Cataraqui Conservation

09/05/2026

Did you know … According to the online Etymology website etymonline.com the word "dace" originated in the early fifteenth century from the Old French word "darz", which means to dart.

This fish, including the Redbelly Dace, which can be found throughout the Cataraqui Region, was so called for its movements.

Another theory traces it to the Medieval Latin word "darsus" also meaning to dart, said to be of Gaulish (more or less modern France and the Low Countries) origin.

09/04/2026

Kids (and teachers/school staff) are heading back to school and they’re going to need lots of stuff.

Cataraqui Conservation has a variety of items that would be perfect for parents and kids looking for some colourful branded apparel, the purchase of which goes to support the organization’s various programs, services and recreational/conservation properties.

Visit our online shop at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/collections to check out our supply of t-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, hats and more!

09/04/2026

Save the Dates! Brockville Area Fall Tree Sales Return!

It’s that time of year again! The Friends of Mac Johnson Wildlife Area host their annual fall tree sales event, at the Stefan Forester Nursery at the Wildlife Area, on Sept. 19, 23, 26 and 30.

Species available and prices to come soon.

For more information on the Friends, please visit https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/friends-of-mac-johnson-wildlife-area

09/04/2026

Collins and Glenvale Creek Hazard Mapping Update
Cataraqui Conservation is updating hazard mapping for Collins and Glenvale Creek. The draft mapping will be available for review and public consultation starting September 09 to October 9, 2026.

You can submit your comments in writing or take part in one of the open houses (in-person or virtual) on Sept. 29 and 30th.
Please visit https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/get-involved for more information, view draft mapping and how to submit your feedback.
The site will go live on Sept. 9

09/03/2026

Summer Nature Joke:

What’s the best way to learn about spiders?

Use a WEBsite.

09/03/2026

Important information from our pals at The Weather Network.

They don't bite or sting, but the brown marmorated stink bug can cause big problems.

09/03/2026

First Forest Therapy Session of the Season!

Celebrate the last of summer and join certified Forest Therapy Guide Stana Luxford Oddie, Cataraqui Conservation’s Senior Educator, for a slow and gentle sensory nature immersion where the forest is the therapist! It takes place Thursday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area.

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 towel).

Spending time in nature not only strengthens human immune response and reduces stress, but also makes us more creative, mindful and content in our lives.

Registration is required. Click the link to this event on the Events page at the Cataraqui Conservation website: https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/events

09/03/2026

Enjoy A ‘Marvelous Marsh’ Hands-On Nature Experience

Join Cataraqui Conservation staff for a wonderful time exploring the marvels of the marsh wetlands at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

It’s a chance to get to know the swimming and flying nature beings that inhabit the marsh. Using tools such as magnifying glasses, nets, binoculars and ID guides you will discover some of the mysteries of your local wetlands. Savour the last bits of summer in community with other like-minded nature enthusiasts.

Feel free to bring a picnic lunch before the program and enjoy the new shade sail area on the back lawn of the Outdoor Centre.

Registration is required. Cost is $5.25 (includes gate fee) for adults and $0 for annual pass holders.
For more information on this, and our other upcoming events, please visit https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/events

09/02/2026

Did you know … In a rare display of insect parental care, the female Giant Water Bug glues her eggs directly onto the male’s back after mating.

According to Japanese scientists, the father then carries, cleans, and aerates the eggs, regularly exposing them to air so they do not grow mold or suffocate until they hatch.

Also known as ‘toe biters’ for their reaction when threatened by humans wandering in their hunting in their spawning or hunting grounds, the insects are common throughout the Cataraqui Region and are one of the species of benthic macroinvertebrates studied by our watershed monitoring staff to gauge water quality.

09/02/2026

Important Grassland Habitat Restoration Project At Lemoine Point

Cataraqui Conservation, in a special partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, is undertaking a Grassland Habitat Restoration Project at the southern end of the Lemoine Point Conservation Area in Kingston. The area has been slowly deteriorating over time. Native forbs and grasses have been replaced by aggressively spreading shrubs and other woody plant species.

As a result, there has been a noted reduction in the number of breeding pairs of both Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark, two native bird species listed as Threatened under the federal Species At Risk Act. Available plants for pollinator species have also been reduced over time, due to increasing shrub encroachment.

This project will ultimately enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitat to threatened species as well as improve the site's overall resilience to climate change and invasive species.

For further information and schedule please visit the project website at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/lpca-grassland-project.