Thanks to funding from the @MBHabitat, new climate-change themed backpacks and curriculum-linked activity books are now available for students and teachers at @SageCreekLRSD! This is part of a one-year “Youth Climate Change Leader” pilot project in Winnipeg, MB. In these photos, our Education team was able to deliver in-person workshops for grade 5/6 students to discuss weather, climate, and the water cycle. The new Nature Discovery Backpacks give students measuring tools, books, and displays to help understand climate change and document what changes are being experienced in their own community. As students go through their unit, they will work together to choose a stewardship project to make a positive difference for Winnipeg's environment. We are excited to see what they come up with!

When delivering planting projects too far away for us to use native plants from our own garden, Watersheds Canada is proud to work with local small businesses and native plant nurseries like Prairie Originals in Manitoba to ensure that local seeds and plant varieties are used in all of our projects. Plants purchased at Prairie Originals were used thanks to a project funded by @MBHabitat, and @TD_Canada Friends of the Environment Foundation.

Last night Watersheds Canada staff were in Toronto, ON to celebrate the Water Canada Awards. Watersheds Canada staff were finalists for two awards: "Conservation Project", and "Emerging Leader". While we unfortunately did not win either award, it was clear that each category was full of finalists who are leading incredible water change and impact across Canada. We are thankful to get to share in their victories. Congratulations to all of the winners! We also saw familiar faces from our friends at @swimdrinkfish , @ottriverkeeper, @CanadianWater, and @water_rangers, and made many new connections at this leading water event.

Step outside, breathe deeply, and absorb yourself in the feeling it brings. What makes fall air smell so good? 🍂 When leaves decompose, the sugars and carbohydrates contained within break down, which emits organic compounds. What results is a somewhat sweet, earthy smell that can only be found this time of year. Another factor is that cooler air holds fewer scent molecules, which lends to the 'crisp, clean' smell. Combined, these two things make the smells of fall truly unique and blissful.

Happy Take Me Outside Day! 🍃 Head outside and try our nature explorer activity 🔎 This annual celebration encourages educators to take children outside to learn about and appreciate nature. It emphasizes the importance of outdoor education for our own well-being and for fostering a drive for environmentalism in younger generations. Learn more about Take Me Outside and register for their weeklong events, including live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, curriculum-connected outdoor learning activities, and inspiring resources for educators and learners of all ages: takemeoutside.ca/take-me-out… Discover Watersheds Canada's free educational resources: library.watersheds.ca/ @takemeoutside

Want to spend time outside and make a difference in your community? Try a BioBlitz! A BioBlitz is a volunteer-led count of the biological species found in an area. Using identification guides or apps, you can get a "snapshot" of the species and biodiversity found in your area. Record your observations using community science programs like iNaturalist, eBird, Merlin Bird ID, and NatureWatch. When you enter your animal or plant observations online, it can help scientists and nature groups keep track of different populations over time as they see local and regional impacts from climate change, increased human development, and pollution. Download our free BioBlitz template and discover more educational resources: library.watersheds.ca/Want

🌱 Hope Grows Outside! 🌱 We’re excited to help spread the word about Take Me Outside Week and celebrate the many ways getting outdoors helps us connect with nature, each other, and our communities. Take Me Outside Day is on Wednesday, October 21, 2026! Over the next few days, we’ll also share free resources to help you get outside, find inspiration, and make the most of your time in nature. Stay tuned! Learn more about Take Me Outside and register for their weeklong events, including live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, curriculum-connected outdoor learning activities, and inspiring resources for educators and learners of all ages: takemeoutside.ca/take-me-out… #TakeMeOutsideDay #HopeGrowsOutside #outdoorlearning @takemeoutside

Watersheds Canada's projects aren't just designed by adults! We are often able to incorporate project design workshops and calls with classes who will be receiving our nature-based programming. Recently our team was able to hear from grades 3/4 students at @SageCreekLRSD to understand what questions and fears they have about climate change. Their answers are now guiding how we deliver our 1-year “Youth Climate Change Leader” pilot project in Winnipeg, Manitoba, generously funded by the @MBHabitat!

Thanks to funding from @MBHabitat, and @TD_Canada Friends of the Environment Foundation, @SageCreekLRSD in Winnipeg, Manitoba now has a newly planted native garden! This new teaching garden will be used by the hundreds of students and educators at the grades K-8 school, introducing students to native Prairie grass species and wildflowers that benefit pollinators, and providing them with an engaging outdoor learning area and opportunities to care for their school's garden! This project is delivered in partnership with Watersheds Canada, Sage Creek School, and @cpawsmb.

It wasn't your average day shopping at the mall! Recently Watersheds Canada hosted a science and nature workshop at the @wmrlibrary - Brandon Shoppers Mall branch. Families learned about watersheds, local species, and got to use microscopes. Thank you to the @bacf2 for funding this project.

If you are looking for free information on planting native vegetation, maintaining a shoreland buffer, invasive species, engaging your community in stewardship projects, or something else that’s impacting your shoreland and lake, look no further than Watersheds Canada’s free resources and blog! E-Library: library.watersheds.ca/ Blog: watersheds.ca/blog

Thanks to funding from @bacf2, Watersheds Canada recently hosted an in-person workshop at @wmrlibrary's Neepawa branch! This workshop explored the new Nature Discovery Backpacks now available for checkout at all Western Manitoba Regional Library branches.

💧 Register for our free webinar 💧 “Water-wise Gardening” Wednesday, October 21st 1-2pm ET / 10-11am PT As droughts become increasingly frequent and climate change increasingly impacts the water cycle, conserving precious, life-giving water becomes even more important. Join this illustrated talk by Lorraine Johnson, author of over 15 books. You’ll learn tips and techniques about matching plants to moisture conditions, and how to create a rain garden. Register today: watersheds.ca/freshwater-ste… #water #waterwise #waterwisegardening #gardening

Leave some leaves behind this fall! Consider not raking your whole yard this year to help create habitat and other ecological benefits. 🍂 Natural mulch: Those fallen leaves act as a natural mulch, insulating your soil. This helps maintain soil moisture, regulates temperature, and fosters a healthier ecosystem in your garden. 🍂 Wildlife habitat: Leaf litter offers protection for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. These animals and insects play crucial roles in pollination and pest control, contributing to a thriving, biodiverse environment. #habitat #nature #canada

Looking for something fun to do with your family? Check out our nature bingo! Head outside and see how many items you can find! 🌱 #nature #kidsactivities #canada

Healthy fish need healthy water. We're excited to partner with Liam Whetter, founder of WhetterFishing and co-host of the Doc Talks Fishing Podcast, to help spread the word about the importance of protecting Canada's freshwater. Liam spends a lot of time on Canada's lakes and rivers and understands the connection between healthy fish habitat, anglers, and aquatic ecosystems. Together, we'll be highlighting the work communities are doing to restore fish habitat. Because protecting great fishing starts with protecting our freshwater. #Freshwater #FishHabitat #Conservation #HealthyWatersheds #Fishing #Canada

We’re grateful to work alongside @RiverInstituteC to plant native species and support riparian habitat restoration along the St. Lawrence River! 🌱 #nativeplants #habitatrestoration

This week, we partnered with The River Institute and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission to restore critical fish habitat along the St. Lawrence River! #fishhabitat #habitatrestoration #conservation @RiverInstituteC @ParksUpdates

Last month, Watersheds Canada partnered with the Moira Lake Property Owners Association to restore a historic walleye spawning bed! The project involved washing the existing spawning bed rocks with brooms and a high-pressure hose. When layers of silt and algae cover the stone of a walleye spawning bed, it poses problems for the fish as it can impede oxygen flow to the species’ eggs and also limit their ability to ‘stick’ to the stone. Then, 4 tonnes of washed river stone was added on top of the newly cleaned spawning bed. Funding for this project was received from iA Financial, OFAH Community Conservation Fund, Yamaha Financial Services, and J.P. Bickell Foundation. All in-water work was completed with permits from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. @IAcanada @ofah @YamahaMotorCa @ONresources #habitat #lake #habitatrestoration #fishhabitat #spawningbed #walleye #conservation