Cataraqui Conservation

10/24/2026

Did you know … squirrels have been observed creating "fake" caches of nuts and seeds in the fall to trick watching rivals or thieves.

- Photos by Andrea Lindsay, Ray Sutherland amd Erika Hinch

10/23/2026

You’re Invited to a Special Change is in the Air - Guided Walk on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Join Cataraqui Conservation education staff and enjoy the crisp late autumn air and take note of the dramatic and sometimes subtle changes that happen to the plants and animals that migrate, hibernate or adapt at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area in Kingston. Share in the joy of exploring nature with others.

Registration is required. Cost is $5.25 for adults (includes the gate fee) and $0 for annual pass holders. https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/events
- Photo by Marietta Weber

10/23/2026

Employment Opportunity!

Cataraqui Conservation is seeking an experienced professional with the skills, ability and knowledge to provide accounting and human resources services that support all business units.

Interested candidates are requested to submit an email message to [email protected] with your name and “Finance Assistant” in the subject line, along with a cover letter and résumé attached, and addressed to David Ellingwood, General Manager.

Closing Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EDT

Read the entire job posting here:https://crca.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026-JobAd-FinanceAssistant.pdf

10/23/2026

Creatures of The Night Hike

It will take place Friday, Oct. 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, just north of Highway 401 in Kingston.

Cost: $5.25 for adults, $3.75 for children, $0 for annual pass holders
Registration is required. Once you are on our booking page, click on the Little Cat Weekend Events tab and navigate the calendar to Oct. 30. Click on the green box to register. https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/events

Note: unfortunately we are not able to accommodate dogs in the group for this program (service animals are permitted).

10/22/2026

Nature Joke:

What did the tree say after struggling with a math problem?

“I’m completely stumped.”

10/22/2026

Concerned about droughts and dry wells?

Drought is about more than just a few dry days. Prolonged periods of below-average precipitation can reduce groundwater recharge and lower water levels in the aquifers that supply many drinking water wells.

The good news? We can all create opportunities for water to soak into the ground where it falls. Rain gardens, native plantings, reduced hard surfaces, and other infiltration-focused practices can help replenish groundwater and strengthen local water supplies.

📸City of Kingston Water Conservation Garden

Keep an eye on our website for updates on water level conditions in the Cataraqui Watershed: https://cataraquiconservation.ca/

10/22/2026

Important information from Conservation Ontario

DYK? Your property could be in a floodplain—even if you’ve never experienced a flood. 🌊

During heavy rainfall or snowmelt, water levels in rivers, creeks, streams, and lakes can rise and overflow onto surrounding lands.

That’s why planning ahead is essential. Conservation Authorities use science and floodplain mapping to identify areas at risk and work with property owners and municipalities to help inform safe development, reduce flood risks and protect people, property and investments.

Curious about flood risks in your community? Reach out to your local Conservation Authority to learn more about floodplain mapping and what it could mean for your property.

10/22/2026

Our pals at Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre host some pretty amazing educational programs at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area!

Join us at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area for our "Making Friends with Wildlife" Field Trip

***Available 2026 Dates***

November 18 - 9:30am to 11:30am

December 2 - 9:30am to 11:30am

Registration is available to schools only and this program is best suited to Grades 1, 2, and 3.

10/22/2026

Nature Wellness Retreat Happening in November

Join Cataraqui Conservation Senior Educator, registered Forest Therapy Guide and certified Qi Gong and Yoga Instructor, Stana Luxford Oddie for a nature wellness retreat on Friday. Nov. 20, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area in Kingston.
Participants will begin the morning with some gentle mindful movements that incorporate Qi Gong and Yoga to wake up the body, mind and spirit.

Afterwards, Stana will guide the group on a sensory and immersive Forest Therapy Walk. Forest Therapy is a mindful, healing and connective practice inspired by the Japanese practice of 'Shinrin-Yoku' which translates into 'forest bathing' (don’t worry, you won’t need a towel).

Spending time in nature not only strengthens human immune response and reduces stress, but also make us more creative, mindful, and content in our lives. The beauty of Forest Therapy is that it connects humans and nature, so that both benefit from a renewed relationship. We will complete our time with tea and sharing.

You are welcome to complete the morning by bringing your own brown bag lunch to eat together in community. For more information, or to sign up, visit the listing on our Events page: https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/events

10/21/2026

Still Time to Complete the Foundation Hike Challenge!

Nature lovers and those seeking a little fun with their fall hikes have until Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, to participate in the Cataraqui Conservation Foundation’s Hike Challenge, which can be completed at four Cataraqui Conservation owned properties.

1. Lemoine Point Conservation Area
2. Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
3. Section of the Cataraqui Trail
4. Marble Rock Conservation Area

Hike the highlighted trail at each conservation area, or a minimum three out of four, and look for the special coloured Cataraqui Conservation Foundation logo signs. Take a photo (selfie) with each of the signs to complete the challenge and upload your photos to the Hike Challenge photo page.

For all the details, please visit https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/hike-challenge