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
This Common Garter Snake was found at our Hillside site. Garter Snakes are one of the few snakes species that have live births. These carnivores eat snails, leeches, worms, insects, and sometimes small fish. Adult Garter Snakes range in size from twenty three to thirty inches. pic.twitter.com/rix58zTVoC
Mystery Monday!
This biennial plant blooms from May to September. Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui) are one of the many pollinators attracted to its flowers. The spotted stem resembles a viper’s skin, giving the plant its common name.
Can you guess this species? pic.twitter.com/4aYo7t27AD
Fairmont Intermediate School came to plant wildflowers with us at our Campbell site in June. The students planted Spotted Joe Pye weed, Hoary Vervain, and Common St. John’s Wort. These plants create habit for native species & improve biodiversity. Thank you for planting with us! pic.twitter.com/kce9CV6U9j
Mystery Monday!
Each eye of this beetle is split into two eyes by its antennae. These beetles are one of the few creatures that can safely eat milkweed. When this species eats and crawls it produces, at times, a purring sound. Can you guess this beetle? pic.twitter.com/BMeXep6Uuo
This European Praying Mantis egg sac was found on a tree at one of our restoration sites. The casing is made of hardened foam which surrounds the eggs. Up to 300 eggs can be found in one egg sac. One fifth of the Praying Mantis nymphs that emerge will survive into adulthood. pic.twitter.com/qfxB6qrD1b
Mystery Monday!
This perennial plant grows for two or three years before blooming. The large amount of nectar it produces attracts butterflies and bees. This plant has hairy stems. Can you guess this species?
As a bonus, can you identify the visitor? pic.twitter.com/ipDf9msDYN