Quinte Conservation Envirominute Podcast

The River Redhorse is considered a species of special concern. Although it is not listed as a species at risk, it is still protected under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. Find out more in this week's podcast. image from North American Native Fishes Gallery

Old, unused or improperly maintained wells can be a hazard to our health and safety. They can be a direct path for contaminants on the land to reach our source of drinking water. Find out more in this week's podcast.

This week we’re featuring Little Bluff Conservation Area located in scenic Prince Edward County. This area is steeped in history and rich in natural features. Little Bluff is located atop a 20 metre high limestone bluff and commands a panoramic view of Prince Edward Bay and the rugged shoreline of this southern reach of the county. Find out more about Little Bluff in this week's podcast.

At Quinte Conservation the words “natural shoreline” are used frequently. For most waterfront property owners this can be a scary thought. Many water front property owners fear that a natural shoreline will eliminate their beautiful view of the water. This is simply not true! Find out more in this week's podcast.

Invasive Phragmites is a water-loving plant from Europe and Asia that can grow to up to 15 feet tall. The stem is a beige-tan colour with a rough and dull texture. Leaves are a blue/green colour and the seeds form in dense brooms. Find out more in this week's podcast.

The Eastern Whip-Poor-Will is considered a species at risk. The reason for its decline is habitat loss as a result of natural changes when open fields and thickets become closed forest in the north, and intensive agriculture in the south. Find out more in this week's podcast.

It means that policies will help to protect a vital community resource – our drinking water sources. It means that public health will be protected and people will be able to depend on safe, clean and abundant drinking water from their taps and much more. Find out more in this week's podcast.

Quinte Conservation owns and operates 36 dams and water control structures. These dams have many uses such as water supply, flood control, recreation and to energy production. However it is very important to exercise caution whenever you’re working, boating, walking or fishing near dams. Find out more in this week's podcast.

The HR Frink Conservation Area is located on Thrasher Road in Plainfield. This area features a maintained boardwalk and an education centre that is operated by local school boards. Find out more about this great conservation area in this week's podcast.

Green pet ownership is easier than we think! A lot of grocery stores and pet stores now offer organic pet food, cat litter, biodegradable poop bags and shampoos. There are even ways to compost your pet’s waste! Find out more in this week's podcast.

Half the people in the Quinte Region get their water from a private well. Private wells must be properly maintained to ensure a safe water supply. Listen to this week's podcast for some simple things you can do to keep your well water safe.

This week podcast looks at the Harry Mulhall Dam. This dam is located just south of the 401 on the Moira River. Constructed in 1989, the primary purpose of the dam is to create a ponded area to allow the water to freeze during the winter period. Find out more by listening to the podcast.

King Rail birds have suffered major declines over the past few decades. Invasive species and the destruction of wetlands due to drainage, pollution and shoreline development have all played a role in their decline. Find out more about this species in this week's podcast.

Quinte Conservation owns and maintains over 30 Conservation Areas. This week we are featuring Sheffield Conservation Area, located 11 km south of Kaladar and 37 km north of Napanee, on Highway 41. Listen to the podcast to find out more about the wildlife at Sheffield.

There are actions we can all take to protect both water quality and quantity. We can be aware of where our water comes from. We can protect groundwater sources by maintaining wells, keeping septic systems functioning and taking care not to spill contaminants like fuel on the ground. Find out more ways to protect drinking water sources in this week's podcast.

At Quinte Conservation we own and operate 36 dams and water control structures. This week we’re featuring the McLeod Dam. Constructed in 1979, the McLeod Dam is located on the Moira River in Belleville, 200 metres upstream of the College Street Bridge. Find out more in this week's podcast.

The Barn Owl is a species at risk. It needs grassland habitats, and these are being lost to urbanization and changing farm practices. The Barn Owl is a distinct looking owl that can easily be identified by its white heart-shaped face, black eyes, golden colour, pale, lightly speckled under parts, and long legs. Find out more in this week's podcast.

The average Canadian uses more than 300 litres of water a day. That's more than double some European countries. Half of our water use is unnecessary and wasteful. Causes are leaky faucets, faulty plumbing, and over-use of water for watering the lawn and washing the car. Find out more in this week's podcast.

Our activities can have positive effects on land and water resources. Some stewardship actions require little or no effort and others require an investment of time and resources - but they all pay benefits. Find out more in this week's podcast.

The Rusty-patched Bumble Bee was once widespread and common in eastern North America, found from southern Ontario south to Georgia and west to the Dakotas. Now it is a species at risk in Ontario. Find out more in this week's podcast. photo courtesy Christy Stewart