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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
'A huge difference': These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.