Paddle the Rouge 2019
Earlier this year, I got connected to the Wildlands League - a really impressive organization that works with governments and communities across Canada to protect critical natural habitats from development.
It’s an uphill battle, for sure, but they’ve made amazing progress in helping us retain important blocks of Canadian wilderness. They’re actively working to get logging out of Algonquin Park, to protect species like the Boreal Caribou, and to develop new urban parks that bolster our connection with nature even in highly populated areas.
One of the Wildlands League’s most recent successes is helping secure Rouge National Urban Park - a 50km² park system at the base of the Rouge River watershed, on its way into Lake Ontario. The park runs from Stouffville and the Oak Ridges Moraine right down to the lake. In between, you’ll find a stunning tract of endangered Carolinian Forest, over 1700 species of plants and animals, and the last intact watershed in the area.
I ended up volunteering to be a paddling instructor for the Wildlands League’s annual ‘Paddle the Rouge’ event - the intent being to bring city folk out into the woods and help them connect with nature. The park’s entry points may have been underwater, but that didn’t stop us.
We spent the day exploring the watershed, teaching kids (and some adults!) how to canoe and kayak, and hearing from leaders of the community on why spaces like Rouge Park are so important to maintaining our connection with the land. Thanks to the Grand River Rafting Company for hooking up the boats!
I went into Paddle the Rouge, really, without any knowledge of the Wildlands League itself. Any excuse to get on the water was good enough for me. But hearing more about their successes made me realize that it only takes a small group of strong voices to make a massive impact for nature conservation in Canada.
If you get a chance, rent a kayak or canoe and do some exploring yourself this summer. You can access the park just East of the Rouge Hill GO Station, or straight in from Lake Ontario. In the meantime, keep an eye out for updates on next year’s event and come join us on the water!