA Director, Conservation Lands and Stewardship at 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504, ext. 1124 or  .

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For more information:
Dan Cooper
Director, Conservation Lands and Stewardship
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-3571 ext. 1124

OUTDOOR EDUCATION INTERPRETER

Foley Mountain Conservation Area

Supply List

$18 - $20/hour

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is the lead inter-municipal agency working to address river-related environmental issues and concerns within the Rideau Valley watershed. It’s our job to make sure that the water is looked after by everyone in today’s society so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a clean, healthy, functioning watershed. We also provide residents with close-to-home natural areas and programs that are accessible and affordable. We currently own and maintain a network of nine Conservation Areas and an additional 4,500 acres of environmental land.

You would be working at Foley Mountain Conservation Area located just outside of Westport, ON. There is no public transportation to the worksite. Candidates should ensure they have reliable transportation prior to applying..

ON-CALL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Work schedule is on an as-needed basis, Monday through Friday with occasional evenings/weekends.

You will assist with the planning, delivery and evaluation of outdoor environmental education programs for children and adults of all ages from preschool to post-secondary studies. Program participants include school groups, Foley Mountain Forest School students, and community groups. Interpreters will mainly be working in an outdoor environment facilitating programs in all kinds of weather conditions. You will also act as a resource person in the Interpretive Centre and you will assist visitors by answering questions about the park and programs, selling park passes, monitoring for valid park passes, and maintaining the cleanliness and safety features of our park facilities.

As the ideal candidate, you have:

• A post-secondary diploma or degree in education, early childhood education, environmental studies, natural science, outdoor recreation or a related program. A Teacher’s certificate and strong knowledge of the natural world are considered strong assets.
• Experience with the Forest School model as well as play-based learning, risky play, loose parts, inquiry-based learning, and a child centered learning environment.
• Previous experience planning and delivering programming for children in an educational or recreational setting in English and/or French.
• A valid G2 or better driver’s license and driving record deemed acceptable by the RVCA.
• The successful candidate will be required to provide an affirmative “Vulnerable Sector Check”.
• Standard First Aid & CPR certification is an asset.
• Bilingualism is considered a strong asset.
• If you enjoy working in the great outdoors, have an enthusiastic attitude towards working with children and have a strong commitment to the environment and the protection of land and water resources, please send us your resume and cover letter. This is an ongoing inventory and qualified candidates will be contacted for assessment as needed.

Human Resources, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

P.O. Box 599, 3889 Rideau Valley Drive, Manotick, Ontario, K4M 1A5 Fax: (613) 692-0831
e-mail:

Visit us on the web at www.rvca.ca

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is an equal opportunity employer. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applications; however, we will contact only those candidates selected for consideration.

We are committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you are selected for an interview and you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

(WCS-LW - 52/2020) September 2, 2020 — Watershed conditions in the Rideau Valley Watershed have returned to “Normal’ under the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

With significant precipitation during the last month, the amount of rainfall received throughout the watershed is at or above average values for this time of year. As a result of this precipitation, stream flows and water levels are now at or above average values for this time of year. Looking ahead, the seven-day weather forecasts suggests we’ll continue to receive more rain.

Parks Canada continues to closely monitor the water levels throughout the Rideau Canal system inside the Rideau Valley watershed. Water levels in the reservoir lakes, located in the upper reaches of the Rideau Valley watershed, are either normal or above normal (i.e., Christie Lake) for this time of year and are expected to decline but this will depend on rainfall amounts received in the coming weeks. Rideau River flows downstream of Big Rideau Lake are now near normal. Water levels in the Rideau River below Smiths Falls are within navigable ranges for this time of year.

Conservation Authority staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed. Updates to this message will be issued as conditions warrant.

More resources:

• Ministry of Environment and Climate Change: https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage
• Ontario’s Low Water Response program: https://www.ontario.ca/page/low-water-response-program
• RVCA website: www.rvca.ca
• Hourly and daily streamflows and water levels: https://www.rvca.ca/watershed-monitoring-reporting/reporting/streamflow-water-levels

"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and natural resource conservation."

Baxter Forest School offers an alternative education in which children spend most of their time outside, playing and learning through experiential, hands-on activities that promote curiosity in an active and authentic learning environment. Students will receive the benefits of repeated and regular visits to a natural area, in a play and inquiry-based education setting.

PLEASE READ our Forest School Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Location:  7498 Carter Road,  Kars, ON, South of Ottawa — Google map

Fall Forest School Registration NOW OPEN:

Complete this Registration Request Form to be added to our registration list. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process. We will send registration packages out on a first-come, first-served basis, including the program handbook and other necessary documents, to complete registration and payment. 

Program Details

• Program sessions offered for ages 4-6, 6-8, 6-10 and 8-13. Children must be the minimum age for the group by December 31, 2024.
• Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day plus HST.
• Payment is due upon registration. All prices below include HST.
• We will do our best to accommodate your requests but reserve the right to alter the schedule based on demand.
• 2025 Winter and Spring Forest School dates are listed below, and registration will take place during fall and winter.

Fall Forest School Sessions (Registration NOW OPEN!)

Winter Forest School (Registration Coming in September 2024)

Spring Forest School (Registration Coming in Winter 2024-25)

Our Community Partners

Low Water? We’re on it! 
Did you know that RVCA monitors low water conditions? Watershed condition statements are issued to keep municipalities and the public up to date on low water conditions. With changing weather patterns, low water levels are happening more often. The Rideau River Water Response Team, co-ordinated through the RVCA, is made up of member municipalities, selected government agencies and others. They review precipitation and streamflow information and, when needed, issue low water condition statements for the watershed. The team tracks low water impacts and would like to hear from anyone who may be experiencing difficulties with wells or any other low water issues, you can email them at . To see the most recent watershed condition messages, visit our website www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions. Messages also appear on our Facebook page (@RideauValleyConservationAuthority) and on Twitter (@RideauValleyCA). Contact BRIAN for more information 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 your inbox! Subscribe here. 

(WCS-LW - 4/2020) August 5, 2020 — This statement is to advise that the low water status in the Rideau River watershed is being downgraded to “Minor” from “Moderate” severity under the Ontario Low Water Response Program because of recent precipitation.

Significant rain over the last week pushed 30-day rainfall totals above what is normal for the time of year at most climate monitoring sites in the region. However, the average 90-day rainfall measured at climate stations in and around the watershed is below 80 per cent of normal for this time of year which represents “Minor” low water severity. Looking ahead, the seven-day weather forecast suggests we may receive between 5 and 10 mm of rain across the watershed.

Stream flow values for all waterways are much closer to normal for this time of year compared to a few weeks ago. For example, the measured flows for the Rideau River at Carleton University and the Tay River in Perth are both slightly above 100 percent normal for this time of year. Measured flows for the smaller tributaries such as the Jock River and Kemptville Creek are still below normal for this time of year. Field observations around the watershed indicate that ecological conditions are much improved compared to a few weeks ago. 

Following an early spring freshet this year, Parks Canada are closely monitoring the water levels throughout the Rideau Canal system inside the Rideau Valley watershed. 50-75% lower than normal amounts of precipitation in June and July resulted in below average level and flows conditions across the entire watershed. However, due to the recent significant rainfall received around the reservoir lakes (located in upper part of the watershed), the reservoir lake levels are near and/or above average. Due to the localized nature of the rain events, other nearby lakes located in the upper reaches of the Rideau Valley watershed, remain below normal. Rideau River flows downstream of Big Rideau Lake have been reduced to minimum. Water levels in the Rideau River below Smiths Falls are within navigable ranges but some areas are below average for this time of year.

Watershed residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 10 percent. This is especially important for those who have permits for taking water from surface or groundwater sources and all residents on private, communal or municipal wells. There is less of a concern for residents of urban Ottawa because the City of Ottawa central drinking water system draws from the Ottawa River. Residents throughout the watershed should be aware of any bans or bylaws that may be in place in their municipalities regarding fires or watering bans.

Conservation Authority staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed. Updates to this message will be issued as conditions warrant.

More resources: 

• Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks: https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage
• Ontario’s Low Water Response program: https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage
• RVCA website: www.rvca.ca
• Hourly and daily streamflows and water levels: https://www.rvca.ca/watershed-monitoring-reporting/reporting/streamflow-water-levels

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More Information:
Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141

"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and natural resource conservation."

EASTERN ONTARIO, August 5, 2020 — In addition to incredible mountain vistas and impressive hiking trails, Foley Mountain now offers a story trail adventure.

A story trail adventure is a fun and engaging activity that places the pages from a children’s story along a trail. Children can enjoy the outdoors and read a book with their family and friends.

“This is a great summertime activity for families to enjoy,” says Rebecca Whitman, Area Supervisor and Outdoor Educator at the Foley Mountain Conservation Area. “This fun, non-contact activity is a great way to promote literacy, healthy lifestyles and connecting with nature.”

The Foley Mountain Story Trail Adventure currently features The Gruffalo, a treasured tale of a crafty mouse and his encounter with other animals and a lovable monster in the woods. The pages of the book, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, are posted along the 350-metre long Jack Herbert Mobility Trail. The trail is easy to navigate for all ages of children. It consists of a wide stone dust path that can accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons. Each stop also includes specially designed nature clues and activities, courtesy of Whitman and the Foley Mountain outdoor education team.

“Learning about nature in nature is very powerful,” says Whitman. “We are delighted to support the healthy development of children through play and outdoor experiences.”

Participants are encouraged to give feedback about their experience and those who complete a survey could win an annual pass to Foley Mountain and ten other conservation areas owned and operated by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. More information about the survey can be found at the end of the story trail adventure! 

The story will change after several weeks, so visitors can experience a new adventure in a different area of the conservation area and new activities.

Visitors are welcome to Foley Mountain located just “above” Westport in Rideau Lakes Township to enjoy the story trail adventure, the amazing views from Spy Rock, natural swimming area and picnic areas. Day passes are $7 per vehicle or an annual pass to RVCA conservation areas through-out the watershed is available for $50. Buy your pass online before you visit. Learn more at www.rvca.ca/foley-mountain-ca.

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For more information, contact:
Rebecca Whitman
Foley Mountain Area Supervisor and Outdoor Educator
613-273-3255