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| Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour Thanks so much Ken Fisher for the pictures from our most recent Indigenous event – sponsoring kids from the Limestone Board’s alternative Indigenous school to paddle in the birchbark canoe we built in 2020 and which resides in their classroom as a fellow classmate. Thanks so much Michelle Webb and Elspeth Lamplugh for going to the school to help the kids re-gum the canoe prior to the event as well as helping out at the event. And thanks too to Walter Sepic of Firefly Adventures for taking the kids out individually and to Bond Strand for cooking treats for everyone and to Ben Strand for acting as life-guard.. As you may have heard, I will be stepping down as president shortly. Three wonderful, talented, dedicated and powerful women are taking the lead: Mary Louise Adams, Vicki Schmolka, and Annette Burfoot. I am so grateful! I will continue with the newsletter but reducing it to once monthly. There are a few other sources for news you might be interested in connecting with: Only the Kingstonist requires paid subscription. Otherwise just ask to be put on the mailing list. https://kingstonist.com https://mayorpaterson.com and his community update newsletter at http://lp.constantcontactpages.com/si/Ye8ywMC ygktoday@mail.beehiv.com tedhsu.mpp.co@ola.org visit@tourismkingston.com losanic@cityofkingston.ca cityofkingston.ca/subscribe Here is what’s up for July: LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES AND EVENTS 1. Natural Heritage Study project on Get Involved Kingston. 2. Tons of Fun July Events 3. Charities and Non-Profits Invited to Apply for the Kingston Community Climate Action Fund 4. City’s Tree Planting Program: Discounted Trees for Sale until Aug 1 5. Government Leadership Award to City’s Facilities Management & Construction Services 6. Green Building Champion Award – Russell Horne 7. Heritage Issues – the Kingston Heritage Management Plan 8. Special Constable Appointment Strategy to Improve Community Safety & Enforcement Responses 9. Kingston Seeks Community Members for Planning Advisory Committee and Council Resourcing Working Group 10 Summer Watering Restrictions in Effect 11. Kingston Named one of the World’s Top 7 Intelligent Communities of 2025 12. City Celebrating Excellence in the Arts: Nominations for the 2025 May Arts Awards Now Open FROM FARTHER AFIELD 13. Canada Leads the Way in Innovation for Safer Maritime Navigation FOR FUN AND GENERAL INTEREST 14. There’s Trouble in these Headwaters 15. Boston Ditches Roadside Grass 16. New Canada Strong Pass offers discounts on camping, train travel and more 17. After 41 Years in Captivity, this Celebrity Sea Turtle is Finally Swimming Home LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES AND EVENTS 1.Natural Heritage Study project on get Involved Kingston Received from Niall Oddie, Senior Planner, City of Kingston, July 3, 2025 The City of Kingston is creating a new official plan. (getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/yg220k) which will guide how the community will grow and how land will be used over the next 25 years, until 2051. As part of this process, the City is working with North South Environmental (nsenvironmental.com) to prepare a Natural Heritage Study which will identify and map the key natural heritage features, such as wetlands, woodlands and watercourses, found in Kingston, as well as corridors linking these features together. The mapping and policy recommendations from the Natural Heritage Study will inform the natural heritage and environmental protection components of the City’s new Official Plan. Get Involved Opportunities for public participation will occur throughout the project to ensure community members can help shape the future Natural Heritage System. These opportunities will be held at the beginning, middle and towards the end of the project to ensure community input can be considered throughout the project. The City of Kingston is initiating public consultation on draft materials for the Natural Heritage Study. We welcome feedback on the Draft Technical Report and the Draft Natural Heritage System Mapping until July 30th, 2025. An in-person Open House will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Memorial Hall in City Hall (216 Ontario Street). The commenting deadline is 4 weeks, but it won’t be the only opportunity for residents to provide comments on the project. We’ll use the comments received through this round of consultation on the draft natural heritage system mapping and Technical Report to prepare the revised mapping. There will be a second round of public consultation later this fall on the revised mapping and the draft Natural Heritage Study report, which will include policy recommendations for the Official Plan. Editor’s Note: The most important time for input is NOW! Do consider what you think is really important about Kingston’s Natural Heritage and do submit a comment – even if it is only a sentence or two about what you, personally, consider really important. Here are a few suggestions: Increasing and Expanding Natural Corridors, Little Forests Throughout the City, Increasing Downtown Tree Canopy, Rewilding Streetscapes. Protecting Habitat of Particular Species such as Turtles, No Clearcutting for Development, Expanding Trail Network to Include More Trees and Little Forest Plantings, Shoreline Plantings, Restrictions on Private Landowners Cutting Down Trees, Expanding the Tree Planting Discounts, Educational Thrusts such as Labeling Trees in Parks, Hiring More Wonderful Experts in the City’s Forestry Department. Current Staff is Stretched Too Thin 2. Tons of Fun July Events. This is such a great resource! ygktoday@mail.beehiv.com 3. Charities and Non-Profits Invited to Apply for the Kingston Community Climate Action Fund Received from the City of Kingston July 4, 2025 Imagining a greener future for your organization and the wider community? Charities and non-profits who need support to fund a green project are invited to apply for the Kingston Community Climate Action Fund (KCCAF). Launched in 2020, the KCCAF provides financial support to community organizations who are committed to climate action. Eligible projects may reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage, protect biodiversity, enhance sustainability or help adapt to the effects of climate change. “The Kingston Community Climate Action Fund provides local organizations with the resources and support to achieve their sustainability goals,” says Julie Salter-Keane, Manager of Climate Leadership. “The annual fundraising campaign gives charities and non-profits momentum to start or expand an existing green project that contributes to wider community climate action.” Successful applicants will have their projects promoted by the City of Kingston, with public donations matched up to $15,000. Kingston Community Credit Union will also match donations made at their branches up to $5,000. Fundraising will take place from December 2025 until March 2026. The 2024-2025 campaign saw $30,000 fundraised for Extend-A-Family Kingston’s Growability Hydroponic Greenhouse Project. This project offers training and work opportunities in sustainable agriculture for adults and youth with disabilities, helping them gain skills and give back to their community. It significantly reduces water usage and greenhouse gas emissions while increasing climate resiliency by producing local food year-round. Interested charities and non-profits are encouraged to review the application guidelines to understand the fund’s requirements, learn about eligible projects and find answers to frequently asked questions. To complete your application online, sign up/log in to MyKingston. For more information, please visit CityofKingston.ca/KCCAF 4. City’s Tree Planting Program: Discounted Trees for Sale until Aug 1 Received from the City of Kingston, June 30, 2025 We’re rooting for a greener Kingston: The Neighbourhood Tree Planting Program is back! Do you want to branch out and leaf a lasting impact on Kingston? The City’s Neighbourhood Tree Planting Program is back, offering discounted trees to Kingston property owners to enhance their property and help grow our city’s vibrant tree canopy. “Purchasing and planting a tree has many benefits for individual property owners and Kingston as a whole,” says Troy Stubinski, Public Works Operations Manager. “Trees provide shade, store greenhouse gases, give off oxygen, help remove pollutants from groundwater and help prevent soil erosion. They do many important jobs, and all while beautifying our community and promoting wellbeing for all. Together we can grow Kingston’s tree canopy and all enjoy a greener future.” From June 30 to Aug. 1, the City has 11 tree-mendous species up for grabs. Trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Property owners within the City can branch out and purchase up to three trees per property for $20 each (HST included). Trees purchased must be planted within the municipal boundaries of Kingston. Orders can be placed online, by phone or in person at select City locations. Let’s root for a greener Kingston together! https://www.cityofkingston.ca/climate-change-and-environment/trees-and-nature/ 5. Government Leadership Award awarded to City’s Facilities Management & Construction Services Received from the City of Kingston, June 25, 2025 Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) recognizes the City of Kingston as a leader in climate and sustainability work The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) recently recognized the City of Kingston with two national awards for leadership in energy efficiency, decarbonization, and green building. The City’s Facilities Management and Construction Services (FMCS) team received the Government Leadership Award for its work on sustainable buildings and energy performance. Russell Horne, Manager of Facilities Energy & Asset Management, earned the Green Building Champion award. Government Leadership Award – FMCS Department The Government Leadership Award celebrates public sector organizations that are making real progress on greener buildings in Canada. The FMCS team oversees over 160 city-owned buildings and is leading the way to lower emissions. The team is responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, asset management and sustainability of all municipal facilities. This includes tracking energy use across more than 500 utility meters, installing solar PV systems on 16 buildings and over 100 EV chargers, and using a centralized building automation system at 32 major sites to maintain comfort while conserving energy. Some of their notable projects include mechanical system upgrades, net zero new construction and pilot projects such as Canada’s first municipal liquid desiccant dehumidifier, installed and currently undergoing testing at the INVISTA Centre. Thanks to FMCS’s efforts, greenhouse gas emissions from City facilities have decreased by 21 per cent per square foot since 2018, a compelling example for other governments working to address climate change. 6. Green Building Champion Award – Russell Horne The Green Building Champion Award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional achievements in advocating for sustainable green buildings aligning with the CAGBC’s mission, vision, and values. Horne received the award for his leadership in cutting carbon emissions from Kingston’s municipal buildings as well as his community outreach. He plays a key role in making sustainability a core part of how the City plans, builds and operates its facilities. Among many other accomplishments, over the past seven years, Horne led decarbonization programs impacting over 160 buildings and improving their overall performance, expanded the building automation program, aligned capital planning with decarbonization strategies, and developed a carbon budgeting tool. He also spearheaded the creation of the Net Zero Transition Plan, a groundbreaking strategy that outlines how each City facility can cut carbon, what upgrades are needed, and how much it will cost. Council will review the plan in July 2025. Horne also organized the 2024 Kingston Climate Expo, which brought together residents, industry experts and partners to share ideas and inspire action on climate change. These achievements support the City’s Strategic Plan priority of Leading Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action, and align with the Climate Leadership Plan, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. “CAGBC’s recognition reflects the City’s strong commitment to sustainability and climate action, from long-term planning to hands-on, measurable innovation in our buildings,” says Neil Carbone, Commissioner, Corporate & Emergency Services. “Russell and the FMCS team have shown real leadership in making our buildings smarter, greener and more efficient. We’re proud of the work they’re doing and the example they’re setting.” “Our commitment to sustainability means creating a cleaner, healthier community for everyone,” says Horne. “The City is working every day to reduce emissions, save energy and protect Kingston’s shared future.” City staff accepted the awards at CAGBC’s Building Lasting Change Gala on June19. Learn more about the awards and CAGBC on their website. 7. Heritage Issues – the Kingston Heritage Management Plan Received from the Portsmouth District Community Association, June 25 The City of Kingston is developing a new Heritage Management Plan, a guiding framework to celebrate, protect and share the diverse stories, spaces and cultures that shape our city. The Heritage Management Plan will strengthen Kingston’s powerful historical narrative by weaving together heritage planning, conservation, museums and programs into a comprehensive strategy for sharing the city’s stories—both within the community and with the world. A Heritage Management Plan Survey may be completed until July 14 2025. 8. Special Constable Appointment Strategy to Improve Community Safety & Enforcement ResponsesAs Kingston grows and changes, so does its need to address the most pressing community safety concerns. In response to increasing public safety demands, response pressures faced by Kingston Police and complex encampment enforcement situations, the City will pursue the appointment of five senior Licensing and Enforcement officials as special constables.Special constables would not replace police officers but rather would enable more timely and safe responses to incidents on City property. The first step in this evolution is applying to the Solicitor General for authorization to employ special constables and then, if the Solicitor General grants that authorization, to ask the Kingston Police Service Board to appoint the five enforcement management staff as special constables. The report to Council which details the framework is available online and will be considered and voted on by Council on Tuesday, June 17. Special constables would be appointed by the Kingston Police Service Board and be employed directly by the City, with these roles embedded into its existing municipal structure to allow for clearer command, oversight, and alignment with its enforcement priorities. Special constables would exercise most of their police powers under the direction of a police officer and, where the Special Constable has arrested or detained a person, the special constable would promptly transfer responsibility for the person to a Kingston Police officer. The City expects approvals, partnerships and training of special constables to be in completed by the end of 2025. The City’s proactive approach to educating the community about bylaws and ensuring compliance is central to Kingston being a safe and clean place to work, live and play. To learn more about Bylaw Enforcement in Kingston, visit https://www.cityofkingston.ca/bylaws-and-animal-services/bylaw-enforcement/ 9. Kingston Seeks Community Members for Planning Advisory Committee & Council Resourcing Working GroupReceived from the City of Kingston Jun 25 The City of Kingston invites residents to apply to join two important groups that support local decision-making. Applications for the Planning Advisory Committee and the Council Resourcing Working Group are open now and will be accepted through July 25. These groups bring community voices into City work and provide recommendations that help guide Council decisions. Planning Advisory Committee This committee advises on land use planning matters, including legislation, growth management and conservation. Members work alongside Council and staff to share perspectives on how Kingston can best grow and change. The City is looking for an Indigenous community representative and Kingston West urban area representative. Council Resourcing Working Group This is a new group formed to support transparency and accountability in local government. The Council Resourcing Review Working Group will examine the roles and responsibilities of the Mayor and Councillors, and recommend appropriate pay based on comparator municipalities and the demands of the role. Members will serve until March 31, 2026, or until the group submits its final report to Council. Eligibility requirements Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has resided in Kingston for a minimum of one year. “We’re looking for a mix of lived and professional experience,” says Derek Ochej, Deputy City Clerk. “These groups are a chance for residents to contribute meaningfully to how the City plans, grows and governs itself.” Learn more about the groups’ mandates and apply online at https://www.cityofkingston.ca/council-and-city-administration/committees-and-boards/applying-for-a-committee-or-board/ 10. Summer Watering Restrictions in Effect Received from the City of Kingston, June 17, 2025 The summer watering restrictions are now in effect until September 15 for all residents and businesses. During this period, you can use water outside on designated days based on your address number. When you can water: If your address ends in an odd number, water on odd-numbered days If your address ends in an even number, water on even-numbered days How and when to water on your day: Sprinklers: Only between 5 and 10 a.m.Hand watering (hose, watering can, or bucket): Allowed any time of your watering dayRain barrel water: Use any time, any day – it saves energy, conserves water and keeps your garden lush! Water and wastewater infrastructure is built to handle peak demand times, typically from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reducing water use during these hours ensures reliable water reserves and maintains fire protection capabilities. “As warmer weather sets in each year, we see an increase in demand on our water systems,” says Heather Roberts, Director of Water & Wastewater Services at Utilities Kingston. “By reducing water use during peak seasons, we can ensure a reliable supply, maintain adequate reserves, and meet community needs sustainably. Your commitment to conserving water is essential.” Reducing outdoor water use also minimizes pollutants that can end up in Lake Ontario, Kingston’s primary source of drinking water. Water runoff from sprinklers and hoses can carry pollutants into the storm sewer system, ultimately reaching the lake. “We encourage everyone to make water-wise choices in their daily routines. Even small changes—like fixing leaks, watering wisely, and choosing drought-tolerant plants—can lead to significant water savings. Together, we can support healthy landscapes, conserve resources, and protect our environment.” adds Corey Martin, Asset Management and Climate Action Manager at Utilities Kingston. Tips for water-wise gardening: Use rain barrels to collect and use rainwater.Follow best practices for watering, such as watering early in the morning.Amend soil with organic content to retain moisture.Incorporate drought-tolerant plants into your garden. The City of Kingston’s Water Bylaw regulates water restrictions to ensure sustainable water use during peak demand periods. Visit UtilitiesKingston.com to learn more about exemption permits, water-saving tips, and how to make the most of your outdoor water use. 11. Kingston Named one of the World’s Top 7 Intelligent Communities of 2025 Received from the City of fkIngston, June 18, 2025 Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) has named Kingston as one of the Top7 Intelligent Communities of 2025, a prestigious recognition for cities that go from Smart to Intelligent by going beyond IT infrastructure to fostering an innovation ecosystem where businesses, government, and institutional partners create high-quality employment and build inclusive prosperity. The announcement was made at the ICF 2025 Top7 Conference & Announcement, in Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain. “Being recognized by the Intelligent Community Forum highlights Kingston’s dedication to using technology and collaboration to build a vibrant, forward-looking community,” said Mayor Bryan Paterson. “This honour reflects the collective efforts of our businesses, institutions, and residents who make Kingston such a special place to call home.” Kingston joins six other communities – Assaí, Paraná, Brazil; Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, Türkiye; Durham Region, Ontario, Canada; Fairfield/Jefferson County, Iowa, USA; Hilliard, Ohio, USA; and Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain – worldwide in receiving this distinguished honour. ICF’s comprehensive evaluation analyzes hundreds of cities and regions globally and selects the Top7 Intelligent Communities based on ICF’s Community Accelerator Strategy framework which evaluates communities on their connectivity, innovation, digital equality, sustainability, advocacy, and engagement. “This Top7 recognition is a great honour that reflects Kingston’s commitment to being more than just a smart city, but a place where residents and businesses can prosper” said Donna Gillespie, CEO of Kingston Economic Development Corporation. “We’ve focused on developing our workforce, fostering innovation ecosystems, and ensuring digital inclusion. This recognition validates our strategic approach to leveraging our unique assets to create meaningful economic and social impact.” “This recognition speaks to a decision made decades ago to think differently about connectivity,” said Kevin McCauley, Director of Telecommunications and Technology Infrastructure, Utilities Kingston. “Our fibre business was founded on the belief that local, reliable infrastructure could empower Kingston to compete, collaborate and grow. That vision continues to guide us as we expand the network to meet the evolving needs of our community and support the innovation and reliability that define Kingston’s future.” Today, Utilities Kingston’s fibre network is a vital part of the city’s digital infrastructure. What began as a local solution has become a key enabler of innovation, economic opportunity and digital inclusion. As part of a broader vision, it reflects the strategic investment that is helping Kingston move beyond technology to build a more connected, sustainable and inclusive community. As part of the Top7 Conference, Mayor Paterson joined Jose de la Uz, Mayor of Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain who moderated a panel with other community leaders from around the world: Álvaro Castillo, Mayor, Ibarra City Council, Ecuador; Dario Paixão, Presidente, Agência Curitiba de Desenvolvimento e Inovação SA; Diego Uceda, Mayor, La Molina City Council, Peru. The panel, titled Smart Leadership Roundtable, featured leaders who are leading their cities through rapid technological and social change. In March this year, Kingston reclaimed its ranking as one of 21Smart Communities of 2025. The city was first recognized by ICF as one of the 21Smart Communities in 2009, five years later in 2014 it again received this distinction as well as being named one of the Top7 Intelligent Communities. The Top7 recognition reinforces Kingston’s position as a global leader in community innovation and sustainable economic development, celebrating the community’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure, workforce development, and inclusive growth initiatives. 12. City Celebrating Excellence in the Arts: Nominations for the 2025 May Arts Awards Now Open Received from the City, July 4, 2025 Show your appreciation for the arts community in Kingston by nominating a local artist, collective or arts champion for a Mayor’s Arts Award! The Mayor’s Arts Awards is an annual City program that showcases Kingston’s vibrant creative communities and celebrates artistic achievement and contributions to the arts. The administration of the Awards, including the nomination and selection process, is managed by the Kingston Arts Council. “Artists contribute to our city in so many ways – they enrich our lives through creativity and innovation, making Kingston a vibrant and dynamic place to live,” said Nicole Daniels, Executive Director, Kingston Arts Council. “The Awards are an opportunity to recognize the impact of local artists, arts organizations, arts workers, and supporters, to celebrate their work, encourage their artistic practice and promote our commitment to investing in the arts.” This year’s awards program, which is going into its ninth year, includes an open call for nominations. A Nominations Subcommittee made up of community members, representatives from the Arts, Culture & Heritage Advisory Committee, and chaired by the Kingston Arts Council, is responsible for selecting the award recipients. There are two Award categories for nominating a deserving individual or group: Creator Awards Three Creator Awards are given each year to honour artistic merit and/or innovative ideas that foster arts in the city, contribute to artistic development and express the cultural vitality of Kingston. Artists and arts collectives may be nominated for these awards, including new-to-Kingston artists who have made an impact on the local arts community in a short amount of time. Arts Champion Award One Arts Champion Award is given each year that celebrates an arts leader who makes an extraordinary contribution to the arts sector and empowers its sustained growth and development. Eligible recipients include arts workers, volunteers, organizations, advocates, sponsors and philanthropists. Learn more and submit a nomination by Friday, July 18 at 5 p.m. The Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony will take place in fall 2025, with the date to be announced. FROM FARTHER AFIELD 13. Canada Leads the Way in Innovation for Safer Maritime Navigation Received from the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, June 17 Ottawa, Ontario – Safe and reliable navigation of waterways is necessary for global trade and transportation, making accurate and accessible marine data essential. That’s why the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), under Fisheries and Oceans Canada, is taking a leading role in validating new digital hydrographic standards. Today, the Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, announced the launch of the S-100 Sea Trials on the St. Lawrence River. The S-100 data model is a new global standard created by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which offers a new way of visualizing the marine environment using layered, interactive digital data that can be added to navigational charts. Unlike traditional paper or electronic charts, the new standard integrates real-time information – like depths, landmarks, tides, and currents into a single, dynamic format. Until November 2025, Canada is offering S-100 digital navigation products and services free of charge to mariners, stakeholders, developers and other interested parties to test performance in real-life scenarios. The complex conditions of the St. Lawrence River, such as varying water depths, changing currents and navigational aids, position it as an ideal testing ground, and will provide invaluable insights for S-100’s future adoption across global waters. Canada’s leadership in hosting the S-100 Sea Trials will advance the global transition toward consistent and reliable digital hydrographic standards. International adoption of these standards will allow mariners to enhance maritime safety, better route navigation and planning, and transportation efficiency which will reduce costs and contribute to a cleaner environment and ocean. Canada Leads the Way in Innovation for Safer Maritime Navigation – Canada.ca https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2025/06/canada-leads-the-way-in-innovation-for-safer-maritime-navigation.html?utm_campaign=esdc-censv2-24-25&utm_medium=email&utm_source=news-from-the-government-of-canada&utm_content=news-product-250617-en-2pm FOR FUN AND GENERAL INTEREST 14. There’s Trouble in these Headwaters Received from the Narwhal via Kathleen O-Hara. Editor’s Note: Definitely worth watching! The Economic Impacts of Clearcutting! Serious flooding caused by clearcutting old growth forest – costing millions more than what is gained from the logging itself. https://thenarwhal.ca/trouble-in-the-headwaters-documentary/?utm_source=The+Narwhal&utm_campaign=e57e3cde1c-June+19%2C+2025+%E2%80%94+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f6a05fddb8-e57e3cde1c-103232871&mc_cid=e57e3cde1c&mc_eid=63201fb2b2 15. Boston Ditches Roadside Grass Received from CBC What on Earth, June 19 “We’re slowly trying to transition away from vegetation medians that are not managing stormwater,” said Kate England, director of Boston’s Office of Green Infrastructure, which works with all city departments including Transportation. The replacement seems similar, if less tidy: the grass appears unmowed and mixed with plants in varying shades of green and splashes of white, yellow and purple flowers. But look closer, and you’ll notice it’s a depression rather than a mound. And the curb has some odd breaks in it. Earlier this spring, our newsletter looked at how Vancouver has embraced “green infrastructure” such as rain gardens to absorb rainwater, preserve sewer capacity, filter pollutants and prevent flooding. That’s what Boston is doing, too. The city’s Office of Green Infrastructure is transforming strips of grass along its roadways — both the edges and in the middle — into a type of “green infrastructure” called a bioswale. Whole article? Boston ditches roadside grass – inverarymary@gmail.com – Gmail 16. New Canada Strong Pass Offers Discounts on Camping, Train Travel and More Received June 20, 2025 New Canada Strong Pass offers discounts on parks, museums, camping and train travel | CBC News 17. After 41 Years in Captivity, this Celebrity Sea Turtle is Finally Swimming Home Received from Barb Schlafer via National Geographic, July 2, 2025 Here’s how Jorge the sea turtle prepared for the improbable journey—decades after he was found tangled in a fishing net off the coast of Argentina. After spending more than half his life in a shallow aquarium tank in Mendoza, Argentina, hundreds of miles away from the ocean, Jorge is doing what once seemed impossible: He has relearned his natural instincts as he makes his way to the warm waters of Praia do Forte in northern Brazil—the place he once called home. Watching Jorge’s remarkable journey from afar is Mariela Dassis, a researcher at the National University of Mar del Plata who is in charge of his satellite monitoring. Dassis is overseeing the final phase of a meticulous three-year re-education and release project developed by several Argentine institutions to prepare Jorge, rescued as a juvenile in 1984, for life back in the wild. Jorge holds the record for the longest time spent in captivity of any sea turtle in the world. Full Story: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/sea-turtle-rehabilitation-return-to-ocean?loggedin=true&rnd=1751643236347So that’s it for July. Wishing you a wonderful month ahead. Cheers, Mary Farrar, Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour |