We’re continuing our five-part series highlighting the top stories from the Watershed Plan. In the first phase of the Watershed Plan we describe the health of the Credit River Watershed today, and how it has changed from the 1950s. This article is our second story: Improving Natural Cover. Our data shows natural cover, such as the amount and distribution of forests, wetlands and streams are… Source ..read more

We’re planning to ecologically restore two former aggregate sites in Caledon, Pinchin Pit and Flaherty West Pit, which is part of Charles Sauriol Conservation Area. Our goal is to transform these properties into future Credit Valley Parks. In partnership with the Region of Peel, we’re undertaking studies to determine the technical, environmental, economic and social feasibility of importing clean… Source ..read more

With spring comes the return of migratory birds to southern Ontario. You’ll soon be able to see and hear many species of birds in trees and shrubs in your neighbourhood. These birds make amazing journeys each spring and fall, flying thousands of kilometres and navigating many hazards. They may face extreme weather, window collisions, predation by cats, or a lack of habitat to rest and feed in on… Source ..read more

If you’re familiar with fish species found in the Credit River, then you’ve likely heard of brook trout, chinook salmon and redside dace. However, the Credit River Watershed is home to plenty of other species of fish, many of which are common but seldom seen. Each year, staff from our Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program (IWMP)… Source ..read more

Tens of millions of people have taken DNA tests to discover their ancestral heritage. DNA tests help people discover the source of unique familial characteristics, find new family members and identify genetic health risks and measures they can take to avoid them. The natural areas that weave through our communities and upon which we build our homes also have a heritage that defines their… Source ..read more

Aside from saving our backs from strain, there are plenty of benefits to removing the task of racking leaves from our fall gardening to-do list. However, who are we leaving the leaves for? Here are three insect species that appreciate autumn leaves staying on the ground. The caterpillars of great spangled fritillary butterflies eat the leaves of native violets. Great spangled fritillary females... Source ..read more

Bats are far less frightening than you might think. In fact, we should be helping them, not hiding from them. Despite strong competition from slinky black cats, bats might be the animal most commonly associated with Halloween. But bats are actually more fascinating than frightening. Keep reading to discover why bats got a bad rap and why protecting them is so important. Although bats may look like... Source ..read more

The end of summer brings comforting, familiar feelings like the vibrant colours of autumn leaves, the sweet smell of pumpkin treats and crisp, dewy fall mornings. While this may be so for humans, for a migratory bird, nothing could be further from the truth! The fall season is a very busy time filled with stress and danger. Many breeding birds in the Credit River Watershed are migratory... Source ..read more

Now that summer is coming to an end, our monitoring, restoration and forestry staff are beginning to pack up their field equipment and prepare for the winter, when they will analyze their summer findings. Field staff find some amazing species of wildlife and capture some incredible photos throughout the summer. Here are just a few of the amazing things staff discovered this season: In October... Source ..read more

If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon two snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) engaging in the water in spring or summer, you might ask yourself: Are they fighting or mating? Differentiating snapping turtle mating and fighting rituals can be difficult, even for the experts. Mating may appear aggressive, like fighting. And to make things even harder, identifying the sex of turtles isn’t easy... Source ..read more