Lake Simcoe Buzz

Thanks for joining the conversation on Lake Simcoe Buzz! Here’s a look at some of the great questions and answers from recent editions:

Spring 2026

Thanks for sharing where your stormwater goes!

Stormwater management plays a big role in protecting our watershed — especially as weather patterns change and storms become more frequent and intense. The good news? No matter how water leaves your property now, there are practical steps you can take to make a difference.

Learn more about stormwater in the watershed.

Winter 2025/26

• Question: I stay here and brave winter, puff my feathers for warmth, and love sunflower seeds. Who am I?
• Answer:
  • A. Chipping sparrow
  • B. Black-capped chickadee – CORRECT. They’re one of the few local birds that overwinter here, using clever tricks like feather-puffing and food caching to survive the cold. Other similar birds migrate south or rely on different food sources, but chickadees reliably visit backyard feeders. See for yourself at Scanlon Creek Conservation Area, a popular birding spot, with chickadees everywhere this time of year.
  • C. Barred Owl

Autumn 2025

• Question: What’s the most nature-friendly way to handle fallen leaves?
• Answers:
  • A. Compost them
  • B. Leave them where they fall — CORRECT. While all answers are great ways to handle leaves, letting them stay where they fall offers shelter for pollinators, insects, toads, and other important wildlife. As they decompose, they return nutrients to the soil, helping your garden thrive naturally.
  • C. Bag them for pickup.

Summer 2025

• True or False: Lake Simcoe water levels are managed by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.
• Answer: FALSE — Because Lake Simcoe is part of a much larger system known as the Trent-Severn Waterway, its water levels are managed by Parks Canada. Learn more here.

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