Community Celebrates the St. Lawrence River at the “It’s All About the River” Festival
South Nation Conservation (SNC) was proud to take part in the It’s All About the River Festival, held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, along the beautiful Morrisburg Waterfront. Hot, sunny summer weather, brought together over 35 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors to celebrate the cultural, environmental, and recreational importance of the St. Lawrence River.
Hosted in partnership with SNC, the Municipality of South Dundas, and the Counties of SDG, alongside a dedicated group of volunteers, the festival offered an exciting lineup of hands-on activities, educational exhibits, river-themed entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Visitors explored interactive displays, learned about river conservation, and enjoyed local food vendors and waterfront activities.
“We were thrilled to see such strong community support for the St. Lawrence River,” said Naomi Langlois-Anderson, SNC’s Fish and Wildlife Technician. “Events like this highlight the importance of protecting our shared waterways and help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”
SNC’s booth featured educational resources on native turtle species, offering tips on how to identify them and what to do if you encounter one in the wild. One of the most popular features of the day was SNC’s youth fishing station, where families had the opportunity to connect with nature, try out fishing, and learn more about aquatic ecosystems.
The It’s All About the River Festival celebrated one of Eastern Ontario’s most vital natural features, showcasing the river’s role in supporting biodiversity, outdoor recreation, and local heritage. SNC extends its sincere thanks to all participants, volunteers, exhibitors, and partners who made the day such a great success.
“The festival continues to grow each year, and it’s been exciting to see how much momentum it’s gained,” added Langlois-Anderson. “It’s quickly becoming a signature summer event along the St. Lawrence River.”
The It’s All About the River Festival is a recipient of SNC’s Community Environmental Grant which supports community events across the Conservation Authority’s Eastern Ontario watershed jurisdiction that promote recreational use of our rivers, protect the environment, or celebrate our natural heritage. To learn more about SNC’s Community Environmental Grants please visit: nation.on.ca/water/grant-programs/community-environmental-grants
For more information: Erin Thorne, Communications Specialist 1-877-984-2948 | ethorne@nation.on.ca