"A2A Region: Forming a Collaborative Network"A2A held its second research workshop on October 20, 2012 at the Queen's University Biological Station. The proceedings are now available for downloading:
"A2A Region: Working Toward A Strategic Roadmap for Connectivity"A2A held its first research workshop on April 27-29, at the Queen's University Biological Station. The proceedings are now available for downloading:
Learn more about the workshop, and if you have any questions about the proceedings or future workshops, get in touch with workshop chair Bryarly McEachern.
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Ganonoque River Watershed
In 2008, we, along with 14 partnering organizations, received a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Species-at-Risk Fund to conduct research on the Gananoque River, which is located within the bottleneck of the A2A habitat pathway. Although this pathway hosts high biodiversity and is essential for species movement north and south, species at risk are understudied in the Gananoque river system. Data was collected in order to develop management strategies to ensure the long-term health of the waterway and better survival rates of species at risk.
This three-year project was initiated by residents' associations on Lower and Upper Beverley Lake and the Gananoque River Waterways Association. Members raised concerns about water quality and declines in fish stocks. Surveys done in 2006-2007 confirmed that concerns were widespread. Community Stewardship Project: Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Volunteers played an integral role in implementing the project, from taking water samples and helping researchers net fish and record data to observing their shorelines and participating in outreach. More than 70 local residents volunteered for the project. Learn more about our published research, other A2A studies and how you can help with our work. |
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Biodigester Workshop
We believe that a strong farming community is essential for the welfare of the A2A region — people and landscape. In 2007, we hosted a one-day workshop about biodigesters at no cost to farmers. The intent was to provide owners of small farms with information on how they could increase their income, both through generating and selling electricity and through reducing costs associated with nutrient management and the amount of electricity they have to buy.
Speakers: > Nils Semmler, president of RENTEC Renewable Energy Technologies Inc. > Tom Hutchinson, farmer and professor of ecology at Trent University, in Peterborough, Ontario > Russ Christianson, consultant to cooperatives on strategic planning and development > Steve Clarke, energy and crop engineering specialist at Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Eighty people attended the workshop, most of them farmers. In a questionnaire following the workshop , participants unanimously answered that the workshop was worthwhile. Many expressed an interest in the workshop being offered in other parts of the A2A region. Thank you to our partners: Township of Elizabethtown Kitley, Rideau Environmental Action League, Frontenac Arch Biosphere, Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Toronto Food Policy Council, Hillside Farms, McCann Farm Automation, Leeds County Stewardship Council, E-Solutions, and Rural Leeds 2000 and Beyond. |
Download the A2A factsheet
to learn more about integrating biodigesters into farm operations |
Highway 401 Porosity Study
To restore and enhance connectivity of the A2A region, we aim to document and understand the threats and opportunities related to connectivity. Among the most significant barriers: 401 Highway, intensive residential development and the urban barriers of the Town of Gananoque and Brockville. In 2004, we commissioned research focused on the 401 Highway.
The study sought to learn whether it was possible to improve crossing success and lower the barrier of the highway by diverting, guiding and channeling wildlife, large and small, to new and/or improved structures. This study was undertaken by the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve and was done in collaboration with Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Leeds County Stewardship Council, and St. Lawrence Islands National Park. All map work was completed by Eastern Ontario Model Forest and was adapted from work completed by Eastern Ontario Heritage Working Group. The project was funded by grants from Trillium Foundation and Environment Canada Habitat Stewardship Program. |
Download the results of the Highway 401 Porosity study
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