Fresh . . . is the water
“Action is the stream, and contemplation is the spring.” Thomas Merton
Inspired by this weeks photo challenge: Fresh – it’s a state (new, recent, previously unknown) and it’s a taste or sensation (cool, sweet, invigorating, refreshing).
Appropriate to this posts theme, fresh water, I introduce the Experimental Lakes Area located near Kenora, Ontario. It is under threat of closure by Canada’s Conservative federal government.
This a world class research facility in operation since 1968 by Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Scientists from around the globe come to study and identify the effects of pollutants on water sheds and fresh water.
The mission and the challenge – (from the ELA website)
To better understand global threats to the environment through knowledge gained from whole-ecosystem, experimental, scientific research
To monitor and demonstrate the impacts of human activities on watersheds and lakes
To develop appropriate environmental stewardship strategies for the preservation, restoration and enhancement of ecosystems
To educate and promote environmental protection and conservation through an integrated approach to ecosystem stewardship
In conjunction with this, I also introduce unmuzzledscience – “Musings of A Canadian government scientist from behind the muzzle.” For those readers who would like to delve in to deeper pools, I’ll reblog this Canadian scientist’s recent post on protecting fresh water. He (or she) has had to remain anonymous.
May there be peace and fresh water for all – Bruce
through the luminary lens 
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Thanks for the like on my poem –know?. Your work is incredible, Bruce. Keep on.
Hi there. I really love these photos, and am enjoying looking around your blog. Both the quality of the posts, and the comments too, make them well worth spending some time on. Great job! 🙂
Thanks Anthony – I read a few of your posts and was going to comment but for some reason couldn’t find the comment box. I really enjoyed about you’re walking in London or going for a coffee, and your brief time off from teaching – I really felt a “sense of place”. Great writing – and I’ve always felt teaching is a nobel profession. Kudos to you too!
Thanks for your kind words! This whole blogging thing is a great way to connect with like-minded people. Keep up the great work on your blog 🙂
That’s a really beautiful place! I read the link you provided in this post. The lakes are such a great idea for studying wildlife and water conditions.
Yes. And the research is longitudinal – i.e. much of it goes many years back, which helps scientists and biologists understand the changes that are happening so much better. If the program is closed the data becomes almost useless . Private interests benefit, and the public good and care for the earth will be be compromised. Let’s hope a citizens lobby is strong enough to keep up the funding.
I love the 2nd photo !
Cheers Angela 🙂
This is the view from our deck. If you look carefully over time, this appears quite regularily in different photos. We love it too! 🙂 Thanks Angela.
You are a lucky guy to have this view every day 🙂
Yes indeed. It is such a wonder to be able to share it through the blogosphere, although I know it is not like being here. Thank you for your appreciation.
You are welcome 🙂
Stunning pictures.lets hope it is the same in decades from now. 🙂
Exactly. Let’s work together to make sure everyone on the planet has access to fresh water, which would even be an improvement from today. The world can become better so let do it.
Beautiful, Bruce. Yes, the water must remain fresh, clean and vital if we are to ourselves, as we are made mostly of water.
Thanks for appreciating this David. I had never thought of it this way, and it is so true!
Lovely shot. Inspirational post. 🙂
Thank you Cindy
Beautiful post.
Thanks for your interest and kind comment. Best regards to you. Bruce