Earth Day is a Good Time to Start Digging into your Environment:
Visit TRCA’s Reporting Hub to Stay Informed About Local Environmental Conditions
Launched on Earth Day in 2021, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub is celebrating its second anniversary with exciting updates.
This upgraded online tool is a valuable one-stop shop that helps users stay informed about the state of the environment in their local watersheds.
Select the image below to begin exploring the Reporting Hub.
TRCA monitors the health of natural resources in its watersheds by collecting scientific data and conducting applied research. This information helps to provide a better understanding of local environmental issues and where to focus conservation efforts to help track changes over time.
The Reporting Hub brings this information to life through interactive maps, charts and graphs that allow users to visualize the environmental conditions of the Toronto region.
Key components and indicators of watershed and ecosystem health are organized into seven themes:
The Natural Hazards theme, for example, links to vital, timely information on flooding and erosion risks to protect people and property.
Beginning today, the following updates will be available on the Reporting Hub.
Surface Water Quality
Clean water is essential for the health of our ecosystems and the well-being of our communities. Monitoring water chemistry, metals, and bacteria helps TRCA to understand the impacts of land use on the water quality of the streams that flow into Lake Ontario.
Users can now access data regarding the trends of various water quality indicators (such as chloride, E. coli, and phosphorus) from 47 water quality stations, displayed in an interactive format under the updated Stream Water Quality section. Check it out.
Since TRCA began tracking water indicators, we have identified that our fresh water is getting saltier due to rising chloride concentrations in regional streams. The main culprit? Chlorides from road salt.
Even more alarming, chlorides accumulate in soils, groundwater and stormwater ponds. Watch this video to learn how you can play a part in keeping our freshwater fresh.
Natural Heritage System
TRCA recently updated its regional target Natural Heritage System (NHS) in 2022, based on new science and data.
The NHS is a network of natural features and areas, such as forests, wetlands, and the corridors that connect them. The Target NHS identifies priority areas for protection, restoration, and enhancements.
NHSs provide critical habitat and movement corridors for biodiversity, including a wide variety of birds, frogs, turtles, and salamanders. However, urbanization and climate change have direct and indirect negative impacts on them, unless mitigated. This includes habitat loss and fragmentation, barriers to wildlife movement, and an increase in non-native invasive species and pollution.
An improved understanding of the NHS and the threats it faces helps in informing its protection and management.
Users can now access updated mapping tools and information in the Natural Heritage System section of the Reporting Hub. In addition, TRCA has developed a regional approach to identify areas that meet the criteria for Significant Wildlife Habitat based on provincial definitions.
These tools inform various biodiversity and ecosystem conservation initiatives. Visit the updated Natural Heritage System section.
Water Resource System
A surface and groundwater system creates meaningful connections critical for a healthy and functional environment. Agriculture, urbanization, and climate change can impact the Water Resource System (WRS) and the health of aquatic communities.
Similar to the NHS, TRCA developed a regional approach to identifying the critical elements of our WRS in 2022. This tool helps inform where critical areas for protecting our water resources could be. Visit the updated Water Resource System section.
Lake Ontario Nearshore
Lake Ontario is a part of the Great Lakes ecosystem and an essential natural resource depended on by human populations. Unfortunately, due to heavy urbanization, there are many impacts on the health of Lake Ontario.
Users can now view a summary of the issues through an informative video posted under the Area of Concern Status section.
The video describes the status of the various beneficial uses of Lake Ontario, and the actions we are taking with our partners to address them through Remedial Action Plans (RAPs). Take a look:
With these new updates, the Reporting Hub provides easy access to the scientific information that helps TRCA report on our ecosystems and watershed health in our communities.
In addition, the Reporting Hub continues to help the public make informed decisions about protecting themselves, their communities, and their environment from undesirable changes and risks.
Get Ready for Earth Day!
- With Earth Day right around the corner, use the Reporting Hub to learn about local environmental issues.
- Find out how to take action in your neighbourhood to mitigate climate change impact and help build sustainable communities.
- Check out TRCA’s Earth Day events calendar to find local tree plantings, litter cleanups, and other activities.
Scientific data collection and research informs decisions affecting the natural areas and watercourses within our region. Connect with TRCA online.