FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE WATERSHED
Giving Nature a Voice and a Helping Hand
YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT!
Protect
FRW works with community groups and volunteers to protect and restore ecosystem, watershed and human health. We promote a scientific and community stewardship approach to environmental assessment, planning, protection and restoration. We help to create and implement Rouge Park, Watershed, Greenbelt, and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plans.
Educate
We provide educational presentations, nature walks and environmental stewardship events which increase youth and community awareness about the inter-connections between ecosystem, watershed and human health. We motivate volunteers to be environmental and community leaders by nurturing environmental knowledge, values and stewardship skills.
Restore
We involve volunteers in forest, wetland, stream and meadow habitat restoration to help implement scientific recommendations for improving ecological integrity, water quality and human health. We repair past damages to natural systems, processes and biodiversity; reverse habitat loss and fragmentation; control invasive species; and combat the impacts of pollution, climate change, urban sprawl and flooding.
Monitor
We work with many groups and government agencies to monitor key indicators of watershed, ecosystem, park and community health. We share this knowledge with the public and decision-makers to improve environmental assessment, planning, protection and restoration.
Did You Know?
The Carolinian Forest, one of Canada’s most endangered eco-zones, is home to approximately one-third of our endangered species. The Rouge Watershed contains designated Carolinian forests, and is home to an estimated 30+ species at risk.
Did You Know?
Ecological integrity means supporting public use without going over the Rouge National Urban Park carrying capacity. Ecosystem protection needs to be a priority while visiting the park. Stay on trails, leave no trace, take only pictures. Please practice responsible use of the park.
Did You Know?
Since 1991 Friends of the Rouge Watershed has planted over 727,108 native trees, shrubs, and flowers in the Rouge Watershed - providing rich habitat for native fauna. Biodiversity loss is a global issue. Combat loss on a local scale by supporting conservation efforts, like FRW. Support native species!
Did You Know?
Environment Canada recommends a minimum of 10% wetland cover per watershed or 40% of the historic wetland cover. With only 1% wetland cover, both the Rouge and Little Rouge watersheds fall far short of these targets for achieving ecological integrity.
Did You Know?
Ecological integrity is important! Friends of the Rouge Watershed continues to push for strengthened ecological integrity, as prioritized in the Rouge National Urban Park Act and Management Plan. Ecological integrity refers to the ability of an ecosystem to sustain ecological processes and biodiversity. This means increasing native species and diverse communities in Rouge National Urban Park.
Newsletter
The Beare Wetland was created by Friends of the Rouge Watershed in the early 2000s. This wetland was formed through the work of staff and volunteers. In 2022, the Beare wetland is a home for Snapping turtles, Gray treefrogs, Blanding’s turtles, and several bird and bat species. pic.twitter.com/mvgwnrbJAz
Mystery Monday! This frog is pictured on the Friends of the Rouge Watershed logo. They live in high tree canopies, close to a source of water. The process of metachrosis is used by these frogs to camouflage. Can you guess this frog? pic.twitter.com/5epRcfat5G
Planting native wildflowers helps pollinators! 1: Grey-headed Coneflower that draws in Viceroy Butterflies. 2: Showy Tick Trefoil. They attract Bumble Bees. 3: Foxglove Beardtongue, which invites Hobomok Skipper Butterflies. 4: Black Eyed Susan that draws in Metallic Green Bees. pic.twitter.com/v3NfIA7It6
Guess who we found on our Campbell site?! In this picture, the moth is at rest and has its wings collapsed. When spread, its wings separate into five sections, and each section look like a bird’s feathers. This moth is nocturnal but it can be observed during the day. pic.twitter.com/f8oXcqc0W2
We found this Dog-day Cicada on our Cedar Grove site! Male Dog-day Cicadas produce a whining sound by vibrating membranes in the sides of their abdomen in order to attract a mate. These cicadas eat the juices from twigs. Their favourite tree species are willows, oaks, & maples. pic.twitter.com/HYkP6VmkIZ
Maintenance is an important part of our restoration work! These photos show how invasive species such as Dog-strangling Vine are a threat to the young trees on our sites. It is crucial that we cut back this Dog-strangling Vine so that our trees have space and light. pic.twitter.com/IY3TStB6a3