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
Applications Now Open! 🎉
FRW is looking for our next round of Grey Tree Frog Apprentices! Are you or someone you know a high school student who wants to learn about nature?
Apply before February 19th using the link in our bio!
Contact thivyah@frw.ca or send us a DM for details pic.twitter.com/DG6clHIKHb
It's #TrackingTuesday! For all you winter wildlife detectives out there - can you identify the species that these tracks belong to?
Hint: This species is one of the most misunderstood animals in the Rouge and the only native marsupial in North America!
It’s #MysteryMonday! These chrysalises can be found suspending from plants, vines, tree branches and garden pots. In 10-14 days after the chrysalis is formed, it will become completely transparent, revealing the beautiful species inside! Do you know what species will emerge? pic.twitter.com/VXI9t9VsAN
Barred Owl (Strix varia)
Though Barred Owls are often easier to hear than they are to see, this is one owl that you might be able to spot in the Rouge. Barred Owls are easily distinguished from other owl species by their dark eyes, yellow bill & vertical barring on their chest. pic.twitter.com/KFob9lE8Xd
Just posted a photo @ Rouge National Urban Park instagram.com/p/CJtXVZuhjXj/…
It’s #MysteryMonday! This flowering shrub usually grows in wet areas and is easily identified by its distinctive red bark. This shrub has opposite branches and leaves. In the summer you can find clusters of white berries growing on this shrub. Guess what it is! pic.twitter.com/jOGlrr9UfP