Nine young volunteers aged 11 to 17 spent three days exploring and protecting the Lake Huron coastline during the Coastal Conservation Youth Corps' inaugural program in Grand Bend from July 21 to 23.
Hosted by the Lake Huron Coastal Centre, the initiative immersed participants in practical lessons on dune preservation, coastal erosion, plastic pollution, and the environmental importance of native shoreline vegetation.
The program began with a targeted shoreline cleanup covering the stretch between Oakwood Resort’s beach and the northern side of Grand Bend’s Main Beach. Participants gathered various forms of litter, ranging from microplastics and food packaging to unusual items such as a matching set of earrings and a multi-piece children's toy scattered across opposite ends of the beach.
Focus shifted to local water quality on the second day with an excursion to the Old Ausable Channel. Youth learned how surface runoff affects freshwater ecosystems and actively assisted in restoring the waterway's natural filtration by planting native flora along the channel banks. The team rounded out the day by eradicating invasive plant species from the main beach area to help preserve the local habitat.
On the final day, local advocate Lynn Tremain visited the group to share insights gained from conducting daily beach cleanups over the past five years. She encouraged the youth to turn environmental awareness into creative expression, prompting participants to assemble scenes of nature using gathered debris like discarded toys, wrappers, and cigarette butts.
The three-day project concluded with a collaborative session where the youth presented their insights and proposed conservation solutions to members of the Oakwood Park Environment Committee. Supported by the McCall MacBain Foundation, the initiative was carried out alongside several community partners, including the Municipality of Lambton Shores, the Southcott Pines Park Association, and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.
Community members interested in supporting future shoreline efforts can participate in the upcoming Bayfield Love Your Greats beach clean-up scheduled for August 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
