With scary news about increasing algal blooms, rising lake temperatures and pollutants, lake health is a growing concern.
Some of the top water science specialists in Canada are offering a free webinar series How Lakes Work starting January 20 at 7 p.m. and running for three Tuesdays. It is a joint presentation by Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre (MSDC) and Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW). The series has weekly speakers, Jan. 20, 27 and Feb. 3 with two speakers each evening. And it’s free! Register at
The first speaker is York University Biology Professor Dr. Sapna Sharma who is an expert on
environmental stressors on lakes and was the Inaugural Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Global Water Academy. Her research highlights how lakes worldwide respond to climate change, including rapid ice loss, warming water temperatures, degrading water quality, and changing fish distributions. Her research has led to an induction to the Royal Society of Canada – College of New Scholars and she has been named one of Canada’s Top 10 Women Water Scientists.
Dr. Shapna presents On Thin Ice: Are Lakes Feeling the Heat?
Lakes are losing ice cover at unprecedented rates. In the past 25 years, lake ice loss is six times faster, with some lakes not freezing every winter. By the end of the century, over 200,000 lakes may no longer regularly freeze and almost 6,000 lakes may permanently lose ice cover with climate warming. With reduced ice cover, lakes may stratify earlier which can lead to elevated water temperatures, primary production, and likelihood of algal blooms, some of which may be toxic. Mitigation of greenhouse gases is essential to preserving this ecological, cultural, and economically important resource.
Then around 8 p.m. Dr. Sharma is followed by Dr. Neil Hutchinson, FOTMW board member with a Ph.D. in Aquatic Toxicology from the University of Guelph and retired environmental consultant with over 20 years experience. He came to Muskoka to work on acid rain with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment in 1984 and never left.
Dr. Hutchinson Presents The Things We Can’t See: Lake Physics
We are fascinated by the variety and abundance of life in a lake and by how our favourite lakes change over the seasons. Lake dynamics are driven by two simple principles of physics. The first is the temperature-dependent density of water. The second is the molecular structure of ice, which means that it floats. Together, these processes drive the seasonal cycles of lake overturn and stratification and ensure there is suitable habitat for aquatic life year-round. A final physical factor of interest is the role of wind in
the movement of large water masses and the dynamics of internal water movement.
The next in the three-part series is on Jan 27: It begins with Gord Miller of Earthroots presenting The Littoral Zone – Lots of Action at the Lake’s Rim Up next, on January 27 is Dr. Norman Yan, FOTMW founder, presenting For the Love of Daphnia: How
tiny Creatures make our Lakes Work In part 3 on Feb. 3, Dr. Andrew Paterson presents When Lakes Fall Ill: A Review of Current Threats to Lake Health in Ontario
The second presentation on Feb. 3 is by Elder Christopher Stock (TEHONATÁHNHEN) presenting “She is resting”: Winter and the important role of ice. Registration is required for the free webinars. To learn more and register, visit
The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is the leader in preserving, promoting and celebrating the culture and heritage of Canada’s Muskoka District. Founded in 1973, the MS&DC is a membershipbased, not-for-profit registered charity with an ongoing objective of presenting compelling, entertaining and educational experiences, attractions and events. realmuskoka.com
Friends of the Muskoka Watershed is a charity with Friends of the Muskoka Watershed is a charity fostering research and community engagement to protect Muskoka watersheds. fotmw.org
