Gillian Cantello, Environment Committee
On March 5th the Convent Glen Orleans Wood Community was treated to a very special evening with our very own Laura Reinsborough, the Ottawa Riverkeeper. Joined by Michael Ricco, President of Friends of Petrie Island, we learned all about the turtle egg incubation project that the Friends of Petrie Island lead in partnership with the Ottawa Riverkeeper. Due to this incredible program, the hatch rate of endangered turtles has increased dramatically. Thank you to the Friends of Petrie Island and all the wonderful volunteers whose dedication make this program such a success.
We also learned about how Orleans’ creeks and the wildlife in them are being contaminated by our overuse of road salt. To learn about what you can do to help solve this problem, go to the Ottawa Riverkeeper’s website and sign the road salt reduction pledge.
Laura then entertained us with stories about the incredible mussels that hang out in caves at the bottom of the Ottawa River, as well as how the population of freshwater eels has been dramatically impacted by Hydroelectric dams.
Next we learned about the Indigenous women who have been caretakers of our amazing river for generations and that we continue to have so much to learn from them. Lastly, we learned that there is an international Waterkeeper Alliance. The Waterkeeper Alliance is a global movement for clean, healthy, and abundant water for all people and the planet, and Laura is our representative for all of Canada.
Thank you to everyone who came out on March 5th to participate in this wonderful event, and an even bigger thank you to Laura Reinsborough and Michael Ricco for being such captivating and knowledgeable presenters. I now feel so much more informed about the beloved Ottawa River and the fascinating creatures that call it home.
