The Rideau Roundtable in Smiths Falls, Ontario

About the Rideau Roundtable

Experience the Rideau Canal:

Biochar and Bioremediation Program:

Experience the Rideau Canal:

At The Rideau Roundtable, our mission is to protect the environment and promote sustainability for future generations.

We work towards reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Eco-Literacy Program:

Biochar and Bioremediation Program:

Experience the Rideau Canal:

Founded in 1995, The Rideau Roundtable has been a leading environmental organization for over two decades.

We have a proven track record of successful campaigns and initiatives that have helped to improve the health of our planet.

Biochar and Bioremediation Program:

The Rideau Roundtable combines the ancient art of biochar production with modern bioremediation technologies to address critical environmental challenges. Through carbon farming, we sequester carbon permanently in soil and reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases. Our specialized soil blends are designed to remove toxins from soil and water, supported by a diverse collection of mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial soil organisms cultivated as part of our open-source biotech initiative. These resources are freely shared to accelerate global bioremediation efforts. In response to contamination at the Smiths Falls compost site, we are also developing a biochar-based remediation strategy to restore soil and water health while advancing sustainable waste management practices.

The Rideau Roundtable is committed to connecting communities, educating the public, and guiding governments toward meaningful climate action. Together, we can honor our past and protect our future.

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A FORUM FOR UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RIDEAU WATERWAY

Participate in projects to restore and preserve the Rideau Waterway

Promote action to fight climate change

Participate in projects to restore and preserve the Rideau Waterway

Promote action to fight climate change

1. Permanent Carbon Sequestration

2. Reduction of Soil Greenhouse Gas Flux

Biochar locks atmospheric carbon into a stable form. Created from woody biomass through pyrolysis, it captures carbon absorbed by plants and sequesters it for thousands of years, offering a powerful solution for mitigating climate change.

2. Reduction of Soil Greenhouse Gas Flux

When applied to soil, biochar reduces emissions of potent greenhouse gases like methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). This decreases the overall greenhouse gas flux, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural and environmental system.

3. Direct Contaminant Capture

2. Reduction of Soil Greenhouse Gas Flux

3. Direct Contaminant Capture

Biochar’s porous structure acts as a natural filter, binding heavy metals and toxins. This prevents contaminants from leaching into water sources, safeguarding ecosystems and public health.

4. Enhanced Phytoremediation

6. Enhanced Microbial Remediation

3. Direct Contaminant Capture

Biochar improves soil conditions, enabling plants and trees to grow more robustly. These plants absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and stabilize heavy metals and toxins in the soil, amplifying the impact of natural remediation processes.

5. Enhanced Mycoremediation

6. Enhanced Microbial Remediation

Fungi thrive in biochar-amended soils, creating a synergistic system that captures heavy metals, breaks down toxins, and contributes to long-term carbon storage. Biochar fosters a habitat where fungi play a vital role in detoxifying soils.

6. Enhanced Microbial Remediation

Biochar supports diverse microbial communities that accelerate the breakdown of toxins in soil and water. These bacteria and other microorganisms enhance the bioremediation capacity of ecosystems, further restoring environmental balance

About The Rideau Roundtable Board Of Directors

Peter Au (Chair)

Peter has been a cornerstone of the Rideau Roundtable since its inception, championing environmental conservation and public education. A key figure in securing the Rideau Canal's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peter also serves on multiple community boards and has been recognized for his lifelong contributions to sustainability and heritage.

Richard Doherty

Peter Au (Chair)

Richard brings decades of experience in urban and regional planning, including developing innovative policies for waste management, natural resource protection, and sustainable energy systems. Known for his consensus-building approach, he has helped transform public services and inspire community-led change.

Max Finkelstein

Peter Au (Chair)

Max Finkelstein

Max, a seasoned paddler and conservationist, has dedicated his career to protecting Canada's rivers through his work with Parks Canada and the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. A published writer and educator, Max organizes paddling events and educational trips to inspire connection with the natural world.

Bill MacLean

Roberta Morris

Max Finkelstein

Bill, a retired high school science teacher and vice principal, has returned to the Ottawa Valley to focus on enjoying and preserving the ecological health of the Rideau watershed. He spends his time paddling, hiking, and exploring local trails with his family.

Paul Hamilton

Roberta Morris

Paul is a freshwater biologist whose groundbreaking research on biodiversity and climate change spans the globe. A vital contributor to the Rideau Roundtable’s Research & Monitoring Team, he is also an avid solo paddler and has coauthored over 100 scientific publications.

Roberta Morris

Rev. Dr. Roberta Morris is a writer, activist, and environmental advocate with a passion for promoting biochar, affordable housing and sustainability. Now based in Ontario, she collaborates with faith-based and environmental groups, contributing to Paddlefest, and other Rideau Roundtable initiatives.

The Rideau Roundtable

The environment is where we all meet; where all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.

About the Rideau Roundtable

Experience the Rideau Canal:

Biochar and Bioremediation Program:

Experience the Rideau Canal:

Eco-Literacy Program:

Biochar and Bioremediation Program:

Experience the Rideau Canal:

Biochar and Bioremediation Program:

Biochar and Bioremediation Program:

Biochar and Bioremediation Program:

Paddle the Rideau Canal!

Engage communities in preserving the Rideau Waterway

A FORUM FOR UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RIDEAU WATERWAY

Participate in projects to restore and preserve the Rideau Waterway

Participate in projects to restore and preserve the Rideau Waterway

Participate in projects to restore and preserve the Rideau Waterway

Participate in projects to restore and preserve the Rideau Waterway

Participate in projects to restore and preserve the Rideau Waterway

Promote action to fight climate change

Participate in projects to restore and preserve the Rideau Waterway

Promote action to fight climate change

A forum for understanding the importance of the Rideau Waterway

Create programs to educate and inspire waterway exploration

The 6 Ways Biochar Works

1. Permanent Carbon Sequestration

2. Reduction of Soil Greenhouse Gas Flux

2. Reduction of Soil Greenhouse Gas Flux

2. Reduction of Soil Greenhouse Gas Flux

2. Reduction of Soil Greenhouse Gas Flux

2. Reduction of Soil Greenhouse Gas Flux

3. Direct Contaminant Capture

2. Reduction of Soil Greenhouse Gas Flux

3. Direct Contaminant Capture

4. Enhanced Phytoremediation

6. Enhanced Microbial Remediation

3. Direct Contaminant Capture

5. Enhanced Mycoremediation

6. Enhanced Microbial Remediation

6. Enhanced Microbial Remediation

6. Enhanced Microbial Remediation

6. Enhanced Microbial Remediation

6. Enhanced Microbial Remediation

Capturing the Beauty of Our Environment

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About The Rideau Roundtable Board Of Directors

Peter Au (Chair)

Peter Au (Chair)

Peter Au (Chair)

Richard Doherty

Peter Au (Chair)

Peter Au (Chair)

Max Finkelstein

Peter Au (Chair)

Max Finkelstein

Bill MacLean

Roberta Morris

Max Finkelstein

Paul Hamilton

Roberta Morris

Roberta Morris

Roberta Morris

Roberta Morris

Roberta Morris

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The Rideau Roundtable

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