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		<title>Free Lake Health Webinars Series Features Canadian Specialists</title>
		<link>https://muskoka411.com/free-lake-health-webinars-series-features-canadian-specialists/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Muskoka411 Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 18:12:20 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>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 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/free-lake-health-webinars-series-features-canadian-specialists/">Free Lake Health Webinars Series Features Canadian Specialists</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With scary news about increasing algal blooms, rising lake temperatures and pollutants, lake health is a growing concern.</p>
<p>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 &amp; 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</p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="T3bebmlJ4o"><p><a href="https://realmuskoka.com/webinars/">Webinars</a></p></blockquote>
<p></p>
<p>The first speaker is York University Biology Professor Dr. Sapna Sharma who is an expert on<br />
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&#8217;s Top 10 Women Water Scientists.</p>
<p>Dr. Shapna presents On Thin Ice: Are Lakes Feeling the Heat?<br />
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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Dr. Hutchinson Presents The Things We Can’t See: Lake Physics<br />
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<br />
the movement of large water masses and the dynamics of internal water movement.</p>
<p>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<br />
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</p>
<p>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</p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="T3bebmlJ4o"><p><a href="https://realmuskoka.com/webinars/">Webinars</a></p></blockquote>
<p></p>
<p>The Muskoka Steamships &amp; Discovery Centre is the leader in preserving, promoting and celebrating the culture and heritage of Canada’s Muskoka District. Founded in 1973, the MS&amp;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</p>
<p>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</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/free-lake-health-webinars-series-features-canadian-specialists/">Free Lake Health Webinars Series Features Canadian Specialists</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
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		<title>Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Urges Residents, Businesses, And Institutions To Use Less Salt To Protect Our Watershed</title>
		<link>https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-urges-residents-businesses-and-institutions-to-use-less-salt-to-protect-our-watershed/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Muskoka411 Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:32:25 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) is kicking off SALTY November: Road Salt Awareness Month, a community-wide effort to help Muskokans reduce their excessive road salt usage. Each year, thousands of tonnes of road salt are spread on driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks, and it’s often far more than needed. That excess salt doesn’t just [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-urges-residents-businesses-and-institutions-to-use-less-salt-to-protect-our-watershed/">Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Urges Residents, Businesses, And Institutions To Use Less Salt To Protect Our Watershed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) is kicking off SALTY November: Road Salt Awareness Month, a community-wide effort to help Muskokans reduce their excessive road salt usage.</p>
<p>Each year, thousands of tonnes of road salt are spread on driveways, parking lots, and<br />
sidewalks, and it’s often far more than needed. That excess salt doesn’t just melt ice; it<br />
makes its way into Muskoka’s lakes, rivers, and entire watershed, hurting the animals that<br />
live there. And studies show that about 20 per cent of the salt comes from community<br />
sidewalks, driveways and parking lots (It’s not all highways and roads). Individuals using<br />
less can have a big impact.</p>
<p>“It’s easy to overdo it, but a little road salt goes a long way,” says Alesha Breckenridge,<br />
SALTYMuskoka Project Lead. “One 12-ounce cup of road salt is enough to safely melt ice<br />
on ten sidewalk squares or one average driveway. Reducing the amount of road salt<br />
protects our waters. Using excessive road salt doesn’t make it safer.”</p>
<p>Twentyfive percent of recreational lakes tested by the District of Muskoka have chloride<br />
levels above what is considered safe for aquatic life in our soft waters.<br />
“We know that road salt is the cause of rising chloride levels in our lakes because there are<br />
no naturally occurring sources of salt in our watershed. Chloride does not just go away; it<br />
can only be diluted or reduced at the source by our community members,” says<br />
Breckenridge.</p>
<p>Throughout SALTY November, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed is engaging the entire<br />
community. We are asking residents, small business owners, facility managers and others<br />
to take action through learning and participation:</p>
<p>• Signing up for our Green Cup Movement – Pick up and register your 12 oz Green<br />
Cup so we can measure and celebrate how many people are reducing their road<br />
salt use across Muskoka<br />
• Two Free Road Salt in Muskoka Webinars: Monday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.: Dr. Norman Yan, founder of Friends of the Muskoka Watershed<br />
Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.: Dr. Neil Hutchison, Board Member, Friends of the<br />
Muskoka Watershed Email friends@fotmw.org to sign up and get more information.<br />
• Water sampling public event: Join Dr. Neil Hutchinson on Wednesday, Nov. 26 –<br />
more details to follow<br />
• Downtown SALTYPledge Campaign Walk – We visit a few shops to talk about road<br />
salt on sidewalks and share our Green Cups and have businesses sign up and earn<br />
a window sticker for signing the pledge.<br />
Nov. 13 – Huntsville from 10 a.m. to noon<br />
Nov. 20 Bracebridge 10 a.m. to noon<br />
Gravenhurst 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.<br />
• Community Science in Action — Local schools and community volunteers are<br />
partnering with FOTMW to test chloride levels in streams and ditches that feed into<br />
Muskoka’s lakes.<br />
• Social Media “Salt-Smart” Tips — Follow us on Instagram<br />
https://www.instagram.com/friendsofthemuskokawatershed/and Facebook<br />
facebook.com/friendsofthemuskokawatershedfor weekly SALTYMuskoka tips<br />
• Library Information Displays — Find salt-safety tips and information at local<br />
libraries across Muskoka.</p>
<p>“Each individual choosing to use less road salt helps make a difference,” says<br />
Breckenridge. “When we all use a little less salt, we protect the lakes that define Muskoka.”</p>
<p>About Friends of the Muskoka Watershed<br />
Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) is a charity fostering research and community<br />
engagement to protect Muskoka’s watersheds. We identify environmental threats, develop<br />
practical, science-based solutions, and connect with policy-makers to put these solutions<br />
in place. We also cultivate awareness of these challenges and opportunities through<br />
education and outreach.</p>
<p>Friends of the Muskoka Watershed is about science driving solutions—ensuring that<br />
research and community action work hand in hand to protect the lakes and forests we all<br />
depend on.</p>
<p>Learn more at:fotmw.org<br />
Follow us: facebook.com/friendsofthemuskokawatershed<br />
instagram.com/friendsofthemuskokawatershed/</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-urges-residents-businesses-and-institutions-to-use-less-salt-to-protect-our-watershed/">Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Urges Residents, Businesses, And Institutions To Use Less Salt To Protect Our Watershed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
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		<title>Muskoka Charity Launches Thanksgiving Triple Match Challenge To Protect Watersheds </title>
		<link>https://muskoka411.com/muskoka-charity-launches-thanksgiving-triple-match-challenge-to-protect-watersheds/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Muskoka411 Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2025 17:49:01 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>This Thanksgiving, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) is giving the community another reason to celebrate. The local environmental charity is launching a special fundraising challenge in which donations will be doubled or even tripled to protect Muskoka’s watershed, our treasured lakes, rivers, wetlands and forests. Thanks to a grant partner, every contribution made between [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/muskoka-charity-launches-thanksgiving-triple-match-challenge-to-protect-watersheds/">Muskoka Charity Launches Thanksgiving Triple Match Challenge To Protect Watersheds </a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="x_elementToProof">This Thanksgiving, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) is giving the community another reason to celebrate. The local environmental charity is launching a <b>special fundraising challenge</b> in which donations will be <b>doubled or even tripled</b> to protect Muskoka’s watershed, our treasured lakes, rivers, wetlands and forests.</div>
<div></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Thanks to a grant partner, every contribution made between <b>Thursday, October 9 and Tuesday, October14 </b>will be matched. That means a gift of $50 will become $100. And thanks to the generosity of board members who are matching funds, that $50 could become $150. Donations support our science-driven solutions for protecting Muskoka’s watersheds.</div>
<div></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">FOTMW’s ASHMuskoka project has studied the benefits of adding calcium-rich wood ash to forests and to restore hundreds of acres of Muskoka forest, replacing nutrients lost over decades of acid rain. Next is to study how more carbon is captured by these healthy trees.</div>
<div></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Donations, up to $36,550 will be matched by the SALTYMuskoka project grant from the Canadian Water Agency. SALTY Muskoka’s goal is to reduce excessive road salt usage through monitoring and education.</div>
<div></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">“This is a special opportunity for people who care about Muskoka to maximize their impact,” says Doug Clark, treasurer of the FOTMW Board. “Our board members have stepped up to challenge the community, and now we’re asking everyone who loves Muskoka’s lakes and forests to join us. Together, we can work to protect Muskoka’s watershed for generations to come.”</div>
<div></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">The campaign will run over the <b>Canadian Thanksgiving weekend</b>, celebrating gratitude for the watershed and natural beauty of Muskoka while inspiring residents, seasonal visitors, and supporters across Ontario to give back. Recognizing that some families unplug during the holiday, the challenge runs until <b>Tuesday, October 14</b> offering one last chance to take advantage of the matching funds on <b>Giving Tuesday, Eh.</b> (Elbows up lol).</div>
<div></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">“We all depend on healthy lakes, forests, and watersheds,” says FOTMW founder and director Dr. Norman Yan.  “This Thanksgiving, we’re inviting people to turn their gratitude into action. Every dollar makes a difference and this weekend, every dollar goes further than ever before.”</div>
<div></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">To donate visit: <u><a id="OWAeec35940-9a2b-298f-324a-76b0d78cde6f" class="x_Hyperlink x_SCXW128735644 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink" title="https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed/" href="https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">canadahelps.org/en/charities/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed/</a></u></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/muskoka-charity-launches-thanksgiving-triple-match-challenge-to-protect-watersheds/">Muskoka Charity Launches Thanksgiving Triple Match Challenge To Protect Watersheds </a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
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		<title>Citizen Scientists Help Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Locate Sources Of Road Salt Pollution In Muskoka</title>
		<link>https://muskoka411.com/citizen-scientists-help-friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-locate-sources-of-road-salt-pollution-in-muskoka/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[News Room]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2025 23:57:51 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://muskoka411.com/?p=115409</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Citizen science is making a difference. It&#8217;s impacting Muskoka’s road salt research and future plans for Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW)’s SALTYMuskoka education project. Dr. Neil Hutchinson, science director and FOTMW board member, completed the report: Citizen Science Observations on Road Salt in Muskoka. We know that lakes in Muskoka are threatened with toxic [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/citizen-scientists-help-friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-locate-sources-of-road-salt-pollution-in-muskoka/">Citizen Scientists Help Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Locate Sources Of Road Salt Pollution In Muskoka</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Citizen science is making a difference. It&#8217;s impacting Muskoka’s road salt research and future plans for Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW)’s SALTYMuskoka education project. Dr. Neil Hutchinson, science director and FOTMW board member, completed the report: Citizen Science Observations on Road Salt in Muskoka.</p>
<p>We know that lakes in Muskoka are threatened with toxic chloride from our use of road salt. Data from eight citizen scientists testing in 27 different locations over two years, highlights important sources for rising chloride readings and records some levels that are of concern. The study enforced the value of citizen science and what it can accomplish. The learnings can be applied to work in FOTMW’s SALTYMuskoka program to inform residents on how to reduce road salt pollution.</p>
<p>“Our big finding, which wasn’t really a surprise, was that it’s possible to pinpoint those areas of high salt loading by using measurements made by citizen scientists and thinking about where the sources might be,” he says. Lakes with elevated chloride levels all have major winter-maintained highways or urban areas in their immediate catchments and road salt is applied to these areas in winter. While this much is known, it is important to pinpoint areas in the watershed with much higher chloride levels than others.</p>
<p>“We had eight citizen scientists sampling in 27 different places, measuring conductivity as a surrogate for road salt,” he says. A conductivity meter is used to determine salt levels by measuring a solution&#8217;s ability to conduct electricity, which is directly related to the concentration of dissolved ions, including those from salt. The more salt in a solution, the higher its conductivity.</p>
<p>Of the 27 locations, four were significant contributors of chloride. “We learned that in some places in Gravenhurst and Bracebridge, the road salt coming off a parking lot has about half the seawater concentration of chloride. We know that water that is this salty is harmful to Muskoka’s aquatic life,” explains Hutchinson. This serious input of road salt can have harmful effects on many of the animals living in our lakes, as well as our cars, our clothes, our pet’s feet and our infrastructure.”</p>
<p>“When one looks at the watershed report cards by the Muskoka Watershed Council, it can be seen that certain areas like Gravenhurst Bay are getting worse over time,” he says. “That&#8217;s because of this accumulation of road salt.”</p>
<p>Hutchinson&#8217;s report recognizes the value of citizen scientists. “Citizen scientists can do a lot more than any one scientist can do on their own,” he explains. “We have an army of people that can go down to the foot of their driveway and make an observation and measurements. They can go down to the nearest storm drain or creek, and they can do that frequently because it’s close to where they live.”</p>
<p>Citizen scientists take a personal interest in their project and research. “They take that interest forward,” he says. “I think that sometimes politicians get tired of hearing bad news from scientists but when they hear that from the average citizen, they are more inclined to pay attention.”</p>
<p>SALTYMuskoka is a new Friends of the Muskoka Watershed education and outreach program to help people identify and manage road salt pollution in their areas. Alesha Breckenridge, FOTMW’s SALTYMuskoka Project Lead will use this citizen science report. “This study will guide our educational programming for SALTYMuskoka. The goal is to empower people to learn how to reduce their personal road salt use to protect our watershed,” says Breckenridge. Please see the link to Dr. Hutchinson’s report here. FMW2025-02AR &#8211; Road Salt Pollution in Muskoka.pdf</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/citizen-scientists-help-friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-locate-sources-of-road-salt-pollution-in-muskoka/">Citizen Scientists Help Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Locate Sources Of Road Salt Pollution In Muskoka</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
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		<title>Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Receives Grant To Help Reduce Road Salt Pollution In Muskoka</title>
		<link>https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-receives-grant-to-help-reduce-road-salt-pollution-in-muskoka/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Muskoka411 Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 19:22:06 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Increasing road salt usage has Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW)  concerned about the damage caused to area lakes. FOTMW has been awarded an EcoAction program grant from The Canadian Water Agency to support their work finding ways to reduce the excessive use of road salt, and to educate the public about road salt risks.  [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-receives-grant-to-help-reduce-road-salt-pollution-in-muskoka/">Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Receives Grant To Help Reduce Road Salt Pollution In Muskoka</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Increasing road salt usage has Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW)  concerned about the damage caused to area lakes.</p>
<p>FOTMW has been awarded an EcoAction program grant from The Canadian Water Agency to<br />
support their work finding ways to reduce the excessive use of road salt, and to educate the public about road salt risks.  “This is a critical issue that’s getting worse. This grant will help,” says FOTMW chair Lenore Inniss.</p>
<p>“We will also need community financial support to take this project to the next level.”<br />
Excessive road salt use is contaminating Muskoka’s lakes to the point where aquatic life is<br />
negatively impacted. One result is the decreasing population of the small creatures that eat the  algae in the lakes. This could result in more algal blooms.</p>
<p>“Our goal is to engage the Muskoka community (urban and lakeshore residents, schools, and commercial property owners) to reduce the use of road salt on residential properties, sidewalks and parking lots,” explains FOTMW director Dr. Norman Yan. Studies show that most people are using five to 10 times more road salt than required.</p>
<p>While this $74,000 grant is great news, a requirement of the grant is FOTMW must match the funds. “We need our donors and members to help us fundraise this amount so we can carry out the work to help protect our watershed,” says Inniss.</p>
<p>It’s estimated that about 20 percent of the road salt used in Muskoka is applied to parking lots, driveways and sidewalks. That 20 percent is the focus of this grant. The program is officially called Promoting Freshwater Health in Muskoka: Community-Led Reductions in Road Salt Usage, or SALTYMuskoka for short.</p>
<p>The SALTYMuskoka project will help schools, businesses, lake associations and individual<br />
community members record salt levels and participate in road salt reduction education.<br />
How bad is the salt problem?</p>
<p>Levels of most pollutants, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, acidity and metals have either stabilized or fallen in Muskoka lakes. But road salt levels have increased in lakes with developed watersheds and will likely worsen with continued population growth and climate change unless action is taken.<br />
• Twenty percent of our lakes have chloride levels (from road salt) high enough to cause<br />
damage. The affected lakes are found across the developed parts of Muskoka.<br />
• Rising chloride levels in lakes across the watershed indicate inadequate management of<br />
the issue. It’s a problem that needs focus.<br />
• Road salt changes the chemistry of the water, threatening the life in our lakes. It can even<br />
change the physics of lakes, altering the critical mixing in the spring that replenishes lake<br />
oxygen lost under winter ice cover.<br />
• 30,000 tons of salt enter Lake Muskoka every year, and chloride levels in most developed<br />
lakes have increased roughly 20-fold. In Muskoka Bay, chloride levels are now high enough<br />
to threaten lake life.<br />
• Individuals can make a difference. They can reduce or even stop using salt on their own<br />
property. Individuals can help document and track the issue by recording salt usage in their<br />
community. Individuals can educate and influence others about road salt.</p>
<p>Visit this report on our website to learn more about the road salt threat: https://fotmw.org/fomw publications/the-road-salt-threat-to-muskoka-lakes-answering-10-key-environmental-questions/</p>
<p>Please email friends@fotmw.org if you’d like to get involved.</p>
<p>We appreciate all membership https://fotmw.org/Membership/</p>
<p>Donations to help with our SALTYMuskoka program can be made at https://fotmw.org/Donate/</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-receives-grant-to-help-reduce-road-salt-pollution-in-muskoka/">Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Receives Grant To Help Reduce Road Salt Pollution In Muskoka</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
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		<title>Free Hike With Forest Scientists: Learn How Wood Ash Is Helping Our Trees</title>
		<link>https://muskoka411.com/free-hike-with-forest-scientists-learn-how-wood-ash-is-helping-our-trees/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Reporter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jul 2024 14:20:43 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Bracebridge]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Join Friends of the Muskoka Watershed for a free hike and learn how ash from woodstoves and fireplaces is restoring our forests. Friends of the Muskoka Watershed is hosting a hike to let the community see and learn more about our successful ash addition research at Camp Big Canoe. Hear about it from the Trent [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/free-hike-with-forest-scientists-learn-how-wood-ash-is-helping-our-trees/">Free Hike With Forest Scientists: Learn How Wood Ash Is Helping Our Trees</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Join Friends of the Muskoka Watershed for a free hike and learn how ash from woodstoves and fireplaces is restoring our forests.</p>
<p><a href="https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-has-big-plans-for-the-future/">Friends of the Muskoka Watershed</a> is hosting a hike to let the community see and learn more about our successful ash addition research at Camp Big Canoe. Hear about it from the Trent University researchers who’ve been doing the research and monitoring. On Monday, Aug. 12, Camp Big Canoe in Bracebridge is welcoming guests to tour along Hart Lake and into the maple forests to learn more about Friends of the Muskoka Watershed’s (FOTMW) ASHMuskoka project.</p>
<p>“We’ve made it free so more people are able to learn about our work,” says FOTMW chair Lenore Inniss.</p>
<p>Muskoka’s lakes and forests are calcium deficient. It’s the impact of decades of acid rain on our shallow soil on the Canadian Shield. Wood ash, from fireplaces and woodstoves, is about 25 to 30 percent calcium and often disposed of as garbage in the landfill.</p>
<p>Instead, FOTMW has collected tons of ash from volunteers and, working with Trent University, studied the impact of adding it to forest soil.</p>
<p>The results are in. Just one dose makes the trees healthier, more disease-resistant, able to capture more carbon and, we believe, able to pump more water to lessen the impact of spring flooding.</p>
<p>“Applied research of this type is extremely rewarding. It connects the public to current environmental issues, shows that individuals can make a difference and allows students to feel that their work is valued by society,” says Dr. Shaun Watmough, director of the Environmental and Life Sciences and Graduate programs at Trent University.</p>
<p>&#8220;Having Friends of the Muskoka Watershed use our unused forests for research is a win-win situation for Camp Big Canoe,&#8221; says Doug Clark. &#8220;It makes our forests healthier, creates an opportunity for our campers and staff to learn, and FOTMW is acquiring knowledge that will positively impact forest health and climate change.&#8221;</p>
<p>Join us for a short 1.5 hike from 10 a.m. to noon. Use forest measurement tools including a densiometer to measure canopy cover and a dendrometer to measure tree trunk diameter growth. Then help restore the forest by spreading ash. Learn from experts including Dr. Norman Yan and researchers from Trent University.</p>
<p>On hand for the hike is Shelby Conquer, PhD student at Trent University, who has done much of the research so far at Camp Big Canoe.</p>
<p>&#8220;Sugar maple trees are a culturally and economically significant species in Canada but are increasingly threatened by climate change. Thus, studying ways to ensure their future health and survivorship is essential. By involving passionate members of our community we&#8217;ve not only been able to divert thousands of tons of wood ash from landfills, but we&#8217;ve been able to improve soil conditions to those that foster healthy sugar maple growths,” she says. “Hopefully, this will allow us to use the tools we have to preserve this species in the future.&#8221;</p>
<p>Following the short hike, meet on the deck of the camp dining hall for a Q &amp; A period.</p>
<p>Enjoy exploring a maple forest, learn forestry skills, ask questions of researchers and get<br />
an inside look at Camp Big Canoe at 1012 Sherwood Forest Rd in Bracebridge. Tickets are free, donations are appreciated, and <a href="https://fotmw.org/hike-cruise/">registration is required online</a>.</p>
<p>A second event, Peer Under the Surface, is a cruise planned for Sunday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $65 and seating is limited to 42 participants. <a href="https://fotmw.org/hike-cruise/">Check our website for more information</a>.</p>
<p>Friends of the Muskoka Watershed is a charity with a focus on protecting Muskoka&#8217;s Watersheds forever. We research science-based solutions to environmental freshwater issues. Real Science takes real money. Donations are always appreciated, and tax receipts are issued.</p>
<p><a href="http://fotwm.org">Friends of the Muskoka Watershed</a> is a charity focused on protecting Muskoka Watersheds forever with science-driven solutions. <a href="https://fotmw.org/resources/report/">Click here</a> to read our most recent scientific reports.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/free-hike-with-forest-scientists-learn-how-wood-ash-is-helping-our-trees/">Free Hike With Forest Scientists: Learn How Wood Ash Is Helping Our Trees</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
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		<title>Environmental Charity Wants Your Ash On Saturday</title>
		<link>https://muskoka411.com/environmental-charity-wants-your-ash-on-saturday/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Muskoka411 Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:58:38 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>From: Friends of the Muskoka Watershed Please bring your cold, clean ash. This Saturday is Friends of the Muskoka Watershed’s (FOTMW) last ash collection day until the fall. Already this year we’ve received donations of over 4000 kg of ash. We can’t wait to see what the total is after our Saturday, April 20 collection [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/environmental-charity-wants-your-ash-on-saturday/">Environmental Charity Wants Your Ash On Saturday</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>From: Friends of the Muskoka Watershed</p>
<p><em>Please bring your cold, clean ash.</em></p>
<p>This Saturday is Friends of the Muskoka Watershed’s (FOTMW) last ash collection day until<br />
the fall. Already this year we’ve received donations of over 4000 kg of ash. We can’t wait to<br />
see what the total is after our Saturday, April 20 collection day. We will be at 1062<br />
Rosewarne Drive, the Bracebridge landfill/transfer station from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.<br />
Since 2019, we’ve collected over 36,000 kg of woodstove and fireplace ash to help protect<br />
Muskoka’s watershed.</p>
<p>April is also our birthday month, so we are ready to celebrate. If you are thinking of<br />
supporting us with a cash donation, now is the time. Two generous supporters are<br />
matching donations as a birthday gift to FOTWM. As a result, your donation goes twice as<br />
far.(fotmw.org/donate/</p>
<p>Thank you to all the amazing volunteers and ash donors who have contributed to the work of the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed and the betterment of our shared environment.<br />
We use this ash to conduct research with Trent University and to restore Muskoka forests. The laboratory studies indicate that Muskoka ash is 25-30% calcium and has appreciable amounts of other key plant nutrients including potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.</p>
<p>We have applied thousands of kilograms of processed wood ash to sugar maple bushes and<br />
research forests. We&#8217;ve learned that wood ash neutralizes the acidity of Muskoka soils that<br />
were damaged by decades of acid rain. Preliminary research suggests that ash application to<br />
the soil increases tree vitality and growth, meaning that trees are more storm-resistant and<br />
have the potential to capture more carbon! Healthier trees also can pump more water, with a positive impact on flood mitigation.</p>
<p>We require more ash, as our research is ongoing. The next drive is Saturday, April 21. Real<br />
science takes real money so financial support is also appreciated. FOTWM is a registered<br />
charity.</p>
<p>If you’d like to know more contact us at friends@fotmw.org, come visit us on Saturday to talk to our experts about our research and future projects or visit our website at fotmw.org</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/environmental-charity-wants-your-ash-on-saturday/">Environmental Charity Wants Your Ash On Saturday</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
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		<title>Renowned Knitting Pilgrim Coming To Muskoka</title>
		<link>https://muskoka411.com/renowned-knitting-pilgrim-coming-to-muskoka/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Muskoka411 Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:44:16 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Knitting Pilgrim is a multidisciplinary one-person theatrical experience that uses storytelling, image projection and a one-of-a-kind textile installation called Stitched Glass. The show comes to The Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. Thanks to a generous supporter, all ticket sales will [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/renowned-knitting-pilgrim-coming-to-muskoka/">Renowned Knitting Pilgrim Coming To Muskoka</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Knitting Pilgrim is a multidisciplinary one-person theatrical experience that uses<br />
storytelling, image projection and a one-of-a-kind textile installation called Stitched Glass.</p>
<p>The show comes to The Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m.</p>
<p>Thanks to a generous supporter, all ticket sales will go towards funding Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) projects. FOTMW is a charity focussed on preserving Muskoka Watersheds using science driven solutions.</p>
<p>Created by actor, writer and knitter Kirk Dunn, Stitched Glass is a triptych of large hand-knitted panels, designed in the style of stained-glass windows, which looks at the commonalities and conflicts amongst the Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The textile masterwork was supported by a Chalmers Foundation grant through the Ontario Arts Council in 2003.</p>
<p>It took Dunn an incredible 15 years and 90 pounds of yarn to complete. Knitting is encouraged during the show if audience members are so inclined—Dunn has yarn and needles to give out onstage. People can also Bring Their Own Knitting (#BYOK). He is using the audience’s knitting to assemble a giant Moebius Strip, a curiously paradoxical object that has significance in the play.</p>
<p>Dunn and Claire Ross Dunn co-wrote The Knitting Pilgrim, which uses the huge Stitched<br />
Glass panels as its set. The play recounts Dunn’s artistic and spiritual journey of hand-knitting the project, and his hope to contribute to the vital conversation about xenophobia, Antisemitism and Islamophobia, dealing with internal/external strife, and fear of the other.</p>
<p>“The hope has always been to create conversation,” says Dunn, who sought out Christian,<br />
Muslim and Jewish consultants to help him research and design the artwork and, more<br />
personally, to learn about the feelings and experiences of others. “A conversation between all people—believers and non-believers—who find themselves in conflict. How can we better<br />
understand and empathize with each other? Everyone has a unique background, point of view, and experience, and at the same time, many experiences are universal. Focusing on what knits us together, rather than what pulls us apart, is a place to start.”<br />
The Knitting Pilgrim premiered at the Aga Kahn Museum in 2019. Now Magazine rated it as<br />
one of the ten best shows in Toronto that month, and Mooney on Theatre gave it 5 out of 5 stars at the Toronto Fringe. The show has toured across Ontario and the Maritimes, in Austria and Germany, and has performances booked into 2025.&#8221;</p>
<p>For tickets, go to Eventbrite: The Knitting Pilgrim in Muskoka<br />
Or https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada&#8211;simcoe/knitting-pilgrim-muskoka/<br />
Tickets are $40, Seniors 65 and over $25</p>
<p>What Audiences are Saying:<br />
“A brilliant show that sticks with you, teaches you how to think, about faith, empathy resilience, and art. When doubt about your talent slips in and dogs your every step keep knitting. The end created a wonderful gasp and the tears begin to flow. This is a brilliant moving piece. Kirk is the Jimmy Carter of knitting.” – Deb K</p>
<p>“It starts with a guy on a stool, inviting you to come up and take a ball of yarn and needles from his basket. It ends with you wondering how to nominate him as a United Nations Peace Ambassador.” – Colin Noden, Apt613</p>
<p>“Went with my teenagers and we haven’t stopped talking about it since!” – Cynthia S<br />
Friends of the Muskoka Watershed fotwm.org is a charity focused on protecting Muskoka Watersheds forever with science driven solutions. Visit https://fotmw.org/ashmuskoka-final-research-reports/ to read our most recent scientific reports.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/renowned-knitting-pilgrim-coming-to-muskoka/">Renowned Knitting Pilgrim Coming To Muskoka</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
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		<title>Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Has Big Plans For The Future</title>
		<link>https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-has-big-plans-for-the-future/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[News Room]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jun 2023 21:18:58 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>After much study, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) has selected their project plans for the next five years. The plans to help protect Muskoka watersheds were announced at their AGM on Sunday, June 11 at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst. FOTMW also held their business meeting and had presentations from their partner Trent [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-has-big-plans-for-the-future/">Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Has Big Plans For The Future</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">After much study, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) has selected their project plans for the next five years. The plans to help protect Muskoka watersheds were announced at their AGM on Sunday, June 11 at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst.</p>
<p class="p1">FOTMW also held their business meeting and had presentations from their partner Trent University, and two scientists who are directors on the board. But the big news is their long-term plan.</p>
<p class="p1">With input from advisors, the board, local experts and using published literature, FOTMW evaluated 14 watershed threats to determine the top seven plans for FOTMW’s focus for the future. The threats were evaluated for: severity, extent and trend; current government actions; and potential for local community action to help resolve the threat.</p>
<p class="p1">At the top of the list are plans to address calcium decline and increasing levels of road salt. The study of hazardous algal blooms and novel toxic chemicals are on the work plan too. Tying that all together is a goal to motivate the community to participate in protecting Muskoka. Below is the full list of projects for <span class="s1">the next year. (</span>See the full report at <a href="https://fotmw.org/our-major-programs/">https://fotmw.org/our-major-programs/</a>)</p>
<ol>
<li class="p1">Calcium decline has damaged Muskoka forests. FOTMW plan to involve the community in restoration using wood ash.</li>
<li class="p1">Calcium decline has reduced forest carbon capture. Working with university researchers, FOTMW <span style="font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">will determine what impact healthier forests could have on climate change. How much more </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">carbon will forests capture after ash additions?</span></li>
<li class="p1">Calcium decline in forests may increase the risk of spring floods. FOTMW will determine if an <span style="font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">increase in calcium will increase forest transpiration, reducing the severity of spring floods.</span></li>
<li class="p1">Road salt is damaging many Muskoka lakes. FOTMW are identifying the source and raising <span style="font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">awareness of the issue</span></li>
<li class="p1">Hazardous algal blooms are on the rise. FOTMW plan to study their causes so they can better predict <span style="font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">occurrences and investigate solutions.</span></li>
<li class="p1">Novel toxic chemicals may be damaging our lakes. FOTMW will determine if aquatic life is <span style="font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">threatened and action is needed.</span></li>
<li class="p1">Public will and action are needed to protect the environment. Through Citizen Science and <span style="font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">other projects, FOTMW will motivate, educate and provide opportunities for the community to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">participate in protecting Muskoka.</span></li>
</ol>
<p class="p1">FOTMW Chair Peter Kelly also shared some updates. “Revenue Canada has recognized us as a registered charity, allowing us to issue tax receipts for donations, and that is making a difference,” he says. “We are in an excellent position for the future and it’s going to be a good one for FOTMW. We focus on science driven solutions.”</p>
<p class="p1">A new board was elected. Financials were approved and about 35 guests heard scientific reports from Dr. Neil Hutchinson on the road salt study and plans, and Dr. Shaun Watmough of Trent University and Dr. Norman Yan on the results of additions of ash to our forests.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-has-big-plans-for-the-future/">Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Has Big Plans For The Future</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
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		<title>Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Earns Charitable Designation</title>
		<link>https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-earns-charitable-designation/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2022 22:53:29 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) now has status as a charitable corporation. The organization, first established in 2013 as a not-for-profit, earned their charity status in September of 2022. To earn this status, FOTMW had to prove to the Canada Revenue Agency that their environmental protection work meets strict criteria. The Friends of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-earns-charitable-designation/">Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Earns Charitable Designation</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">The Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) now has status as a charitable corporation. The organization, first established in 2013 as a not-for-profit, earned their charity status in September of 2022.</p>
<p class="p1">To earn this status, FOTMW had to prove to the Canada Revenue Agency that their environmental protection work meets strict criteria. The Friends of the Muskoka Watershed can now give tax receipts for all monetary donations.</p>
<p class="p1">“This is an important change for our organization,” says Doug Clark, a volunteer director on the FOTMW board. “It was a long and complex process and many months of communication with the Canada Revenue Agency. More work will be required in the future as we take on this new role as a charity. ”</p>
<p class="p1">Many people will be familiar with the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed’s wood ash recycling and Citizen Science programs and their work to find solutions and strategies to deal with environmental issues such as road salt and algal blooms.</p>
<p class="p1">In the past decade, FOTMW has been supported by many who have given money to support the organization&#8217;s work protecting Muskoka watershed. “We are thrilled that we are now able to offer our generous donors and members a tax receipt for their financial contributions,“ says Dr. Norman Yan, founding director of FOTMW. Both a membership campaign and fundraising campaign are planned in the next few weeks so FOTMW supporters can take advantage of year-end tax receipts.</p>
<p class="p1">To qualify for registration as a charity, an organization must have purposes that are exclusively charitable and charitable activities that support those purposes. <span class="s1">FOTMW identifies environmental </span>threats, develops practical science-based solutions, and connects with policy-makers to put these solutions in place. They also cultivate an awareness of these threats and solutions through educational outreach within the Muskoka community.</p>
<p class="p1">Priorities for the organization include strategic research and actions to solve known problems that are not yet managed well – such as calcium decline in Muskoka forests, harmful winter road salt, climate change and increasing algal blooms. Their priorities are regularly reviewed and adapted by the board.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://muskoka411.com/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed-earns-charitable-designation/">Friends Of The Muskoka Watershed Earns Charitable Designation</a> appeared first on <a href="https://muskoka411.com">Muskoka411</a>.</p>
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