Friends of the Muskoka Watershed

How Lakes Work Webinar Series — Part 3, Feb. 3
2026-02-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto) | Webinar
When Lakes Fall Ill: A review of current threats to lake health in Ontario
Andrew Paterson, Department of Biology, Queen’s University
Abstract: Across the globe, inland lakes are being altered by climate change, pollutants, landscape degradation, and the introduction of non-native species. Long-term monitoring and new research shows us that lakes respond to these stressors in complex and surprising ways, with important implications for water quality and aquatic biota. However, these data also show us that lakes can respond positively and rapidly to restoration efforts, underscoring their remarkable resilience, and the value of creating effective environmental legislation and policies. In a review of the latest science, this presentation will explore current threats to lake health in Ontario, and how these threats may interact to impact aquatic ecosystems. Where possible, it will also discuss the steps we can take to help protect these sensitive ecosystems for future generations.
Biography: Andrew Paterson is a senior research scientist with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and an adjunct professor at Queen’s University and the University of Waterloo. He leads a 50-year monitoring program of sentinel lakes in south-central Ontario, and conducts collaborative research to understand how lake water quality and ecology is impacted by multiple environmental stressors. Andrew has studied lakes across Ontario, from Lake of the Woods in the northwest, to shallow lakes and ponds in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, and remote lakes in the heart of Algonquin Provincial Park. His research is sharply focused on science that informs or improves environmental policy and lake management. Over his career, Andrew has published >175 peer-reviewed papers and technical reports, and supervised more than 30 graduate students.
She is Resting: Winter and the important role of ice
Christopher Stock (TEHONATÁHNHEN)
Abstract: Restoring Our Relationships – With Nature and the Natural World. Winter. the time of rest. Our mother Earth is covered with a warm blanket of snow allowing her to sleep and rest up before Spring. All of the lakes are covered over with a thick layer of ice to cap off and allow the waters to still and settle and reset and all of the life in the water continues yet slowly. For some, they bury themselves into the mud and slumber, while others seek refuge in the deep waters and continue in a slower pace. The Earth goes through its natural rhythm and cycle to reset the balance and the natural order of things. The Natural order of the Earth’s rhythm and cycles typically follow a circle, and cycles of the moon and sun. Winter Solstice – Spring Equinox – Summer Solstice – Autumn Equinox. Winter a time of rest, Spring a time of awakening and growth, Summer a time of growth and ripening, Autumn a time of Maturity, harvest and a time of release and letting go (leaves turn colour and fall from the trees) Seven Generation thinking has been a fundamental principle for all indigenous people world wide. The Haudenosaunee people follow this principle as it is the premise of the original instruction, our worldview – The Thanksgiving Address and the Great Law. The role of responsibility, stewardship and of a reciprocity relationship with all of Creation in order to foster balance and Harmony for all. Our way of existing on this planet is coexistence with the natural world, not to try to control the natural world. “
“The One Dish with One Spoon” Treaty is an agreement accepted by more than 50+ nations from the Arctic Circle to Mexico and East of the Great River – The Mississippi River, including Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. Indigenous peoples strive for peace, balance, unity, harmony, honour, respect, love, thanks and gratitude for all life. These are my thoughts and my thoughts alone, as I understand the teachings from the ancestors both Indigenous and non Indigenous. Nià:wen kowa Chi Miigwetch
This three-part webinar series is organized in partnership between Friends of the Muskoka Watershed and the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre. Email Sandy Lockhart with questions at sandy@fotmw.org or Register here
