Each watershed has its own combination of water and land features. Discover them in your area by using the handy list below. Download CWF’s Discover Your Watershed resource sheets for more details.
Land formations: Both gradual and catastrophic events such as the ice ages and volcanic eruptions sculpted many landforms, such as the mountains and valleys that we see today. Flowing water also plays a current role in forming, shaping and altering river channels, flood plains and their surrounding landscapes. Investigate your watershed for notable landforms.Wildlife habitat: Wildlife (non-domesticated plants and animals) needs habitat — food, water, shelter and space arranged just right for each species. Without it, wildlife can’t survive. How abundant and diverse are the species of wildlife living in your watershed? Rate the quality of your watershed by using CWF’s Discover Your Watershed resource sheets as a guide.
Shoreline and upland vegetation: A shoreline is where water meets the land. Well-vegetated ones serve as buffer zones as do vegetated areas growing in higher places above a water body (upland). Vegetation anchors the soil and protects edges from erosion. Its presence provides wildlife habitat. Its abundance helps to purify water by filtering out impurities as it flows into a water body. Its shade keeps temperatures cool for aquatic life. How lush are the buffer zones in your area?
Lakes: Lakes are big holes filled with standing water that are typically fed by rivers, springs or precipitation. Different types are found across Canada. Discover those in your area by using CWF’s resource sheets or visiting the Canada’s Aquatic Environments website.
Rivers and streams: What do rivers, streams, creeks and brooks have in common? Flowing water! Smaller bodies of flowing water are typically called streams; larger ones are known as rivers. They’re always heading downward — downstream — the path of least resistance. Find out which communities are upstream and downstream from you by noting the direction of the flow of a nearby river. What are the names of rivers and streams close to your school and home?
River systems: As creeks and streams join other streams, a branching effect starts. This network is a river system. Rivers start at a source (a high point that’s a watery spot such as a spring or a wetland). Gravity propels their flow down channels to their mouth (end point). Ultimately, all river systems drain into the ocean (except in closed watersheds). Set a course for a “canoe” trip along a river system in your area by visiting the Canada’s Aquatic Environments website.
Wetlands: Wetlands are areas that are covered with water for part of a year (or even part of a day as in the case of tidal marshes). Several different types of these immensely productive areas for wildlife occur in Canada. Find out which ones are in your area by consulting CWF’s Discover Your Watershed resource sheets. Visit the wetlands section under Things You Can Do on the Hinterland Who’s Who website for details on how to help these important wet places.
Aquatic ecosystems: An aquatic ecosystem is a group of interacting organisms that depend on each other and their watery environment for nutrients and shelter. Lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, estuaries and even floodplains are examples of different types. Each offers different habitat for the wildlife associated with it. For instance, fast-flowing streams appeal to wildlife adapted for moving water, such as salmon, which are not found in the still waters of lakes. Visit the Canada’s Aquatic Environments website for details about aquatic wildlife in your area.Land: How we use land affects the quality of water and aquatic communities. It’s a relationship that’s easy to see when we realize that water drains from the land into water bodies. We practice agriculture, harvest timber, develop areas for urban growth and industry, and build transportation routes, energy infrastructures (dams), resorts and our homes. Where and in what ways is land used in your area?
Water: Impounding water in dams to produce electricity and extracting water for drinking, irrigation or mining are ways we use water. Did you know that waste-water treatment is also an example of water use? Most waste water is the water from your sinks, tubs and toilets at home, and the water discharged by industries in manufacturing processing. Where and how do people use water in your area?