Raisin Region Conservation Authority
18045 County Rd 2 K6H 5T2 Cornwall, ON, Canada

In response to COVID-19, the RRCA has modified our operations: The RRCA Administration Office (18045 County Road 2, Cornwall) remains closed to visitors. Paperwork may be dropped off in a secure dropbox located at the main office entrance.... Staff can be reached by phone or email. The staff directory can be found here: https://www.rrca.on.ca/page.php?id=14 . While visiting our Conservation Areas, please follow directives from public health officials, such as physical distancing from others. Visitors are required to wear a mask when entering any of the RRCA’s enclosed public facilities (unless they are exempt). For detailed information about our Conservation Areas and recreational services, please visit our website: https://www.rrca.on.ca/page.php?id=5 .

Maintenance staff have been hard at work over the last couple of weeks removing old boardwalks within Gray's Creek Conservation Area and replacing them with brand new boardwalks. The trails and boardwalks throughout Gray's Creek allow visitors to enjoy up close and beautiful forest views without the difficult hike. Enjoy an easy and scenic stroll along the babbling creek this weekend and let us know what you think of the new boardwalks! For more information about our Conservation Areas, please visit: https://rrca.on.ca/page.php?id=5 #WeAreConservation #StepIntoNature #GetOutside

Some interesting facts about our namesake, the Raisin River! The River is considered a warm water fishery with 43 species, including the river redhorse and bridle shiner, which are classified as special concern. Other rare species found in the Raisin River watershed include the Yellow palm warbler and Ram's-head lady slipper plant. To improve the health of the River, the RRCA connects landowners with financial incentives and support to plant trees and implement agricultu...re best management practices. For more information about the Raisin River sub-watershed, visit: https://www.rrca.on.ca/page.php?id=31 #WeAreConservation #Watershed

Many rural watercourses in Ontario have been designated as municipal drains under the Drainage Act. RRCA staff recently classified municipal drains within our jurisdiction in the Township of South Glengarry into a number of categories according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada Protocol in order to facilitate the review and approval of drain maintenance activities with respect to fish and fish habitat. Pictured here are RRCA staff in the municipal drain and about to identify the fish species caught. Species encountered include the white sucker, brook stickleback, Johnny darter, bluntnose minnow, and common shiner.

Today is International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. #IDDR To support the RRCA's flood and drought forecasting and warning programs, our staff monitor precipitation, stream flows and water levels throughout the region. When there is the potential for flooding or a drought, the RRCA will issue a statement to advise the public and member municipalities so they may prepare accordingly. For more information: https://www.rrca.on.ca/monitoring.php... #ItsAllAboutGovernance #DRRday See more

Today is World Migratory Bird Day, and is a great reminder of how birds connect our world as they depend upon a network of sites along their migration routes for breeding, feeding, resting and overwintering. The RRCA’s Conservation Areas, including Gray’s Creek, Cooper Marsh, and Charlottenburgh Park are all wonderful places to go bird watching and witness some of our migratory birds in action. Cooper Marsh has viewing platforms and viewing blinds which can help you catch a ...glimpse of the more than 130 species of birds that call Cooper Marsh their home, not to mention the numerous other species that can be spotted during their fall migration. Wetland birds that breed at Cooper Marsh Conservation Area include the Osprey, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Sora, Green Heron, Wood Duck, Pied Billed Grebe, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Sandhill Cranes and the Least Bittern. Did you know that the Osprey will migrate to wintering sites in Latin America and the norther part of South America? Happy Birding! For more information about our Conservation Areas, please visit: http://www.rrca.on.ca/page.php?id=5 #WorldMigratoryBirdDay #WMBD2020 #BirdsConnectOurWorld #StepIntoNature #WeAreConservation

Don’t let your Thanksgiving turkey be the only bird you encounter this weekend. Head out for a nature walk in Gray’s Creek, Charlottenburgh Park, or Cooper Marsh Conservation Area to enjoy some wildlife viewing and fresh autumn air. It could be the start of an annual tradition! Please note that Charlottenburgh Park campground will be closed as of Monday, October 12. Trails can be accessed year-round. A reminder that the RRCA office will be closed Monday, October 12 for Tha...nksgiving. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving weekend! For more information on our Conservation Areas: https://rrca.on.ca/page.php?id=5 Photo credit: Richard Pilon

This week for Ontario Agriculture Week we celebrate our farmers and food processors who work so tirelessly to provide us with safe, healthy food on our tables. The RRCA works with farmers through ALUS, a program that focuses on converting marginal, inefficient and fragile farmland into natural areas such as pollinator habitat, hedgerows, wetlands, buffer zones, native meadows, reforested areas and wildlife habitat, complete with nest boxes for birds, bats and bees. Let’s t...ake a moment this week to thank the people who work every day producing safe, healthy food, and shaping the policies and regulations that govern agriculture. A great way to support Ontario farmers is to fill your plates with a variety of fresh, locally-grown products this Thanksgiving weekend. For more information: https://alus.ca/ Photo credit: Richard Pilon

Gray’s Creek Marina hours have been updated for the month of October to the following: -Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (please call 613-938-3611 for service) -Saturday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.... Please note that the Marina will be closed for the season as of November 1st.

Our trees and forests are so often dominated by green, but for a brief period of autumn, we witness a beautiful blaze of reds, oranges and yellows. How does this happen? It is a complex process involving numerous chemical and environmental variables. As you may know, trees use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into sugar. This involves chlorophyll, which is the green pigment that we see in the spring and summer. However, as winter approaches trees prepare for the dormant ...winter period and halt photosynthesis. This preparation for winter involves the extraction of important chemical compounds from within their leaves for re-use next year. As these chemical compounds are extracted, the underlying pigments such as carotenes (oranges), xanthophylls (yellows), and anthocyanins (reds) that were in the leaves all along but hidden by the green chlorophyll, now become visible and create this explosion of colour! If you’re thinking about planting over 500 trees on your property next year (ex. deciduous trees and conifers, like white pine), contact the RRCA today at [email protected] to learn about our full-service tree planting program. You may qualify for significant cost savings! #50MTP #ItTakesAForest #TreePlanting #TreeTuesday

Today is #WorldHabitatDay. The United Nations states that homes should be located in a place that enables residents to access public green and open spaces. Gray's Creek Conservation Area is a prime example of a green space that exhibits interconnectedness and is easily accessible from both Boundary Road and County Road 2, with bike paths at both entrances and throughout the Conservation Area. Gray's Creek, located in the Township of South Glengarry, is adjacent and easil...y accessible to urban areas in The City of Cornwall and is just a short walk from the Sunrise Acres and East Ridge subdivisions. Public greenspaces such as Gray's Creek provide important mental health benefits, encourage exercise, provide spaces for socializing, decrease noise and air pollution, and provide respite for over-stimulated minds. Come for a visit today and reap the benefits of a green space so close to the city! For directions, please visit the following link: https://www.rrca.on.ca/page.php?id=8

Gray's Creek picnic area and shelter recently received a few enhancements including a paint job and a new roof. It is looking brand new and makes for the perfect spot to stop for a picnic in between the meandering trails at the Conservation Area. Come for a visit today! Conservation Authorities are diverting resources into frequent and major cleanups, especially after weekend visits. Please be considerate and help lessen the burden by responsibly disposing of garbage in bin...s and/or at home. Conservation Areas have enhanced safety measures in place in accordance with public health guidelines to maintain #physicaldistancing and comply with gathering limits. A reminder to follow COVID-19 directives from public health officials, such as ensuring a 2-metre distance from others and to stay home if you exhibit COVID-19 symptoms. #StepIntoNature #HealthyHikes #ConservationAreas #LeaveNoTrace #PackItInPackItOut

October is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you are looking for a simple way to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and maybe even improve your memory, you don't have to look any further than your local Conservation Area. A growing body of research has linked time spent outdoors with positive mental health outcomes. Now, more than ever, it is important to get outside and reap these benefits. #StepIntoNature #HealthyHikes #ConservationAreas #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Learning in nature can foster increased physical activity and support improved relationship skills. September usually signals a fresh start and a return to routine and normalcy for school-aged children. However, this September’s Back-to-School has proven to be anything but normal. During these uncertain times, we want to remind you of the calming benefits of nature and its ability to help students cope and increase resiliency. ... Learn more: https://bit.ly/32Ahpad #StepIntoNature #HealthyHikes #ConservationAreas #OutdoorEducation #OutdoorLearning