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Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
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RIDEAU VALLEY, April 20, 2021 – Although nobody can predict the weather – and despite some recent rain – 2021 is shaping up to be an abnormally dry year across the Rideau Valley watershed if the current trend continues. Rideau Valley residents enjoyed a relatively easy winter with warmer-than-normal temperatures in every month except for February. Combined with below-average precipitation and above-average temperatures in March, all evidence points to a dry year ahead. Weather and water level conditions have been pointing in this direction since winter began in December 2020: Approximately 50 mm of rain fell across the watershed between December…
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February 22, 2021
RVCA launches flood of new data tools to help prepare for high water
OTTAWA, Feb. 22, 2021 – The spring melt is just around the corner, and what better way to prepare for it than a new and improved flood data website for waterfront residents? The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s flood forecasting webpage now includes access to several new data sets that will help residents in flood-prone areas of the Rideau Valley watershed and parts of the Ottawa River watershed prepare for flood season. These updates include: Real-time water level and streamflow tools, including new gauges in the vulnerable communities of Cumberland, North Gower, Richmond and Brantwood Park; Neighbourhood flood mapping for several vulnerable…
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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…
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WESTPORT, March 1, 2021 – Get out and enjoy everything winter has to offer with a free outdoor adventure kit from Foley Mountain Conservation Area. Beginning March 2, families can pick up one of 100 kits from any Rideau Lakes or Westport library branch. The kits include materials and instructions to identify and follow animal tracks in the snow, explore the wonderful world of snowflakes, do an experiment with a jello mouse, create a backyard birdfeeder, make snow ice cream and more. “This is just another way we’re keeping connected with local families and promoting outdoor education,” said site supervisor…
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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…
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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…
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November 30, 2020
Land donation protects significant wetland near Long Lake
TAY VALLEY TOWNSHIP, Nov. 30, 2020 – Towering white pines, maple groves and rocky outcrops overlook a provincially significant wetland in a new property donated to the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) this fall. The 1.55-acre parcel connects to Long Lake beside the RVCA’s Mica Mines conservation area, further protecting the lakeshore and provincially significant wetland that stretches to Big Rideau Lake. While the property isn’t huge, donor Martin von Mirbach recognized its ecological value soon after purchasing a 35-acre swath of land along the lake in 2017. “I spend a lot of time right across from the donated property, and it’s…
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January 11, 2021
Keeping you safe at our conservation areas
OTTAWA, JAN. 11, 2020 – We know that outdoor spaces matter right now more than ever: your mental and physical health depend on them. That's why we are proud to keep our 11 conservation areas and 42 km of trails open for you during this time. When visiting our sites, your safety and the safety of others is our top priority. Please remember: Stay 2 metres from people outside your household, or wear a mask if that’s not possible; Follow all directional signs on trails (many are now one-way loops to limit passing); No more than 25 people in gathering areas…
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October 02, 2020
Conservation Foundation celebrates 50 years with a call to protect conservation lands
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…
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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.”…
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May 29, 2020
100,000 Shoreline Plants!
OTTAWA, May 29, 2020 — RVCA’s Shoreline Naturalization Program has reached a milestone — this spring they planted their 100,000th shoreline plant. The Shoreline Naturalization Program was established in 2009 to help shoreline landowners and groups create natural, resilient shoreline buffers that protect property from erosion, provide critical wildlife habitat and, improve water quality. The program is geared to waterfront landowners who have wetlands, streams, rivers, and lakes within the Rideau Valley watershed. Lake associations, not-for-profits, and stream/creek/river groups are eligible as well. ‘It's been great seeing the program grow over the years. More and more people realize the importance of…
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Ontario Approves Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Plan and Assessment Report Amendments MISSISSIPPI AND RIDEAU WATERSHEDS, June 30, 2020 — Amendments to the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Plan and the Rideau Valley Assessment Report to further protect municipal drinking water systems have been approved by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). The amendments, which took effect on May 21, 2020, include: revised vulnerable areas for the new and existing municipal wells in Kemptville (owned and operated by the Municipality of North Grenville) and for the neighbouring Merrickville drinking water system updated policies for the storage of chemicals known as dense non-aqueous…
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May 17, 2016
PayByPhone Now At Your Local Conservation Area
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s (RVCA) new PayByPhone service is going to make visits to local conservation areas easier. Cash payment is no longer required. Complicated paystations are not an issue. As long as you have a phone or computer, you are covered. “Paying at our remote conservation areas has always caused challenges,” says Kristy Giles, RVCA Conservation Lands Manager. “By using this PayByPhone service, it allows visitors to pay online through their phone or from their home computer, making it exceptionally convenient and reliable.”
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The City Stream Watch Program is looking for volunteer “scientists” to help monitor, protect and cleanup Ottawa streams. Now is the best time to get involved as a Stream Watch Training Session will be held for volunteers on Saturday, May 28. The training session will welcome new volunteers and familiarize them with the basics of stream sampling and environmental data collection. “The City Stream Watch program is driven by volunteer participation and gives the community a chance to contribute to the health of their local streams,” said Justin Robert, City Stream Watch Coordinator. “By helping to assess these unique urban…
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