​Coastal centre’s youth volunteer program returns to Kincardine

The shovels and work gloves are ready and waiting for the return of the Coastal Conservation Youth Corps program.

Offering coastal conservation knowledge and hands-on environmental skills for high school-aged youth, the Lake Huron Coastal Centre is welcoming volunteers to register now for the opportunity to participate in a week-long session to be hosted July 7-11, in Kincardine. A session will also be hosted in Goderich, July 21-25.

There is no cost, and youth will have the opportunity to earn 30 volunteer hours through this immersive educational experience.

Community-based projects along the shore aim to protect water quality and habitat through dune restoration, shoreline clean-ups, coastal monitoring, investigating micro-plastic pollution, identifying species, managing invasives and exploring community sustainability.

“Training young leaders to take conservation action to protect and restore coastal eco-systems can save financial resources over the long-term and ensure our shoreline is resilient for generations to come,” says Alyssa Bourassa, executive director of the coastal centre.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming young and enthusiastic volunteers this summer,” says co-ordinator Kerry Kennedy. “Thanks to sponsor and partner support for authentic projects, participants can learn about conservation while gaining valuable experience. They’ll have a chance to explore environmental career paths and gain a foundation for their future innovation and decision-making.”

Registrations are now being accepted at www.lakehuron.ca/ccyc. E-mail education@lakehuron.ca for further information.

The Lake Huron Coastal Centre is a non-government charity dedicated to supporting a healthy eco-system through education, restoration, and research. To learn more, visit www.lakehuron.ca, or follow @coastalcentre on Facebook, Instagram, and X.