Upcoming Webinar Series:
“How Lakes Work”
A 3 episode series airing January 20th, 27th, and February 3rd 2026 starting at 7:00pm. Registration links below!
Watch the webinar trailer!
How Lakes Work Episode 1 – Dr. Sapna Sharma and Dr. Neil Hutchinson
Dr. Sapna Sharma, York University presents: “On thin ice: are lakes feeling the heat?”
Our planet is experiencing accelerated climate warming, with dramatic consequences not only on lake ecology, but also on the ecosystem services we rely on from our freshwater resources. Lakes with seasonal ice cover, which represent more than half of the world’s lakes, are especially sensitive to a changing climate. Mitigation of greenhouse gases is essential to preserving this ecological, cultural, and economically important resource.
Dr. Neil Hutchinson, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed presents: “The things we can’t see – lake physics”
While most of us are fascinated by the variety and abundance of the life in a lake, or by how our favourite lakes may change over the seasons, our appreciation of how the lake works to support that life is gained when we understand how physical processes, driven by reactions at the molecular level, are responsible for the behaviour and ultimately the ecology of our temperate lakes.
How Lakes Work Episode 2 – Gord Miller and Dr. Norman Yan
Gord Miller, Earthwatch presents: “The Littoral zone – lots of action at the lake’s rim”
The presentation will introduce the audience to the concept of the littoral zone of lakes by focusing on four questions. What are the parts of the littoral zone? How does it function ecologically? How important is it to the whole lake ecosystem? Participants will be exposed to a new lexicon of terms and concepts that will inform them of the dynamics of how lakes work.
Dr. Norman Yan, York University and Friends of the Muskoka Watershed presents: “For the love of Daphnia: How tiny creatures make our lakes work”
There are 1000’s of species that inhabit the offshore waters of Muskoka lakes. While almost all are invisibly small, they are vital to the health of our lakes. Norman will introduce you to one of them, the water flea Daphnia, sharing Daphnia’s story to help you understand the importance of protecting even the tiny creatures in our lakes.
How Lakes Work Episode 3 – Dr. Andrew Paterson and Christopher Stock (TEHONATÁHNHEN)
Dr. Andrew Paterson: Department of Biology, Queen’s University presents: “When lakes fall ill: A review of current threats to lake health in Ontario”
Across the globe, inland lakes are being altered by climate change, pollutants, landscape degradation, and the introduction of non-native species. 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.
Christopher Stock (TEHONATÁHNHEN) presents: “She is resting” Winter and the important role of ice
The Earth goes through its natural rhythm and cycle to reset the balance and the natural order of things. 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. Christopher discusses the role of responsibility, stewardship and of a reciprocity relationship with all of Creation in order to foster balance and Harmony for all.
Previous Webinars:
Grace & Speed: Muskoka Wooden Boat Stories
Muskoka is home to some of the finest antique wooden boats in the world. This seven-part webinar series showcases 24 exceptional launches, race boats, and cruisers—many rarely seen in boat shows—captured on film and shared by their owners.
Presented by the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre in partnership with the Antique and Classic Boat Society Toronto, the series aired Wednesdays from March 23 to May 4, 2022. Featuring boats from legendary builders such as Ditchburn, Greavette, Minett, Dispro, J.J. Taylor, Hutchinson, and Chris-Craft, the films highlight the grace and speed that made Muskoka famous.
Volunteers spent countless hours filming these boats in motion, creating an unprecedented visual record that preserves their stories for generations.
To see more wooden boats in person, visit the Muskoka Discovery Centre and the Grace & Speed Boathouse, home to North America’s largest in-water collection of antique and classic boats.
7-part series originally aired Wednesdays at 4:00 pm, March 23 – May 4, 2022
Episode Recordings
More Webinars
The Best of Two Worlds
Lessons for Sustainability from Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and Western Science
This five-episode virtual series explores sustainability through Indigenous perspectives and western science. Thoughtful Indigenous and western environmental professionals share insights shaped by years—and in Indigenous traditions, thousands of years—of ecological stewardship.
Discover how combining these approaches can lead to a healthier, more sustainable planet.
Premiered January–February 2022
• Virtual events via Zoom Webinar
• Registration required for each session
• Live Q&A included
• Recordings available after each event
Episode 1 – What might Hillel, Hiawatha and Hippocrates have thought about the practice of western ecological science: reflections on half a century of research on Ontario lakes.
Presenter: Dr. Norman Yan
Date: Wednesday January 26, 2022 – 4:00pm
Episode 2 – Anishinaabek Kweok N’bi G’giikendaaswinmin (Our Water Knowledge)
Presenter: Susan Chiblow
Date: Wednesday February 2, 2022 – 4:00pm
Episode 3 – Case Studies – Working with Traditional Knowledge and Western Science Eyes
Presenters: Dr. Neil Hutchinson, Dr. Richard Nesbitt, Dr. Brenda Parlee, and Dr. Don Richardson.
Date: Wednesday February 9, 2022 – 4:00pm
Episode 4 – Combining Indigenous knowledge with western science as communities in far northern Ontario seek ways to adapt to climate change.
Presenter: Dr. David Pearson
Date: Wednesday February 16, 2022 – 4:00pm
Episode 5 – The Many Worlds of Knowledge.
Presenter: Dr. Henry Lickers
Date: Wednesday February 23, 2022 – 4:00pm
More Webinars
Love Muskoka Sustain Muskoka
The world is talking about Sustainability and Climate Change. Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre have assembled the best speakers to talk about the impact on Muskoka and the ways YOU can make a difference TODAY. In collaboration with 17 Regional Organizations, we have organized a range of virtual webinars on the most relevant and important topics. Get new insights! Get new ideas! Watch the recordings from this great series below.
Episode 1: Climate change starting with an international context, bringing it to Muskoka, and finally discussing policy tools to assist in the fight against climate change
Presenter – Dr. Dianne Saxe
Thursday April 22 – 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Episode 2: Watershed Management: Why not Manage Water as part of an Ecosystem?, How Cottage Owners Can be Nice to Mother Nature, and Muskoka GIS Explained
Presenters – Kevin Trimble, Dr. Richard Lammers, Rebecca Willison, Graham Good
Thursday April 29 – 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Links mentioned in the webinar:
Clean & Green 13: https://www.muskokawatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/CG13_2015_Web.pdf
Seguin Township 12 Steps to Success: https://www.seguin.ca/en/explore-play/resources/Rack-card.jpg
Love Your Lake self-assessment: http://loveyourlake.ca/self-assessment/
Lake Protection Workbook: https://watersheds.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Lake-Protection-Workbook.pdf
Shoreline Owner’s Guide to Healthy Waterfronts: https://foca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/FOCA_Shoreline_Guide_FINAL_ed_2019.pdf
Muskoka GeoHub: https://map.muskoka.on.ca/
Episode 3: Terrestrial Spaces: the Importance of Conservation and Education, social norms, and research-informed climate change engagement
Presenters – Aaron Rusak and Dr. Ellen Field
Thursday May 6 – 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Episode 4: Climate Change – Is this really such a big deal for Muskoka?
Presenters – Dr. Peter F. Sale and Dr. Richard B. Lammers
Thursday May 13 – 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Episode 5: Indigenous Perspective: Reconnecting with the Natural World
Presenter – Larry McDermott
Thursday May 20 – 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Episode 6: Imagining a good future for our lakes despite climate change
Presenters – Dr. Norman Yan
Thursday May 27 – 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Partners and Endorsers 2020
Andrew Daniels Fish Stewardship Foundation
Builders for Climate Action
Clear Lake Property Owners’ Association
Climate Action Muskoka
District of Muskoka
Friends of the Muskoka Watershed
Georgian Bay Forever
Kahshe Lake Ratepayers’ Association
Lake of Bays Association
Lake of Bays Renewable Energy Co-op
Muskoka Watershed Council
Muskoka Lakes Association
Muskoka North Good Food Cooperative
Safe Quiet Lakes
Chambers of Commerce:
Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville/Lake
of Bays, Muskoka Lakes
