Aquatic invasive species have broad impacts that can affect more than just fishing and the tourism industry. However, recreational boaters are heavily impacted by the introduction of aquatic invasive species (AIS), and the boater pathway is a significant source of spread for these harmful organisms. We can all be impacted by aquatic invasive species, but we can all do something to prevent their spread.

The Water Steward Program is an initiative by the Invading Species Awareness Program to empower water enthusiasts with the tools and resources on how they can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. With funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundations Grow grant, the program encourages anyone who is passionate about preserving our waterbodies and no former knowledge or understanding of aquatic invasive species is required. Volunteers are trained to engage and inform water enthusiasts with resources such as:

• How to effectively Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft. 
• Pertinent AIS Regulations.
• Aquatic invasive species of concern for Ontario.

Water Steward Training is currently offered in the Durham, Haliburton, Kawartha, and Pine Ridge regions.

Prevention is the best way to manage aquatic invasive species.

Sign up to be a Water Steward today!

How can you help?

The Invading Species Awareness Program is hosting open house informational events for our volunteer water steward program.
Come by and learn about how you can help preserve our aquatic ecosystems!

May 8th, 2023, 2:30-5:30 pm
OFAH Mario Cortellucci Hunting and Fishing Heritage Centre – 4601 Guthrie Dr, Peterborough, ON K9J 8L5
Peterborough/Rice Lake/Chemong   

May 10th, 2023, 1:30-3:30 pm
Haliburton Royal Canadian Legion Branch 129 Mountbatten Room – 719 Mountain St, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 
Haliburton/Minden/Carnarvon 

May 11th, 2023, 1:30-3:30 pm  
Apsley Royal Canadian Legion Branch 381 – 150 Burleigh St, Apsley, ON K0L 1A0  
Apsley/Jack Lake/Chandos Lake   

May 16th, 2023, 1:30-3:30 pm  
Beaverton Royal Canadian Legion Branch 135 – 517 Mara Rd, Beaverton, ON L0K 1A0  
Beaverton/Lake Simcoe/Kawartha Lakes  

May 17th, 2023, 1:30-3:30 pm
Port Perry Royal Canadian Legion Branch 419 – 484 Bay St, Port Perry, ON L9L 1M7
Port Perry/Scugog/Uxbridge  

May 18th, 2023, 1:30-3:30 pm
Bowmanville Memorial Park Clubhouse – Bow Memorial Park, 120 Liberty St S, Bowmanville, ON L1C 2P4
Bowmanville/Oshawa  

May 23rd, 2023, 1:30-3:30 pm
Cobourg Community Centre – 750 D’Arcy St, Cobourg, ON K9A 0G1  
Cobourg/Port Hope  

May 30th, 2023, 1:30-3:30 pm 
Buckhorn Community Centre – 1782 Lakehurst Rd, Buckhorn, ON K0L 1J0
Buckhorn/Woodview/Bobcaygeon  

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Water Steward, come to any of the events above or fill out the screening survey at the button below.

To learn more about our program, contact Jeff Berthelette at jeff_berthelette@ofah.org

Already a Water Steward?

To access the Boater Engagement Survey, click here: AIS Boater Engagement Survey

To download the Water Steward Handbook, click here: Water Steward Handbook PDF