The Black River in Washago, Ontario, is the body of water I always find myself returning to and making the most memories on. The Black River is a body of water that connects back to Lake Simcoe and the Green River. Its home to countless forms of wildlife, such as bass and otters, makes the river such a vibrant and rich place to explore.

I grew up along the shoreline of the Black River during the summers when I would stay at my cottage. It was where I learned to swim, caught frogs, searched for snapping turtles, and taught myself how to canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and fish. My cousins and I would hike up cliffs in the area to jump from the highest point into the water. We would find bridges and small damns to scale to admire the sunset before plunging back into the river below. We would swim and boat out to some of the many tiny islands that dotted the water and have picnics along a new shoreline daily. So many of my fondest stories have taken place on and in this river, which is why the Black River is my Watermark.

The memories I have made on the Black River and the creatures that live within it remind me daily just how significant water is in our lives and our essential role in protecting it.