Sault's Invasive Species Centre launches community focused program
The Sault's Invasive Species Centre is looking to protect waterways this summer with the launch of its new community science program.
Called IsampleON, the program aims to incorporate community volunteers from more than 500 organizations in Ontario, to help identify invasive species in Ontario's lakes.
"Volunteers will be collecting and analyzing water samples on lakes and shorelines," said Rebecca Schroeder, Aquatic Invasive Species liaison. "They will then be sending them back to us where we analyze them for presence or absence of invasive mussel veligers."
Schroeder said volunteers will help keep the Invasive Species Centre proactive in protecting watersheds throughout the province.
Volunteers will be organized by the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Association.
"Each of them has got a unique opportunity to be eyes and ears on the water and look out for our environment," said Terry Rees, executive director.
Rees said the program also incorporates public awareness, particularly around boaters launching from multiple lakes this summer.
"It means everyone who moves a boat from one waterbody to another has an opportunity to do their part to ensure they're not moving any water from one waterbody to another," he said. "Invasive mussels in particular can travel this way without proper care."
The Invasive Species Centre said that while invasive mussels remain an issue in many parts of Ontario, it will be focusing on 25 lakes from three watersheds.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.