From space, the image of the continent where we live is like a huge island. Your community is one of thousands sprinkled across a huge mass of mountains, hilltops, flat lands, and wetlands. The freshwater that trickles from springs, creeks, and streams near you flows into complex networks of rivers and lakes. It may meander down the path of a watershed or thunder down waterfalls, churn into rapids, and then converge into larger water systems.
Whatever its path, the freshwater from your community inevitably drains into, and merges with, one of three vast oceans – the Arctic, Atlantic, or Pacific. Freshwater is our vital link with the global ocean, no matter where we live.
Reserve an Afternoon to Participate in Ocean Links
Have your students look for signs of water health at their school and in their community by using the "Our Ocean Links Observations" (PDF) sheet as a guide. Then, invite them to form opinions, based on their observations, about the health of local freshwater and the ocean into which it drains. Finally, ask students to suggest ways to improve ocean health and living conditions for aquatic wildlife by lending freshwater a helping hand. Have them send a completed “Our Ocean Links Water Health Report” to us by e-mail so their voices will be heard. It’s that simple!
The Canadian Wildlife Federation will give youth a voice about ocean conservation by announcing students’ views on the health of our freshwater and oceans. We will share their suggestions on how local actions by all Canadians can improve our oceans for marine life and all living things.
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