January 5, 2026

In this photo from last year's World Wetlands Day event at Cooper Marsh, basket weaver Angello Johnson demonstrates how the Mohawks of Akwesasne collect splints from black ash trees for traditional basking weaving materials.

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s (MCA) Environment Program are once again inviting communities from both sides of the Kaniatarowanenneh – the St. Lawrence River – to join them for a celebration of World Wetlands Day on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10 am to 2 pm at RRCA’s Cooper Marsh Conservation Area in South Glengarry. 

“World Wetlands Day is a great time to celebrate our local wetlands and share knowledge on the many ways they support the people, wildlife, and watersheds in our communities,” says Melanie Alguire, MCA’s Environmental Educator. “Wetlands help remove pollutants from the environment, reduce the impacts of floods and droughts, and offer essential habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. For Indigenous communities like the Mohawks of Akwesasne, these areas have long been vital places for gathering food, medicines, and materials.”

Visitors dropping in at the Marsh’s Visitors Centre during the free, family-friendly event can learn about Cooper Marsh and other wetlands through a variety of interactive displays and activities by local environmental organizations, enjoy free hot chocolate and refreshments by a campfire, explore the Marsh during guided snowshoe tours, and have a chance to win several wetland-themed prizes. Visitors will also be able to view a kids’ nature photography exhibit and vote for their favourite images. Young photographers can find out how to participate in the contest at rrca.on.ca/Photo.

“This is a great day for our communities to come together in appreciation of our shared environment and learn why it is important to value and protect our local wetlands,” says Vincent Pilon, RRCA’s Communications Specialist. “We’re thrilled to be once again co-hosting this event in partnership with MCA at Cooper Marsh Conservation Area, which is part of one of the most significant coastal wetlands in Ontario.”

Frequent partners in conservation initiatives, MCA and RRCA have helped protect and restore local wetlands for decades. The World Wetlands Day event is undertaken in part with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Water Agency and the Government of Ontario. Views expressed here are those of the RRCA and may not reflect those of the above funders. For more information visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.