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Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
Watershed Watch is a monitoring program on 39 lakes in our valley. The program is building a set of ambient (baseline) data that can be used to show trends and changes in the condition of the watershed lakes. It will act as an early warning system to identify trends or problems in water quality.
The water quality indicators monitored in the program are:
- Total phosphorus (deep points, shoreline)
- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (deep points, shoreline)
- Bacteria (E.Coli) (shoreline)
- Water clarity/Secchi Depth (deep points)
- Dissolved oxygen/temperature (deep points)
- Calcium (deep point)
Over the first five years of the Watershed Watch program (2001 – 2005), 6 or 7 lakes were sampled intensively (8 times) each year at the deep points and at shoreline sites where there appeared to be possible pollution sources. The program was changed in 2006 to monitor 39 lakes 4 times a year (May thru October). Deep points are sampled 4 times a year, while shoreline sites a sampled twice a year through the summer months (June thru September).
Volunteer Opportunities:
Anyone can get involved! Join the group of residents on several lakes who volunteer their time and their boats each summer to provide on the water transportation for RVCA staff and a helping hand taking samples. Or watch for special times of the year where we need a little extra help with sampling.
Want to learn more?
Contact to volunteer or get more information.
Watch for dates to help us plant trees and shoreline shrubs. Our Shoreline Naturalization Program, City Stream Watch Program and various other special projects often look for people to help.
Rideau Valley Conservation’s stewardship projects offer opportunities to get your hands dirty while taking action in your community. We partner with private landowners, watershed residents, municipalities, and agricultural and academic communities to protect and enhance our natural environment. From habitat enhancement, to tree plantings and clean-ups, your efforts will have an immediate and positive impact on the local environment, and contribute to long-term sustainability.
Follow our volunteer calendar for upcoming events.
More...
RVCA works with many volunteers throughout the year to help restore and enhance our watershed. We offer a range of volunteer opportunities that require varying experience levels and time commitments. There may be an interesting and rewarding volunteer opportunity at RVCA that's right for you!
Check our Events Calendar (below) to see special, upcoming events for volunteers/participants or learn more about specific volunteer opportunities listed in the Get Involved! Volunteer menu (on right).
If you live on a lake and are interested in recording water levels (weekly or every two weeks) and feel you have a good location for a staff gauge to be placed (permanent dock, flat rock etc..) then we would appreciate your help in our monitoring levels on watershed lakes.
For more information, please contact:
Justin Robert
Hydrometric Data Coordinator
Department of Engineering and Regulation
Ext. 1194
In Accordance with the Participant Waiver and Release
For a PDF copy of this document, click here.
RVCA Event Co-ordinator Responsibilities
Safeguard the safety and security of Participants by:
- Ensuring they receive appropriate training to complete each task;
- Ensuring they do not use RVCA power equipment or operate an RVCA vehicle;
- Informing them, in writing, of any known potential site hazards and ensuring theyhave appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
- Providing them with appropriate supervision and feedback;
- Understanding and appropriately accommodating personal physical limitations.
Respect the rights of Participants and protect their personal information;
Provide Participants with a meaningful experience.
Participant Rights
- Receive appropriate information to understand the risks involved with the event and to appreciate the purpose of the event;
- Receive appropriate training and supervision;
- Decline to perform any tasks which you may feel are unsafe;
- Be treated with respect by RVCA staff and other participants;
- Provide feedback on the event to improve future activities.
Participant Responsibilities
- Ensure you have your own transportation to the work site and/or RVCA office, as directed;
- Read and sign the Participant Waiver and Release before participating in the event;
- Follow policies, protocols and procedures established by the RVCA and as directed by the Event Co-ordinator;
- Clarify any uncertainties with the Event Co-ordinator;
- Take reasonable care when carrying out your tasks;
- Inform the Event Co-ordinator of any physical limitations or restrictions;
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment or clothing identified as mandatory by your Supervisor, including but not limited to safety clothing such as steel-toed boots, sunscreen or other appropriate outdoor wear;
- Work cooperatively with RVCA staff, recognizing and appreciating differences of opinion;
- Be considerate, respect competencies and work as a team with all staff and other Participants;
- Use time wisely and not interfere with performance of others;
- Immediately report all accidents and injuries to the Event Co-ordinator;
- While participating in events for the RVCA, smoking and using or possessing illegal drugs or alcohol is prohibited. Participants should ask the Event Co-ordinator to identify designated smoking areas.
Potential Hazards
You may be exposed to the following hazards. Hazards specific to each work site will be described on site.
- Steep slopes
- Unsure footing
- Uneven bottom
- Fast moving current
- Poor visibility
- Scour holes
- Poor water quality
- Metal objects in water
- Extreme temperatures, rain, snow
- Hazardous waste such as chemicals, broken glass, syringes/needles)
- Toxic plants such as poison ivy, giant hogweed, wild parsnip
- Animals
- Insects including Lyme-carrying Blacklegged Ticks
HR Forms/Volunteers/Participant Guide November 17, 2017
The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) is always looking for enthusiastic individuals to become board members and assist with fundraising efforts. To learn more about the RVCF visit www.rvcf.ca.
Contact:
Diane Downey
RVCF Executive Director
613-692-3571 ext. 1126
