Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
The day Bullfrog Power came knocking on our door
When Lake Ontario Waterkeeper opened its first office on the Toronto waterfront, we were a scrappy band of two: Waterkeeper Mark Mattson & Vice President Krystyn Tully.
Environmentalists in court to demand proper review of nuclear risks
Lawyers for environmental groups ask a Federal Court today to order the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to redo its environmental review of Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to rebuild and run the aging Darlington nuclear reactors for three more decades.
Mark Mattson appointed to the International Joint Commission's Great Lakes Water Quality Board
In early 2014, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper President, Mark Mattson, was appointed to the International Joint Commission's Great Lakes Water Quality Board. In this post, Mark answers questions about why he joined, his areas of expertise, and his interests.
Canada's new Fisheries Act regulations are bad news for water
On February 15, 2014 the Department of Fisheries and Oceans published a proposed regulation under the Fisheries Act. The reg reveals how the Act will evolve in the aftermath of changes in 2012 that gutted the legislation. We looked at it, and are unhappy to report that it's bad news for Canadian waters.
I took Pete Seeger, Gord Downie, & The Sadies to Wolfe Island for the weekend
Taking the April participation challenge, I realized that Pete Seeger and Gord Downie are emblematic of a powerful wave of environmental leaders who participate in social change while continuing to excel at their chosen craft.
What happened to Earth Day?
Earth Day 1970 changed the world. Twenty-million Americans took to the streets to demonstrate their support for environmental protection. It was the largest demonstration in U.S. history, and it emphasized people’s desire for clean air and water.
Your April Challenge: Participate in nature
Open the door, step outside, and participate in nature -- that’s your April challenge. We’re asking you to find one moment between now and April 30th to participate in nature. Take a deep breath of spring air. Look up at the sky. Plunge your hands into your garden.
Letter from Maude Barlow & Mark Mattson: Fisheries Act no longer protects fish & fish habitat
"These changes to the Fisheries Act are just another step in removing the public’s right to clean water, a right we have both championed our entire careers," write Mark Mattson and Maude Barlow.
Sh’aura loves Georgian Bay, and she’s our March challenge hero
We loved Sh’aura’s story because she instinctively did what most people do: tried to share the waterbody she loves with others. She invited us to her Bay, to see what she sees, and to enjoy what she enjoys. The joy of shared exploration is the foundation of the Waterbody Challenge.
Our new website is up and running (mostly)
Over the next few days we will be migrating most of the content from our old website - bear with us, because we have worked on a lot of projects over the last thirteen years! Want to send us some feedback? Click here.