Friends of the Carp River

11 May 2012 – Summer Student Needed 

Mississippi Valley Conservation in partnership with Friends of the Carp River is accepting applications for a summer student position to assist with the implementation of environmental monitoring programs.  Much of the work will focus on community-based pilot projects in the Carp River Watershed.  A detailed job description is available:  Monitoring Assistant Job Description in PDF

This full-time position is intended for a student in the field of environmental studies such as biology and water management, ecosystem management, geography or a similar course of study.  Location: Mississippi Valley Conservation office, 4175 Hwy 511, Lanark.  Duration: May 28 to September 8.  Pay: $10.75 per hour.

Please send your resume with an email summarizing your experience and interests to Alyson Symon, (asymon@mvc.on.ca) no later than 6 p.m. May 21, 2012.  Interviews will be conducted May 24 to 25.

2 May 2012 – Exploratory Canoe Trip Down the Carp River

The Friends of the Carp River, along with staff of Mississippi Valley Conservation, led an exploration of the river by canoe/kayak from Richardson Side Road to Craig Side Road.  The objective of the trip was to view the riparian status of this critical section of the river first hand in preparation for a study this summer.

In the lead kayaks are Suzanne McFarlane, Brian Anderson, and Matt Craig of the MVC and behind them are Mary Porritt and Linda McCormick of the Friends.  The paddlers have just emerged from the under the March Road bridge and are headed north towards the village.

Click the picture to view the video.

 Three ecosystems were noted during the journey:

1. a critical suburban section in Kanata from Hazeldean to Huntmar, which is under pressure from new development,
2. rural areas with eroded banks and poor vegetation cover, and
3. natural rural areas with meanders, tree cover, and a more healthy, riparian ecosystem.

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22 April 2012 – Upper Poole Creek Wetland Monitoring Information Session

Mississippi Valley Conservation  is holding a public meeting re. monitoring of the Upper Poole Creek Wetland portion of the Provincially Significant Goulbourn Wetlands Complex and the upper part of Poole Creek, including its headwaters.

WHERE: Goulbourn Municipal Hall (former council chambers) at 2135 Huntley Road, Stittsville

WHEN: Sunday, April 22 (Earth Day) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presentations will begin at 11:15 a.m.

MVC staff will discuss the wetland monitoring plan and volunteer responsibilities, providing the direction and tools needed to begin the monitoring process.  They will also introduce other environmentally based volunteer programs that may be of interest.

The Friends of the Carp River will be on hand to raise awareness about its organization and talk about volunteer opportunities.  MVC Education Coordinator Sarah O’Grady along with Cliff Bennett of the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists will discuss wildlife monitoring programs available in the area.  Residents interested in landowner stewardship programs offered by MVC, such as tree planting and shoreline rehabilitation, are also encouraged to attend.

RSVPs are appreciated and drop-ins are welcome. A light lunch will be provided.

For more information please contact Suzanne McFarlane, MVC Community Relations Coordinator 613.259.2421 ext. 225 or smcfarlane@mvc.on.ca.

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Library Open House, March 2012

We would like to thank Lori Fielding, Supervising Librarian, and her staff at the Carp Branch of the Public Library for hosting our Carp River Remediation Project display panels and open house from 19 through 24 March.

We would also like to thank Ward 5 Councillor Eli El-Chantiry and his assistant, Sylvia Bell, for  accepting our invitation and spending an hour on Saturday discussing the project with us and meeting library patrons.

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Friends of the Carp River Information Display

at the Public Library, Carp Branch, 3911 Carp Road

19 March through 24 March 

The Friends of the Carp River will have an information display at the Carp Branch of the Public Library from Monday, 19 March through Saturday, 24 March.

The information display will describe the proposed Carp River Remediation Project, which is a rehabilitation of the Carp River from March Road to Carp Road from its degraded state to a healthy riparian ecosystem.

The information display will be staffed by members of the Friends on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and on Saturday between 10AM and noon, and between 1pm and 3pm.

The Friends are seeking feedback and support from the community, which includes local citizens and landowners, multiple levels of government, various agencies and organizations, and local businesses.

People are encouraged to learn about the project and to provide feedback.  Offers to volunteer with the Friends of the Carp River are also appreciated.

Information about the project is available at the link at the right or a summary can be downloaded in PDF format.

Please direct queries to  carpriverfriends@yahoo.ca