$335,400 in OTF Funding helps Ottawa Riverkeeper Establish Shoreline Stewardship and Citizen-Science Learning Hub

Ottawa Riverkeeper held its Annual Riverwatch Meeting and celebrated the awarding of a $262,900 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Grow grant in March 2017, along with a $72,500 OTF Seed grant awarded to the group in June 2018.

Ottawa, ON – On Wednesday, Ottawa Riverkeeper held its Annual Riverwatch Meeting and celebrated the awarding of a $262,900 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Grow grant in March 2017, along with a $72,500 OTF Seed grant awarded to the group in June 2018. The group had a chance to hear more on how the shoreline stewardship and citizen-science learning hub is encouraging people to support a healthy and sustainable environment.

Quote:

“The impact of these two grants from Ontario Trillium Foundation cannot be underestimated. Our Riverwatcher network is the largest group of citizen scientists working to measure microplastic pollution in freshwater in the world. Their work has led to the publication of two scientific papers, which serves as an example to peers in other watersheds across the country.” – Larissa Holman, Director of Science and Policy at Ottawa Riverkeeper.

Quick facts:

  • This pilot-project will allow the community to engage directly in testing their local water, collecting samples, testing, learning about the results and what this means regarding the health of the water, and safety for swimming and paddling.
  • The goal is to learn about the impact local residents’ behaviour have on the environment and develop a better understanding of recreational water quality by taking an interest in what is causing it to change.
  • This year’s annual meeting brought Riverwatchers together to discuss a variety of issues, including flooding, a new initiative to continue testing for microplastics, and a review of their work collecting water quality data over the past 5 years.
  • Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Riverwatch network is well on its way to meeting its goal of reaching 100 members. Currently located in 40 different communities throughout the Ottawa River watershed, Riverwatchers contribute valuable insight and expertise which helps to inform the work of Ottawa Riverkeeper.
  • The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded more than $100 million to some 629 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.

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Media Contact:
MJ Proulx, Director of Watershed Network
Ottawa Riverkeeper
613-321-1120 ext. 1005
mjproulx@ottawariverkeeper.ca