Shaping a Sustainable Future through Data
At Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), we understand that making sound conservation decisions requires robust, long-term scientific data sets.
That’s why we’ve committed to ongoing monitoring at fixed sites throughout our jurisdiction. We have been monitoring forests, meadows, wetlands, streams and the species that inhabit them for a quarter of a century.
Watch Our Journey
Watch our anniversary video, highlighting key milestones and achievements. Hear from TRCA biologists and technicians about the many ways in which the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program has made a difference over the last 25 years.
About the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program
Since the year 2000, it is estimated that we have successfully collected over 50 million data records from more than 500 long-term monitoring sites in meadows, forests, wetlands, and streams across the Toronto region.
This data set includes more than a million individual biodiversity records, covering a wide range of species such as aquatic insects, breeding birds and amphibians, fish, and plants.
In addition, we conduct extensive water quality sampling, both in streams and groundwater, which provides critical insights into contaminants of concern and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
These long-term data records are vital in understanding the state of our environment. Through these efforts, TRCA and its partners are better equipped to assess ecosystem health, identify areas of concern, and evaluate the success of conservation and management strategies.
This extensive data collection has contributed to countless scientific journal articles and reports, underscoring the importance of the information we gather. VIEW OUR RESOURCE LIBRARY.
Our team also administers technical training courses to help transfer knowledge to partners and peers, and to help improve the accuracy and standardization of ecological data collected in regional watersheds.
The data collected also feeds into TRCA’s Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub, which reports on the overall health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems across Toronto and region and our watershed plans.
TRCA’s Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub.
Timeline
| 1999 | Three workshops held to discuss monitoring in the Toronto area, attended by provincial and federal government, environmental consultants, academia, municipalities, community groups, and the public. |
| 2000 | Regional Watershed Monitoring Program discussion papers developed and released, outlining a comprehensive, integrated approach to environmental monitoring for Toronto and region. |
| 2001 | Aquatic habitat and species monitoring (fish, benthic invertebrates) initiated. |
| 2003 | Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program (TVMP) launched. |
| Larval mosquito surveillance program initiated to assess West Nile virus activity on TRCA properties. | |
| RWMP began year-round water quality sampling. | |
| 2004 | Fluvial geomorphology program initiated. |
| 2008 | Terrestrial long-term monitoring plots added to the program: forest and wetland vegetation, forest, meadow, and wetland birds, wetland frogs, and forest salamanders. |
| Regional Watershed Monitoring Program Review (2001-2008) report published. | |
| 2013 | Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) protocol adopted to align with provincial standards and promote data sharing. |
| 2017 | Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program (TVMP) ended. |
| Algae monitoring program launched. | |
| 2018 | Forest salamanders monitoring ended. |
| 2024 | Acoustic monitoring devices installed to record breeding frog and toad calls. |
| 2025 | 25th Anniversary of Regional Watershed Monitoring Program. |
Testimonials
Our staff share their memories, success stories, and experiences with the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program.
“The most fulfilling aspect of working with the RWMP is collaborating with its dedicated and passionate staff. Many team members have contributed to the program for over a decade, with some involved since its inception in 2001. The program also focuses on nurturing the next generation of ecologists, hiring 10-15 young professionals each year to assist with field data collection. Many of these individuals are recent graduates eager to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Their enthusiasm and optimism for the natural environment serve as a beacon of hope in an often-challenging world.” – Angela Wallace, Manager, Aquatic Monitoring & Management (11 years)
“The Regional Watershed Monitoring Program has become one of Ontario’s most comprehensive and effective monitoring initiatives. TRCA and its funding partners have long recognized the importance of having data that are standardized, relevant, and scientifically sound, committing the necessary resources to ensure the program’s success. Overall, the program has become a vital tool for proactive environmental management, playing a key role in the protection and restoration of natural habitats and biodiversity. Its continuous adaptation ensures we remain prepared for emerging environmental challenges.” – Sue Hayes, Senior Manager, Terrestrial Inventories & Monitoring (22 years)
“Working with this program for 15 years, I’ve seen the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program evolve into a dedicated scientific collaboration that informs the health and sustainability of our local waterways and natural resources. I’ve witnessed committed staff tackle the challenges of field work, analysis, and reporting, and I’m proud to have been part of this journey. I look forward to seeing it continue to provide valuable insights into the health and sustainability of our local watersheds for years to come.” – Rick Portiss, Senior Manager, Aquatic Monitoring & Management (15 years)
“The most memorable moment for me came in my first year with the program. Growing up in Etobicoke, I was always out fishing and setting minnow traps, trying to understand the local fish communities. It wasn’t until I started here that I had the chance to not only conduct fish sampling but also learn even more about these locations I knew so well. What I knew before paled in comparison to what I learned that summer!” – Mark Szonda, Supervisor, Aquatic Monitoring & Management (13 years)
“The power and value of our work in the program really comes through when compiling large, multi-year datasets. For example, analyzing data to track change lets us see both the history and evolution of the landscape within and across watersheds. Being able to follow that path through space and time is a truly memorable experience.” – Natasha Gonsalves, Biologist, Terrestrial Inventories & Monitoring (19 years)
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“The most rewarding aspect of working on the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program has been the opportunity to witness the changes in the vegetation communities we monitor over the years. This in-depth, long-term perspective has greatly deepened my understanding of the diverse life histories of many of the species we study.” – Brian Ford, Junior Biologist, Terrestrial Inventories & Monitoring (11 years)
“The most rewarding part is knowing that the data we collect helps TRCA and our stakeholders understand the health of the ecosystem and develop plans for the regions. It’s also rewarding to know that the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program is long term, allowing for a deeper understanding of changes and processes over time. I’m proud to be part of this important journey.” – Rivka Shachak, Junior Biologist, Terrestrial Inventories & Monitoring (15 years)
“Given that the goal of our fauna monitoring has been to identify regional population trends over the past 15 years or so, I’ve found it extremely rewarding to feel like we have our finger on the pulse of so many bird and frog species as they face pressures from ongoing urban and suburban development. This work has given me insights into regional bird populations that most nature enthusiasts simply don’t have access to.” – Paul Prior. Biologist, Terrestrial Inventories & Monitoring (22 years)
“For me, the most rewarding part of working on RWMP is being out in the diverse watersheds with people who share the same dedication and passion. Over the past few years, I’ve met so many amazing individuals and gained a wealth of knowledge about our watersheds and the many organisms that inhabit them. One of the most memorable moments is during our fish surveys in streams, when I see the same excitement and joy in my co-workers as we discover an uncommon or rare fish species we don’t typically encounter.” – Emmanuel Thomas, Crew Leader, Aquatic Monitoring & Management (4 years)
“The most rewarding part of working on the RWMP is spending time outdoors in the watersheds I grew up in. I’ve met many like-minded individuals who share a similar passion for the outdoors and monitoring the watersheds, all while expanding my knowledge of local flora and fauna. Seeing our work contribute to the protection and improvement of the watersheds through various projects gives me a sense of pride, knowing I’ve helped make a difference.” – Gavin Goddard, Crew Leader, Aquatic Monitoring & Management (4 years)
“Our Regional Watershed Monitoring Program is unique in its ability to track the health of our natural heritage system over decades. TRCA has provided the stability and consistency that no other agency—whether public, private, or academic—has been able to offer. I’ve been honored to be part of the data collection and management of this enormous and irreplaceable work.” – Gavin Miller, Biologist, Terrestrial Inventories & Monitoring (22 years)
“The RWMP program has always been about the hardworking and dedicated people who have been part of it over the years. It has been my honor to work alongside them. You can look around TRCA and see staff who started with us, now in many different roles, contributing to a variety of ways to the conservation work that we do.” – Jeff Vandenberg, Supervisor, Aquatic Monitoring & Management (22 years)
“Learning, learning, learning! I have gained so much knowledge about the magnificent natural ecosystems in our region by working with such knowledgeable people. The most important aspect of this program is the vast amount of data and information it produces. Knowledge is power, and we can’t make informed decisions for the environment without it.” – Lyndsay Cartwright, Research Scientist, Watershed Planning and Ecosystem Science (10 years)
“The most rewarding part of working on the RWMP is the people. It’s a fantastic team of individuals committed to collecting high-quality data across the region. This helps support policy planning at TRCA, municipalities, and other stakeholders, ultimately contributing to a better environment. Often, while working in different streams and rivers, members of the public approach to ask what we’re doing. It’s rewarding to see how much they appreciate the effort, and it’s gratifying to know that the work we’re doing benefits them. They’re always happy to see us and show their support.” – Osamah Ali, Technologist, Hydrometrics (7 years)
“It’s been an incredible experience contributing to the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program. Working with benthic macroinvertebrates has shown me how small organisms can reveal big stories about ecosystem health. I’m proud to be part of a program that values long-term consistency, sound science, and meaningful impact. It’s rewarding to know our work supports healthier watersheds, and I’m excited for what’s next in protecting our aquatic environments.” – Jessica Fang, Biologist, Aquatic Monitoring & Management (13 years)
Meet Our Partners
We couldn’t have made it this far without funding support from our dedicated partners. A big thank you to all who have supported the program over the years:
Regional Watershed Monitoring Program: Quick Links
Beyond the
Regional Watershed Monitoring Program
Beyond our long-term monitoring efforts, TRCA biologists also play a crucial role in collecting data in support of many regional restoration and land development projects, including The Meadoway and the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project.
These efforts ensure that habitat and species monitoring continue alongside major urban and environmental projects.
We also collect long-term fish habitat data along the Lake Ontario waterfront, spanning more than 35 years, with findings published in the 2018 report Fish Communities of the Toronto and Region Waterfront: Summary and Assessment 1989-2016.
Some examples of additional short-term projects, biological inventories and research we contribute our monitoring expertise to:
- Biological Inventories & Assessments
- Endangered Species
- Invasive Species
- Lake Ontario Nearshore
- Road Ecology Surveys
- Urban Forest Parks Inventories and Condition Assessments
- Watershed Management and Plans
Monitoring matters to TRCA, and we are committed to ensuring that our natural environment remains healthy, resilient, and sustainable.
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay connected with us and continue the celebration by following TRCA’s social media channels for updates and highlights from the anniversary year.
Contact the Team
Have questions? Want to learn more about our program?
Reach out today by emailing wpes@trca.ca.