FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE WATERSHED
Giving Nature a Voice and a Helping Hand
COME PLANT WITH US!
YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT!
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY GREENING THE ROUGE WATERSHED
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
New report 'The State of Large Parks in Ontario's Golden Horseshoe' states: "large park supply per capita will drop drastically with anticipated regional population growth" bit.ly/2WwMfz0
#MysteryMonday! These fungi can be found on decaying trees like aspen and beech. This species' namesake comes from a popular seafood that this mushroom is said to look like. Does anyone know what it could be? #FRW #RNUP pic.twitter.com/bDlKc2JHMg
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina) A long-lived native species of the rouge, the Common Snapping Turtle is classified as Special Concern in Ontario. Have you seen a turtle species crossing the road? Click here for info on what you can do: //bit.ly/2KbNcWR pic.twitter.com/V6VZ9pfteI
Found at the Reesor pond, Wintercress! From the Mustard Family, these will be flowering for the rest of this month. Reesor Pond is a #FRW created habitat which is now home to a plethora of wildlife species, including this Wintercress. #RNUP #restoration #pollinatorweek pic.twitter.com/lcPMPntC3D
What a blast! @DukeofConnaught grade 4/5 students persevered through the rain this morning and were rewarded! We planted, played and hiked - we saw and heard turtles, toads, frogs and insects and brushed up on our #invasivespecies identification. Thank you Friends! pic.twitter.com/eQ8hwGGiiX
Calendar
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| 2 | 3 | 4Tree Planting in the Rouge from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Tree planting day hosted by Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW) as part of FRW's 28th annual planting program. The planting will restore native habitat and create an ecological buffer next to the Rouge Valley and the new Rouge National Park. Tree Planting in the Rouge from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Tree planting day hosted by Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW) as part of FRW's 28th annual planting program. The planting will restore native habitat and create an ecological buffer next to the Rouge Valley and the new Rouge National Park. Thomas L Wells | 5Tree Planting in the Rouge from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Tree planting day hosted by Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW) as part of FRW's 28th annual planting program. The planting will restore native habitat and create an ecological buffer next to the Rouge Valley and the new Rouge National Park. Tree Planting in the Rouge from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Tree planting day hosted by Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW) as part of FRW's 28th annual planting program. The planting will restore native habitat and create an ecological buffer next to the Rouge Valley and the new Rouge National Park. Thomas L Wells | 6Tree Planting in the Rouge from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Tree planting day hosted by Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW) as part of FRW's 28th annual planting program. The planting will restore native habitat and create an ecological buffer next to the Rouge Valley and the new Rouge National Park. | 7Tree Planting in the Rouge from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm Tree planting day hosted by Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW) as part of FRW's 28th annual planting program. The planting will restore native habitat and create an ecological buffer next to the Rouge Valley and the new Rouge National Park. Tree Planting in the Rouge from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm Tree planting day hosted by Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW) as part of FRW's 28th annual planting program. The planting will restore native habitat and create an ecological buffer next to the Rouge Valley and the new Rouge National Park. Aviva | 8 | |||
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15Leslieville Tree Festival from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm FRW will be hosting a booth at the Leslieville Tree Festival! | |||
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