Blog

May 22 2022

Natural Climate Solutions to Build a Shared Future For All

Healthy and thriving biodiversity is the solution to many sustainable development challenges. From providing our communities with clean drinking water and air to breathe to livelihoods and climate change mitigation, biodiversity supports the Ottawa Valley in many ways.

The United Nations Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity has named the 2022 Biodiversity Day theme as “Building a shared future for all life.”

But how can biodiversity help our communities reach this goal?

Nature-based climate solutions

Nature-based climate solutions involve actions to manage ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands, in a way that reduces the effects of the climate crisis, improves biodiversity, and increases human resilience to climate change.

Nature-based climate solutions can support the vision of a shared future for all life in 3 ways.

Supporting communities

Our community has seen an increased amount of floods in recent years due to the climate crisis. But floods aren’t mere inconveniences – they can wipe away your home and the farms feeding your family.

Intact watersheds are among our strongest defences against floods as these mature forests reduce the risk of water run-off into nearby communities.

For example, we’re working to create a new protected area in the Madawaska Highlands, a stunning 2,500 square kilometres of forests, lakes, and rivers just west of Ottawa. This protected area could play a pivotal role in providing nature-based solutions to protect our communities from the devastating effects of climate change.

Protecting wildlife

Green corridors are an example of nature-based climate solutions and how they can be used to foster thriving biodiversity.

These corridors allow animals to safely travel between protected areas, making them a crucial part of species adaptation.

For example, the Noire and Coulonge Rivers are an ecological corridor linking the Ottawa River to the Boreal forest. As a result, species such as the painted turtle, snapping turtle, and the endangered Eastern wolf are able to more easily migrate north to adapt to a changing climate.

Biodiversity loss will likely continue in years to come due to the climate crisis, so green corridors are an option to help species adapt to these shifts and support ecosystems so future generations in the Ottawa Valley know a region filled with flourishing biodiversity.

Conserving wild spaces

Another instance of nature-based climate solutions is restoration projects fostering ecosystem integrity.

Efforts to reduce harm caused by human activity, including urbanization and construction developments, within ecosystems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Restoration projects can increase the amount of carbon being sequestered and help mitigate climate change.

For example, Gatineau Park’s 361 square kilometers of wilderness is home to 118 rare or endangered species and 50 lakes, but an increase in roads, traffic, and development within the park – as well as construction around the park’s borders – puts immense pressure on the park’s ecosystem.

Protecting biodiversity by keeping large portions of forests intact helps sequester carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and acting as a buffer for climate change.

May 12 2022

Working With Local Youth for Ecological Restoration Within Hampton Park

CPAWS OV Blog, Blogs category

The Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program (CWSP) is an educational experience designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards in Canada by connecting youth to nature and their local communities.

The 2021-2022 season is well underway. The program consists of three phases:

A wilderness expedition: this year, we took participants on a two-day white-water canoe and camping trip along the Noire River with Esprit Whitewater
A volunteer project: an educational or environmental stewardship project.
A summit: an opportunity for participants from across Canada to gather, share ideas, and further develop leadership and advocacy skills.

We had the opportunity to speak with Mesha Sagram, a CWSP participant, about her experience and project.

Why did you apply for the CWSP?

I’m a CPAWS-OV donor and previous volunteer, so I receive the monthly newsletter. I read about this fantastic opportunity and knew I had to apply.

I was interested in joining the program as I studied environmental science and ecosystem restoration at university. My goal is to one day work directly within environmental conservation, but for the time being I’m focused on remote sensing for ocean mapping.

This was an exciting opportunity to get back to my educational roots and connect me with my field and what I’m passionate about.

What other parts of the program intrigued you?

I was interested in meeting other youth and going on the wilderness expedition.

The camping and canoe trip was a lot of fun!

It was very well organized, which meant us as participants didn’t have to think too much about it as everything was taken care of. We had experienced people teaching us to canoe, which empowered us to go on such a long trip. It was something I never thought I’d be able to do!

We had great group discussions around the campfire at night. I was able to connect with people I otherwise would never have met and it helped me forge long-term friendships.

Can you tell us about your project?

My project focused on removing Japanese knotweed in Hampton Park.

This plant is an invasive species with a huge impact on ecosystems because it grows in dense, bamboo-like thickets so no one other species can grow in its area.

Japanese knotweed therefore destroys ecosystems and impacts the economy because it can grow through concrete, so infrastructure needs to be regularly fixed or maintained in its growth area.

I partnered with Friends of Hampton Park for a two-day project to lead the volunteer project of removing Japanese knotweed in the area and installing geotextile fabric to deter its regrowth.

What made you want to focus on this?

I was excited about doing this restoration because it’s something I did at a previous job and really enjoyed. I got to take on a leadership role with this project, and the Friends of Hampton Park and I are currently discussing doing more volunteer work together, including revisiting the area in a few months to see how the soil is recovering and plant native species.

What impact did the CWSP have on you?

I have a group of people in my network now that are interested in the same things as me, helping to build not only friendships but my confidence with outdoor activities.

I’m now able to better promote ecological restoration projects, knowing I can give my ideas to a group and have others be interested. This is very motivating, especially as I’m working slightly outside my main field of study right now.

The CWSP had a big impact on my life and I’m looking forward to meeting up with people from the group in the future to continue forging friendships.

May 9 2022

How Our Outdoor Educational Program is Impacting Youth and Our Communities

CPAWS OV Blog, Blogs category

The 2021-2022 season has just wrapped up. The program consisted of three phases:

A wilderness expedition: we took participants on a two-day white-water canoe and camping trip along the Noire River
A volunteer project: an educational or environmental stewardship project
A summit: an opportunity for participants across Canada to gather, share ideas, and further develop leadership and advocacy skills

For pandemic accommodations, this year’s end of program summit was a combination of a virtual national summit and smaller in-person regional summits hosted by the participating CPAWS chapters. Our Ottawa Valley participants gathered at Fort Coulonge, in the presence of the majestic Coulonge River, to hear from industry speakers and share their projects.

Here’s what some of our youth participants had to say about their experience being part of the 2021-2022 cohort of CWSP.

“How did participating in the program help you connect with your community and local wild spaces?”

“CWSP helped encourage me to reach out to other community organizations to collaborate.

It felt amazing to feel so welcomed and be able to participate in leading events. I loved learning new techniques on removing invasive species to keep the local ecosystem healthy.

I look forward to volunteering more and teaching others what I’ve learned!”

Mesha, CWSP participant whose project focused on removing Japanese knotweed from Hampton Park

“How did participating in the program grow your research and collaboration skills?”

“My project focused on the intersection of Indigenous studies and environmental conservation.

Often, the media focuses on struggles within Indigenous communities or cultural events.

There’s much more to Indigenous peoples than solely these two topics. My goal was to bring visibility to their environmental stewardship efforts.

I curated a list of Indigenous communities in the Ottawa Valley and their projects related to conservation, connected with these communities, and explored how I and CPAWS-OV can support their work through outreach, funding or research.”

Angelique, CWSP participant whose project focused on supporting collaborative work between Indigenous communities and CPAWS-OV

“What did you learn from taking part in the program?”

“Participating in CWSP allowed me to be immersed in local conservation efforts and it gave me the opportunity to meet other passionate individuals. I had the chance to understand on a deeper level the importance of watershed conservation and what I could do to help.

Before starting this program, I wasn’t sure if I was interested in environmental conservation but the program has inspired me to apply for (and accept) a job in the field, which is what I’ll be doing this summer!”

Meghan, CWSP participant whose project included a ski tour along the Ottawa River

April 25 2022

4 Facts to Keep You Up to Date with the American Ginseng: Species at Risk Series

CPAWS OV Blog, Blogs category

Species at risk are plants and animals that may be lost forever if we don’t act soon.

Our monthly Species at Risk Series explores which ones are found in the Ottawa Valley and what we can do to protect them.

This month, we’re focusing on the American Ginseng.

This plant’s scientific name is Panax quinquefolius.

This wild perennial plant is endangered in Ontario and threatened in Quebec, meaning it can still be found in the wild but faces imminent extinction or extirpation.

What does American Ginseng look like?

American Ginseng is considered a perennial herb. It can grow as high as 60 centimetres tall but may take many years to reach reproductive maturity.

Its root resembles a parsnip, and the stem may have up to five leaves. Each individual leaf typically has five leaflets.

You’ll find a cluster of 6 to 20 greenish-white flowers alongside the leaves and at the top, bright red berries.

Where is it found across the Ottawa Valley?

This perennial plant can be found in southwestern Quebec and southern Ontario.

Specifically, American Ginseng thrives in rich, moist, mature, deciduous woods. If you can spot Sugar Maple, White Ash, or American Basswood in those woods, you’ll likely find American Ginseng nearby.

How is American Ginseng used in Indigenous cultures?

Indigenous peoples have traditionally used American Ginseng for medical purposes, ranging from treating headaches and earaches to more serious ailments, including tuberculosis.

What threats does American Ginseng face?

When American Ginseng was first discovered in the 1700s, it quickly became a critical Canadian export. Since then, the perennial plant has been over-harvested and poached to the point of becoming endangered.

Because of the plant’s low reproductive potential, harvesting for commercial purposes is a major concern.

Habitat destruction from clearing and logging also threaten American Ginseng.

What can you do to protect American Ginseng?

If you come across this plant in the wild, please do not divulge its location. This will help mitigate its potential harvesting or other threats.

You can also support the conservation of mature hardwood forests in your community, where American Ginseng is likely to be found.

Lastly, sign up for our newsletter to learn how we’re protecting this threatened plant and how you can get involved.

March 22 2022

5 Facts About the Chimney Swift You Need to Know (and How You Can Play a Role in This Species’ Recovery)

CPAWS OV Blog, Blogs category

Each month, we highlight a different species at risk across the Ottawa Valley to shed light on the iconic and diverse species calling this area home.

Need a refresher on what it means to be a species at risk?

These are plants and animals in danger of disappearing from Canada’s wild unless we act quickly.

There are five categories, depending on an animal or plant’s threat status:

Special concern: species which may become threatened or endangered due to threats to their habitats or themselves.
Threatened: species in the wild not yet endangered but likely to become so if urgent steps aren’t taken to stop activities threatening them or their habitats.
Endangered: wild species close to becoming extirpated or extinct and if action isn’t taken soon, we could lose species in this category – possibly forever.
Extirpated: the final step before complete extinction, extirpation is when a species can no longer live in its native habitat in Ontario or Quebec but can be found elsewhere in the world.
Extinct: species no longer in existence.

Why are we concerned about species at risk?

CPAWS-OV is the voice for the wilderness across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. We fight for environmental conservation of our public lands and waters to preserve the rich biodiversity in our community.

What species are we talking about this month?

We’re diving into Chaetura pelagica, otherwise known as the chimney swift.

This bird is threatened in Ontario and is protected under Quebec’s An Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife.

What does it look like?

This small bird is only 12-14 centimetres long.

It has a thin, long body and is a sooty-brown colour with a lighter throat. Its body is often compared to a cigar.

What type of noise does a chimney swift make?

Flocks of this small bird can make high-pitched chirping or twittering noises.

What do chimney swifts eat?

They eat small insects. It’s common for the chimney swift to forage in flight, meaning they catch flying insects in the air.

Where do they live?

Many years ago, chimney swifts nested in caves, hollow trees, or tree cavities in old-growth forests.

Since European settlement and the boom of development, this bird can be found in or around urban settlements within chimneys or other man-made structures where they can nest and roost.

You’ll also find them near water where flying insects spend their time as it’s easier to hunt.

What threatens the chimney swift?

The bird’s food source, flying insects, are in decline due to climate change, forestry and agricultural practices, and urbanization. Less food for the chimney swift means less population growth.

Their habitats are also at risk. Modernization of man-made structures, particularly chimneys on homes, makes it more difficult for this bird to nest or roost.

What can you do to protect the chimney swift?

If you see a chimney swift or come across its nest, do not disturb the bird or its home. Observe from a distance so they don’t feel uneasy in their habitat.

If you have a chimney swift nest or roost on your land, there are various programs which can support you in playing a role in this species’ recovery.

March 15 2022

How We’re Collaborating with a University of Ottawa Alumni on Ecological Protection and Natural Resources Management Initiatives Within Indigenous Communities

CPAWS OV Blog, Blogs category

The 2021-2022 season is well underway. The program consists of three phases:

A wilderness expedition: this year, we took participants on a two-day white-water canoe and camping trip along the Noire River.
A volunteer project: an educational or environmental stewardship project.
A summit: an opportunity for participants from across Canada to gather, share ideas, and further develop leadership and advocacy skills.

We had the opportunity to speak with Angélique Tardivel, a CWSP participant, about her experience and project.

Can you tell us about yourself?

I’m 28 years old and was born and raised in the French Alps.

My interest in the environment stems as far back as my childhood. My father was a professional alpinist and skier, and he instilled a love of nature and the environment in our family.

Is that what kicked started your passion for the outdoors?

Yes!

I also loved reading as a child. I learned about Indigenous history through books. My grandmother introduced me to Jack London’s writing. Although some of his writing was problematic, the way he described Canada’s landscapes and Indigenous cultures was very interesting to me.

Throughout high school, I knew I wanted a balance between my French and English post-secondary studies. Canada has so many options to choose from and the University of Ottawa seemed like a perfect fit with options to study politics, anthropology, and history in both languages.

I came to Ottawa for school and fell in love with the community.

What did you study in school?

I received an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Aboriginal and Canadian Studies from the University of Ottawa. I also hold a master’s degree in History with a specialization in Indigenous Ethnohistory from the University of Saskatchewan.

While out West, I had the opportunity to connect with more of Canada’s nature. I did a 300-kilometre hike across the Rockies, while helped me connect what I was learning in school to the real world.

How did you learn about CWSP?

After graduating, I began camping and hiking more often. A friend introduced me to the program.

The more I learned about CWSP, the more excited I became about going beyond an academic understanding of these topics to being able to learn on the land.

Learning concrete skills in nature and leading a community project drew me in, so I applied.

Are you happy with your decision to join CWSP?

I’ve really enjoyed how the program brought so many different elements together.

We explored the idea of preparing new generations for the future and how to foster them as environmental stewards. Often, protecting the environment seems like a lofty task. We discussed how to break this down so it isn’t such a large, daunting thing and how individuals can make meaningful contributions.

CWSP has also helped me explore my community better. When I arrived in the Ottawa Valley, I hiked and canoed but hadn’t explored the broader Pontiac area. This program is helping me connect to my natural community and explore topics I’ve learned in textbooks.

I’m very impressed with not only how organized the program is, but the depth of knowledge shared. The wilderness expedition to the Noire River was the perfect setting for conversations to happen organically between program participants and leaders, unlike lecture halls in a university.

CPAWS-OV also accommodated my leg fractures, ensuring I was comfortable and safe throughout the wilderness expedition. The outdoor experience was made accessible, and I had a great time!

Can you tell us about your project?

My project focuses on the intersection of Indigenous studies and environmental conservation.

I plan to curate a list of Indigenous communities in the Ottawa Valley and their projects related to conservation, connect with these communities, and explore how I and CPAWS-OV can support their work through outreach, funding or research.

What impact do you want your project to have?

My goal is to support Indigenous communities, establish a connection between CPAWS-OV and these groups, and raise awareness of their projects.

Often, the media focuses on struggles within Indigenous communities or cultural events. There’s much more to Indigenous peoples than solely these two topics and my goal is to bring visibility to their environmental stewardship efforts.

What are your goals for the summit?

I want to connect with other CPAWS chapters’ participants to learn about their projects and any parallels between our regions. I’m looking forward to meeting the participants from different provinces and learning about their projects’ impacts.

February 22 2022

How This Carleton Student is Using Cross-Country Skiing to Connect People to Nature

CPAWS OV Blog, Blogs category

The 2021-2022 season is well underway. The program consists of three phases:

A wilderness expedition: this year, we took participants on a two-day white-water canoe and camping trip along the Noire River
A volunteer project: an educational or environmental stewardship project
A summit: an opportunity for participants from across Canada to gather, share ideas, and further develop leadership and advocacy skills

We had the opportunity to speak with Meghan Burns, a CWSP participant, about her experience and project.

Can you tell us about yourself?

I’m currently a student in my fourth year in the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management program, specializing in Development Policy at Carleton University. I’ve grown up in Ottawa and I love this city! I’ve even worked for the past 4 years in Ottawa tourism as a tour guide with Ottawa Urban Adventures, at the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum.

Throughout my degree, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of community-led initiatives. In my own life, I’ve learned that it’s important to understand what issues are in my own community and how can I help is important before understanding another community’s problems or getting involved.

I’ve always been interested in the big questions. How do we build a better world? How do our societal systems interrelate? But sometimes they feel too big for one person to tackle.

My education is helping me understand what’s in my own environmental community, like Ottawa Valley’s natural history, and where I fit into this bigger system.

How did you become passionate for the outdoors?

I grew up being outdoors a lot. I’ve been a competitive cross-country skier since I was young, and currently ski with Carleton Nordic Ski Team. In the warmer months, I love cycling, running, and water sports like canoeing and kayaking.

What are some of your favourite wild spaces in the Ottawa Valley?

I love spending time with friends at Britannia Beach and Mud Lake. They’re great spots for swimming during the summer.

Gatineau Park is a classic wilderness spot in our community!

Ottawa Valley also has great infrastructure for cross-country skiing, especially the Britannia and Rideau Winter trails, Wesley Clover Park, the Kichi Sibi Winter trail and the Ottawa West winter trail. It’s been so exciting that so much winter trail infrastructure that has popped up in the last five years. Cross-country skiing is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature year-round.

How did you learn about CWSP?

I saw an Instagram ad for the program, actually! Social media is a great place to learn about community-based environmental initiatives.

As someone who wanted to learn about local environmental issues and be more accountable to my goal of learning and doing more for the community, CWSP seemed like a great choice.

Are you happy with your decision to join CWSP?

This was the perfect opportunity!

The wilderness expedition was amazing and meeting other young environmentalists in the Ottawa area was so cool.

Now I know a lot more about CPAWS and have more of a connection to the local environmental movement and issues. For example, I’ve been to Gatineau Park so many times but I had no idea it wasn’t considered a “real” park and that its protection is precarious.

I also appreciate the wilderness expedition being free for participants. As a student, I’m always looking for budget-friendly opportunities and this trip brought a lot of value on top of what the program already offered.

Can you tell us about your project?

I’m co-hosting a guided cross-country ski tour of the Ottawa River along the Kichi Sibi winter trail with another participant.

This trail passes historic spots, art installations, and so many more amazing sights.

We’re going to talk about the cultural, historical, and ecological importance of that section of Ottawa Valley’s wilderness throughout the tour.

I’ll also be doing a cross-country ski lesson beforehand to ensure everyone’s comfortable.

What impact do you want your project to have?

I hope people who join the tour learn more about and deepen their appreciation for the Ottawa River.

I’ve lived in Ottawa my whole life but didn’t know this river’s connection to other areas, what threatens its biodiversity, its history, and how important it is to the survival of species.

Hopefully, this tour will showcase Ottawa Valley’s wild spaces and the importance of environmental conservation to participants.

What else should people know about your project?

Part of what keeps people uninvolved is not knowing about outdoor resources or how to use them. Learning how to do things is always the scariest part but once you have that confidence, you’re willing to get more and more involved.

Connecting to nature has never been more important for our mental health during this pandemic. I hope people will see the opportunities to get outdoors and explore wild spaces in the snowy months.

This event can show people how to create structure to get outside, enjoy the outdoors even if it’s cold, and how that can help their mental health and the environment.

January 24 2022

6 Facts You Need to Know about Wood Turtles – and How to Protect Them: Species at Risk Series

CPAWS OV Blog, Blogs category

We’re kicking off 2022 with another deep dive into a species at risk in the Ottawa Valley.

Need a refresher on the different categories of a species being at risk and what each one means? Read our first blog in the series.

This month, we’re focusing on wood turtles.

This reptile’s scientific name is Glyptemys insculpta.

The wood turtle is listed as threatened on a federal level, meaning across Canada as a whole it isn’t considered endangered but will likely become so if urgent steps aren’t taken to protect its habitat or stop threats it faces.

However, the wood turtle is listed as endangered in Ontario, meaning that in the province this species does face imminent extinction or extirpation. It is also listed as vulnerable in Quebec.

What do they look like?

The wood turtle is a medium-sized freshwater turtle. They grow to about 20-25cm long in adulthood, around the age of 20.

This turtle has a unique feature: it doesn’t shed sections of their shells – known as their scutes – like other Ottawa Valley turtles.

Wood turtles’ scutes are greyish-brown, sometimes with yellow markings. Each individual scute has pyramidal lines, making it look like each section of the wood turtle’s shell is made up of small pyramids. Because they don’t shed sections of their shells, wood turtles develop a rugged appearance as they age, often compared to the look of wood.

Wood turtles’ skin is brown, but their legs, neck, and chin have an orange or brick-red colouring, earning this species the nickname “Old Red Leg.”

How many are in Canada?

The wood turtle population across Canada is estimated to be somewhere between 6,000 and 12,000 adult turtles.

The Canadian government estimates local populations to be much smaller, with rarely more than 100 turtles within one area.

Wood turtles can be found in wooded streams and rivers in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

How long do they live for?

Wood turtles are considered a long-lived reptile, with some living into their 30s in the wild and into their 50s in captivity.

What do they eat?

Wood turtles are omnivores and eat a variety of berries, plants, insects, small frogs, snails, and more.

They’re known for stomping their feet on the ground to replicate rainfall, drawing earthworms above ground for a snack.

How old are wood turtles when they start breeding?

This semi-aquatic reptile can take approximately 17 years before it becomes of breeding age.

This is one contributing factor to the wood turtle’s inclusion on Canada’s species at risk listing. They may be killed or collected before reaching an appropriate breeding age, therefore reducing their population numbers.

What threats do wood turtles face?

Wood turtles face a number of threats, including being illegally collected as pets. This species of turtle isn’t aggressive towards people, so they’re often collected and sold into the pet trade. This causes negative repercussions for their habitat and population numbers.

Additional threats include their habitats being destroyed by residential and commercial development, water pollution, and forestry and agricultural practices.

Additionally, a major threat to this species is road mortality. Road networks through or near wood turtle habitat cause fatalities for this at-risk species. Off-road vehicles crossing through their habitat also pose a major threat.

What is CPAWS-OV doing to protect wood turtles?

CPAWS-OV and CREDDO have been collaborating since last spring on a project to protect wood turtle habitat, a species listed as vulnerable in Quebec and present in the Noire and Coulonge river territory.

In the fall, our team went in the field to document threats around critical habitats in our study area with a drone. To reduce the risk of road mortality and to prevent the decline of turtle populations, we plan to install turtle crossing signs around hotspots where conservation efforts are increasingly needed.

Want to learn more about our project and how we plan to protect wood turtles in Southwestern Quebec? Register for our free CPAWS Café, happening January 24.

What can you do to help?

Don’t keep this species as a pet. This jeopardizes their future and their homes, and they should experience their natural habitat.

Watch for wood turtles on the road, particularly from May to October.

You can also donate to help us protect their habitat in the Noire and Coulonge watersheds.

December 22 2021

A Year in Review: How we advanced environmental conservation in the Ottawa Valley together and what’s to come

CPAWS OV Blog, Blogs category

Our community continued to meet unique challenges throughout 2021.

Despite this, we advanced conservation for Ottawa Valley’s public lands and waters together.

From our entire team, thank you for your support and helping make our mission a reality.

What did we achieve together in 2021?

Conservation

We made significant progress toward a new protected area over 1,150 km² of the Noire and Coulonge River watersheds alongside our partner, CREDDO. We also launched a project with them to protect wood turtle habitat in Quebec (and we’ll have a CPAWS Café in January diving into this topic, so stay tuned).

We also supported efforts of conservation groups and local municipalities to create a new protected area in the Papineau RCM, Réserve de biodiversité projetée Mashkiki, adding 30 km² to Quebec’s protected area network.

Thanks to new partners of our Three Rivers Fund, we restored a historic wagon road into a hiking trail along the Dumoine River for community members to enjoy.

And just a couple months ago, we all gave Thanks to Nature by raising over $7,000 to protect our wild spaces and the species calling them home.

Advocacy

Part of our work to conserve Ottawa Valley’s natural environment happens behind the scenes.

This year, we joined Yours to Protect, a coalition supporting clean water, farmland, biodiversity, and healthy communities in Ontario.

We also provided recommendations to various levels of government about protecting our environment for future generations. We provided recommendations to the Province of Ontario for its 2021-2023 Algonquin Park Forest Management Plan, as well as recommendations to the Board of the National Capital Commission for the new Gatineau Park Master Plan.

Community

Together with Wildlands League and other conservation groups, we gathered over 50 speakers for the People’s Summit. This event showcased efforts to protect special places across Ontario.

We also welcomed 10 new Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program (CWSP) participants in September with a wilderness trip to the Noire River (with community conservation projects already underway, so stay tuned for updates).

During these challenging times, we recognize the importance of connecting to natural spaces as a way to de-stress and unplug. This is why we hosted our 5^th Annual Dumoine River Art Wilderness (DRAW) Retreat, following pandemic safety protocols. We welcomed 15 new and returning participants for the week-long trip where local artists, from poets to photographers to painters and more, to connect with Ottawa Valley’s wild spaces and create art about what they see, hear, and feel.

What are our goals for 2022?

This is the year for Gatineau Park! With a federal election in the fall of 2020, supportive MPs, new mayors in Chelsea, Pontiac, and Gatineau, and a new director at the helm of the park, we are confident this is the year to move forward on legislation and other conservation measures, including ecological corridors, to protect Gatineau Park’s rich natural heritage and make it “a real park.”

In 2022, we will be launching a campaign to secure protection for a greater proportion of Ontario’s Madawaska Highlands. This is an area of lakes, rivers, forests and wetlands rich in biodiversity, but under protected.

We will also continue our work to secure a large, protected area in the Noire and Coulonge watersheds. We value local community and Indigenous peoples’ input, so community consultations are being planned for early in the new year.

Did you know only a few kilometres separate the protected areas of Algonquin Park in Ontario and Quebec’s Dumoine River? In 2022, we aim to fill the gap between our region’s two largest protected areas to secure a continentally significant connection between the forests of the south and the Boreal Forest to the north. This would create an essential migration route for species in the era of climate change.

We will also hold the Government of Quebec to its promise of establishing protected areas in southern Quebec. We will encourage both Quebec and Ontario to adopt ambitious post-2020 conservation targets of at least 25% by 2025 and 30% by 2030.

The Greenbelt, like Gatineau Park, is a defining element of our region. It is under constant threat from new roads and urban encroachment. We will continue to advocate for increased protection for the Greenbelt and work to prevent projects like Brian Coburn Boulevard from being realized.

We couldn’t do this without our community. That’s why we’re going to continue connecting you to nature to say thank you, especially to our community’s youth, through programs like CWSP and our other education efforts.

December 2 2021

What You Need to Know About the West Virginia White Butterfly: Species at Risk series

CPAWS OV Blog, Blogs category

Did you know butterflies are critical pollinators for our plants and crops? These small invertebrates aren’t just stunning, they play a crucial role in our ecosystem.

But over the last four decades, we’ve seen over 450 butterfly species decline at an average rate of almost two per cent a year.

In Canada, our iconic Monarch butterfly has declined by over 80 per cent in the last two decades in eastern regions. The western population dropped by 99 per cent in nearly three decades.

Today, we’re highlighting a lesser-known Canadian butterfly: the West Virginia White, or Pieris virginiensis.

The West Virginia White is listed as special concern in Ontario. This means it’s not endangered or threatened but may become so due to biological characteristics and identified threats.

What do they look like?

This butterfly is remarkably small with a three-to-four-centimetre wingspan. Its colouring is almost completely white, though its veins have a grey-brown tone to them. The West Virginia White’s wings look almost translucent.

In its caterpillar stage, the West Virginia White is a yellow-green colour with a striking green stripe on each side.

Where do they live?

The West Virginia White butterfly prefers moist, deciduous wooded areas. West Virginia Whites need a steady supply of toothwort, a spring-blooming plant, to eat in its larvae stage.

This woodland butterfly can be found in central and southern Ontario, as well as southern Quebec. It’s most densely populated along the western Lake Ontario region.

What threatens their survival?

The West Virginia White needs safe, woodland areas to live. Unfortunately, habitat fragmentation due to urban development and logging has led to the loss of some of these sites.

Garlic mustard, an invasive species in Ontario, is also a major cause of concern for this butterfly. Although garlic mustard is related to toothwort, the West Virginia White doesn’t feed on the plant. However, they sometimes lay their eggs on it, but the larvae don’t eat the garlic mustard and, as a result, unfortunately don’t survive to the caterpillar stage.

What are we doing to help?

The West Virginia White, like all butterflies, are pollinators. They play a key role in the survival of Ontario’s plants, particularly those that are rare or at risk. Our work to protect Ottawa Valley’s public lands will help safeguard the wooded areas these butterflies call home.