Recent headlines highlight the interception of the highly invasive Spotted Lanternfly in Ontario. Although it hasn't yet established a breeding population locally, experts warn that their invasion poses an imminent threat. While efforts continue to control existing invasive species like zebra mussels, round goby, and Phragmites, a new wave of ecological threats is approaching. Here are some high-risk species moving northward that are not yet established in our Bay, and what actions we must take to keep it that way.
Spotted Lanternfly (Land-based – impacts trees, vehicles, and outdoor gear)
This sap-feeding insect is a massive hazard to Ontario’s hardwoods (such as maple and birch) as well as the agricultural fruit industry. They swarm trees, feeding aggressively until the host plant dies. They are incredible hitchhikers, clinging to cars, camping gear, and boats traveling up from the United States.
How to spot it:
Adults are approximately 3 cm long. When resting, they appear pinkish-grey with black spots. When they hop or fly, they reveal a striking, bright red and black underwing.
Egg masses look like splashes of grey, crusted mud on tree bark, rocks, outdoor furniture, or vehicles.
Where are they now:
A dozen dead specimens were recently intercepted on an imported commercial shipment in St. Catharines.
What to do if you see one:
Snap It: Try to get clear photographs of the specimen(s).
Catch It: Use a plastic baggie or sealable container to capture adults (they don’t bite or sting) and/or scrape off egg masses into a secure container.
Report It: Submit precise location and any photographs to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency via their online portal: Contact CFIA online
Find out more about the spotted lanternfly here.
Oak Wilt (Land-based – impacts oak trees and forest canopies)
Oak Wilt is a fungus that grows on the outer sapwood of oak trees, restricting the flow of water and nutrients through the tree. An infestation can kill red oak trees in as little as 2 to 6 weeks.
How to spot it:
Oak leaves suddenly wilt, turn a bronze or brown colour starting from the top of the canopy downward, and fall prematurely during July and August.
Vertical bark cracks may appear on the trunk, accompanied by a sweet, fruity scent coming from underneath the bark.
Where is it now:
Oak Wilt is in our backyard, with confirmed cases recently detected in Springwater Township (just outside Barrie).
What to do if you see it:
Report any sighting immediately to:
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) www.inspection.gc.ca/pests
EDDMapS www.eddmaps.org/
Search for the ‘Invasive Species in Ontario’ project on iNaturalist.org
Or Invading Species Hotline 1-800-563-7711
See the Oak Wilt fact sheet here.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Land-based – impacts hemlock trees)
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is a tiny, aphid-like insect that sucks nutrients from the base of hemlock needles. It can weaken and kill established trees within a few years.
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Archive, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station / © Bugwood.org / CC-BY-3.0-US
How to spot it:
Look under hemlock branches for tiny, distinct, white waxy tufts that resemble Q-tip fluff attached to the twigs at the base of the needles.
Where is it now:
HWA has been detected in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the Niagara region.
What to do if you see it:
Report any signs and symptoms to:
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) www.inspection.gc.ca/pests
EDDMapS www.eddmaps.org/
Search for the ‘Invasive Species in Ontario’ project on iNaturalist.org
Or Invading Species Hotline 1-800-563-7711
See the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid fact sheet here.
Water Soldier (Water-based – impacts shorelines, wetlands, and open water)
Water Soldier forms dense, floating mats that crowd out native vegetation, alter water chemistry, and severely restrict recreational activities.
How to spot it:
Similar in appearance to an aloe or spider plant, it features a floating or submerged rosette of rigid, bright green leaves with sharp, saw-toothed edges.
Where is it now:
Water Soldier has established a major foothold just south of us in Lake Simcoe (Cook’s Bay), making the risk of transfer via recreational boats into the Georgian Bay watershed dangerously high.
What to do if you see it?
Report any sightings to :
EDDMapS www.eddmaps.org/
Search for the ‘Invasive Species in Ontario’ project on iNaturalist.org
Or Invading Species Hotline 1-800-563-7711
Read more about Water Soldier here.
Hydrilla (Water-based – grows entirely submerged under the surface)
Hydrilla is an aggressive aquatic plant that can grow rapidly–reaching lengths of 7.5 metres. It dramatically degrades water quality by blocking sunlight, decreasing oxygen levels, increasing pH and water temperatures. These thick underwater blankets can also clog water intake pumps, and make boating and swimming nearly impossible.
How to spot it:
Stems grow underwater, featuring pointed, green leaves with serrated edges.
Leaves grow in distinct whorls (circles) of 4 to 8 around the stem.
Plants can grow up to 7.5 m high.
Where is it now:
Hydrilla has been detected in Ontario for the first time in Hillman Marsh Conservation Area in Leamington, near Lake Erie.
What to do if you see it:
EDDMapS www.eddmaps.org/
Search for the ‘Invasive Species in Ontario’ project on iNaturalist.org
Or Invading Species Hotline 1-800-563-7711
Read more about Hydrilla here.
Concrete Steps You Can Take Right Now To Prevent Spread
Awareness is only half the battle. To keep these invaders away, weave these three non-negotiable rules into your cottage and travel routines:
1. For Boaters & Anglers: “Clean, Drain, Dry”
Before you pack up your boat, jet ski, canoe, or trailer to head to Georgian Bay (especially if you’ve been in Lake Simcoe or southern river systems):
Clean: Scrape off any visible mud, plants, or critters from your hull, motor, propeller, and trailer. Even a tiny fragment of Water Soldier can clone itself and ruin a new bay.
Drain: Pull the plug! Drain all water from your motor, livewell, bilge, and ballast tanks onto dry land before leaving the boat launch.
Dry: Let your watercraft and gear dry in the sun for at least 5 days, or pressure-wash it with hot water before launching it into the Bay.
Never dump leftover bait into the water or on the shoreline. Put it in the trash.
2. For Campers & Property Owners: “Buy Local, Burn Local”
Moving firewood is the single fastest way to spread forest killers like Oak Wilt and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.
Leave the wood at home: Buy your campfire wood directly within the town or neighborhood where you are staying on the North Shore or East Coast.
Leave leftovers behind: If you don’t burn all the wood you bought, don’t pack it up to take home. Leave it for the next camper.
3. For Landowners & Hikers: “Don’t Prune & Brush Your Boots”
Do not prune or cut oak trees between April and November. Invasives are intensely attracted to fresh cuts, which is exactly how the Oak Wilt fungus spreads from tree to tree.
Use a stiff brush to clean the mud and seeds off your hiking boots and pet paws before hitting trails on the Bay.
See Something? Snap It, Catch It, Report It
If you spot something suspicious on your property, on the trails, or in the water, follow this protocol:
Snap It: Take a clear, close-up photo. If possible, place an item like a coin or sunglasses next to it for scale.
Catch It (If Safe): If you see a suspected Spotted Lanternfly, stomp it or catch it in a sealable container and freeze it (authorities need the specimens!). Scrape egg masses into a container of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
Report It: Download the EDDMapS Ontario app to upload photos and drop a precise GPS pin. Alternatively, call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711. For the Spotted Lanternfly, report it directly to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
By staying alert and reporting what you see, you are helping ensure this new wave of invasives don’t become the Bay’s next major problem.
Additional information on these and other invasive species, along with instructions on how to report a sighting, can be found on the Ontario Invasive Species website here.
The annual Powwow season around Georgian Bay is a vibrant celebration of Anishinaabe, Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Métis cultures. These gatherings bring together nations for fellowship, ceremony and celebration. For non-Indigenous visitors, attending a Powwow is an incredible opportunity to learn and share space, provided you follow traditional protocols and community rules. 2026 Regional Powwow Schedule Please note: Times and dates may change depending on the local committee's organization. Always cross-reference the Ontario Pow Wow Calendar or local First Nation administration pages closer to the event. Early Summer Gatherings June 6 – 7: Henvey Inlet First Nation 23rd Annual Intertribal Pow Wow Location: Henvey Inlet First Nation Pow Wow Grounds Details: Grand Entry occurs at noon and 7:00 PM on Saturday, and noon on Sunday Community feast on Saturday at 5:00 PM June 19 – 20: Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre Pow Wow Location: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons (Hwy 12, Wye Valley Rd) Details: Runs concurrently with National Indigenous Peoples Day events June 28: Dokis First Nation Pow Wow Location: Dokis First Nation Pow Wow Grounds Details: Sunrise ceremony begins at 5:30 AM; Grand Entry at 12:00 PM Mid-to-Late Summer Gatherings August 1 – 3: Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival Location: Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (Manitoulin Island) Details: One of Ontario’s largest competition powwows and cultural arts festivals August (usually the 3rd weekend in August): Shawanaga First Nation 29th Annual Traditional Powwow Location: Shawanaga First Nation Powwow Grounds (near Nobel/Parry Sound) Details: Traditional healing gathering. Grand Entry occurs at noon daily August 22 – 23: Chippewas of Rama 41st Annual Pow Wow Celebration Location: John Snake Memorial Grounds, Rama First Nation Details: Renowned competition powwow featuring exceptional drum groups Late August (Tentative): Moose Deer Point First Nation Annual Pow Wow Location: Moose Deer Point Pow Wow Grounds (Twelve Mile Bay, MacTier) Details: Coastal community gathering featuring local vendors along Georgian Bay September (Tentative): The Wasauksing First Nation Traditional Pow Wow Location: Depot Harbour, Wasauksing First Nation Many other festivals may be happening close to you. Make sure to check in with local communications and the 2026 Powwow Calendar here. Powwow Etiquette General Ground Rules Powwows are drug and alcohol-free environments and this extends to the parking lots and campgrounds Leave pets at home. Service animals are permitted, but pets are generally banned from the sacred space The Sacred Circle (The Arbor) The central dance area is a blessed, sacred space: Never cross the circle. Do not walk across the dance arena or cut through it to reach the other side Keep children clear. Ensure kids do not play inside the perimeter unless explicitly invited. Do not sit on the benches or chairs positioned right at the edge of the circle; these are strictly reserved for dancers, even if they look empty. The Master of Ceremonies (MC) Listen to the MC. They are your guide and will explicitly tell the crowd when the arena is open to the general public for “Intertribal” dances. Always keep your ears tuned to the MC. They will explicitly tell you when to stand, when you can take photos, and when you are welcome to step into the circle to dance. Regalia is Not a Costume The clothing worn by dancers is called Regalia or an Outfit. It is never referred to as a “costume.” Regalia is deeply spiritual, often handmade over hundreds of hours, and incorporates sacred family or tribal symbols. Never touch a dancer’s regalia, feathers, or accessories If a dancer drops a piece of regalia (especially an eagle feather), do not pick it up. Stand back and notify a staff member or committee elder; a specific retrieval ceremony must take place When to Stand & Remove Hats Out of respect, you must stand and remove your headwear during key sacred components of the ceremony. The MC will announce these moments, which include: The Grand Entry: The opening procession of veterans, flag bearers, chiefs, and dancers The Flag Song: The raising or honoring of national and tribal staffs The Veterans Song: A song dedicated to military veterans Honor Songs: Sacred songs played for specific community milestones or memorials Photography and Recording Restrictions Always ask a dancer before taking a close-up picture of them or their children outside the dance circle Do not take photos or record videos during Honor Songs, Flag Songs, or the Grand Entry if specified by the MC Never photograph or film the Sacred Fire. It is a place for private prayer and medicine offerings What to Bring Packing Checklist: Lawn/Camp Chairs: Seating around the arbor is reserved for elders and dancers. Visitors must bring their own chairs. Set them up behind the row of benches designated for dancers. Sun and Rain Protection: Powwows run rain or shine. Bring umbrellas, rain gear, sunblock, and hats (to be removed during honor songs). Bug Spray: Many grounds (like Shawanaga and Moose Deer Point) are surrounded by wilderness and water. Refillable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated during long, hot summer days. Cash: Do not rely on debit cards, credit cards, or mobile payments. Many powwow grounds are located in remote geographic pockets where cell service is unreliable, meaning electronic point-of-sale systems will fail. Bring physical cash ($5, $10, and $20 bills) for: Admission/Parking: While many traditional gatherings are free, some charge a nominal gate fee ($5–$10) to pay for facility upkeep Food Vendors: Indulge in authentic Indigenous cuisine like Indian Tacos (served on fresh frybread), wild rice, scone dogs, and berry juices. Craft Vendors: Purchase authentic, handmade Indigenous art, beadwork, orange shirts, and moccasins. Buying directly from these artisans keeps your dollars in the local Indigenous economy.
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 4, 4, 4, 4 & 4 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 6, 7, 2 & 13 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are lower by 1 inch than this time last year. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 3, 3, 6, 5 & 13 inches above their long-term May averages. All the lakes remain well below their May record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Erie levels are expected to rise by 3, 2, 1, & 0 inches, respectively. Lake Ontario levels are expected to fall by 2 inches. Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be slightly above average in May. Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River, Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River are projected to be above average in May. This report below shows the most recent month of precipitation and outflows published by Level News: With regard to the forecast graph below, and the more recently updated first graph in this report, the USACE is predicting that the most likely outcome is that the Lake Michigan-Huron level will rise from March through July. Monthly mean water levels for the previous year and the current year to date are shown as a solid line on the hydrographs. A projection for the next six months is given as a dashed line. This projection is based on the present condition of the lake basin and anticipated future weather. The shaded area shows a range of possible levels over the next six months dependent upon weather variations. Current and projected levels (solid and dashed lines) can be compared with the 1918-2021 average levels (dotted line) and extreme levels (shown as bars with their year of occurrence). The legend below further identifies the information on the hydrographs.
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 7 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 7, 4, 4, 4 & 6 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 5, 7, 2 & 13 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are lower by 2 inches than they were at this time last year. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 2, 2, 6, 3 & 13 inches above their long-term May averages. All the lakes remain well below their May record highs.In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are expected to rise by 3, 3, 0, 1 & 0 inches, respectively. Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be slightly below average in May. Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River, Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River are projected to be above average in May.This report below shows the most recent month of precipitation and outflows published by Level News: With regard to the forecast graph below, and the more recently updated first graph in this report, the USACE is predicting that the most likely outcome is that the Lake Michigan-Huron level will rise from March through July. Monthly mean water levels for the previous year and the current year to date are shown as a solid line on the hydrographs. A projection for the next six months is given as a dashed line. This projection is based on the present condition of the lake basin and anticipated future weather. The shaded area shows a range of possible levels over the next six months dependent upon weather variations. Current and projected levels (solid and dashed lines) can be compared with the 1918-2021 average levels (dotted line) and extreme levels (shown as bars with their year of occurrence). The legend below further identifies the information on the hydrographs.
Join the Celebration!
Please join us in honoring our amazing community volunteers. We warmly invite you to a special virtual ceremony celebrating our 2025 Champions of the Bay:
When: Thursday, May 28th at 7 PM
Where: via Zoom (register here)
We’ll be gathering from every corner of the Bay to hear their inspiring stories and celebrate the nominators who brought their work to light.
Honouring Our 2025 Champions
We are proud to recognize the following association champions for their outstanding dedication to Georgian Bay:
Linda Bartlett & Lynda Montgomery – Bay of Islands Community Association
Andy Metelka – Blackstone Lake Cottagers Association
Ted Simmonds – Bayfield Nares Islanders’ Association
Jack Giroux – Cognashene Cottagers’ Association
Sonya Lester – Honey Harbour Association
Andrew Hurlbut – Key River Area Association
Eleanor Proctor – Madawaska Club of Go Home Bay
Cathy Coles & Darin Buckland – Manitou Association
Doug Whitton – McGregor Bay Association
Freda Klassen – Northern Georgian Bay Association
Catherine Fairlie – Pointe au Baril Islanders’ Association
Jane-Anne Campbell – Sans Souci & Copperhead Association
Peter Adams – South Channel Association
Sue McPhedran – Woods Bay Community Association
Bruce Davidson – West Carling Association
Tom Buck – Community-at-Large
[Click here to read about the incredible contributions of our 2026 Champions]
We will be hearing from both our Champions and their nominators to learn and be inspired by the exciting work that earned them this year’s recognition.
Register to Attend: Please click [HERE] to join the guest list.
Community Garage Sale Event Details Date: June 6th Location: Carling Rink Surface Vendor Set-Up: Beginning at 7:00 a.m. Shopping Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Vendor Information Vendors must pay a $10 cash fee to the Carling Township Office prior to the sale date. Please note that tables and chairs are not included; vendors are responsible for bringing their own if needed. Each vendor space is approximately 10'X10'. All unsold items must be removed by the vendor at the end of the sale. No items are to be left on Township property. Vendors with attached trailers are still required to pay the $10 vendor fee. Vendors do not need to pay separately for both a trailer and a reserved space. No detached trailers are permitted in the main parking lot. Vehicles with attached trailers must park in the north parking lot. Vendors may display photos or signage for larger items within their paid reserved space. Please do not drag or roll large items across the rink surface (for example: snow blowers). No power outlets are available on site. Please ensure all electrical items are in working order before the event. All sales are final. No return policy applies. Vendors may arrange delivery of purchased items directly with buyers, if applicable. Thank you for participating in this Community Fundraiser Event! -The Township of Carling Community Garage Sale Flyer
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 6 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 7, 6, 5, 7 & 11 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron & Ontario levels are up 4, 6, & 15 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are lower by 4 inches than they were at this time last year and Lake St. Clair levels remain the same as they were last year. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are o, 0, 3, 2 & 13 inches above their long-term May averages. All the lakes remain well below their May record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are expected to rise by 3, 2, 2, 2 & 0 inches, respectively. Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be slightly below average in May. Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River, Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River are projected to be above average in May. This report below shows the most recent month of precipitation and outflows published by Level News: With regard to the forecast graph below, and the more recently updated first graph in this report, the USACE is predicting that the most likely outcome is that the Lake Michigan-Huron level will rise from March through July. Monthly mean water levels for the previous year and the current year to date are shown as a solid line on the hydrographs. A projection for the next six months is given as a dashed line. This projection is based on the present condition of the lake basin and anticipated future weather. The shaded area shows a range of possible levels over the next six months dependent upon weather variations. Current and projected levels (solid and dashed lines) can be compared with the 1918-2021 average levels (dotted line) and extreme levels (shown as bars with their year of occurrence). The legend below further identifies the information on the hydrographs.
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 6 inches higher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 8, 11, 5, 9 & 13 inches, respectively. Lake Superior, Michigan-Huron & Ontario levels are up 4, 6, & 16 inches, respectively, from last year. Lakes St. Clair & Erie levels are lower by 2 & 3 inches than they were at this time last year. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are o, 0, 2, 2 & 12 inches above their long-term May averages. All the lakes remain well below their May record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are expected to rise by 4, 3, 3, 2 & 0 inches, respectively. Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be slightly below average in May. Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River, Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River are projected to be above average in May. This report below shows the most recent month of precipitation and outflows published by Level News: With regard to the forecast graph below and the more recently updated first graph in this report, the USACE is predicting that the most likely outcome is that the Lake Michigan-Huron level will rise from March through July. Monthly mean water levels for the previous year and the current year-to-date are shown as a solid line on the hydrographs. A projection for the next six months is given as a dashed line. This projection is based on the present condition of the lake basin and anticipated future weather. The shaded area shows a range of possible levels over the next six months, dependent upon weather variations. Current and projected levels (solid and dashed lines) can be compared with the 1918-2021 average levels (dotted line) and extreme levels (shown as bars with their year of occurrence). The legend below further identifies the information on the hydrographs.
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 7 inches hgher than it was at this time last year. From a month ago, the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are up 7, 14, 11, 9 & 15 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair & Ontario levels are up 4, 7, 2 & 17 inches, respectively, from last year. Lake Erie levels are the same as they were at this time last year. Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 0, 2, 1 & 10 inches above their long-term May averages. Lake Superior is 1 inch below its long-term May averages. All the lakes remain well below their May record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario levels are expected to rise by 4, 3, 2, 2 & 4 inches, respectively. Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be slightly below average in May. Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River, Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River are projected to be above average in May. This report below shows the most recent month of precipitation and outflows published by Level News: With regard to the forecast graph below, and the more recently updated first graph in this report, the USACE is predicting that the most likely outcome is that the Lake Michigan-Huron level will rise from March through July. Monthly mean water levels for the previous year and the current year to date are shown as a solid line on the hydrographs. A projection for the next six months is given as a dashed line. This projection is based on the present condition of the lake basin and anticipated future weather. The shaded area shows a range of possible levels over the next six months dependent upon weather variations. Current and projected levels (solid and dashed lines) can be compared with the 1918-2021 average levels (dotted line) and extreme levels (shown as bars with their year of occurrence). The legend below further identifies the information on the hydrographs.