Youth volunteers jump into shoreline stewardship in Kincardine

Wrapping up a week of stewardship activities along the shore of Lake Huron, a dozen participants of the Coastal Conservation Youth Corps feel as if they’ve made a significant impact in their volunteer efforts with the help of the Lake Huron Coastal Centre.

Visitors to Station Beach’s “no-swimming zone” will notice two clusters of newly-planted native vegetation, a combination of transplanted sand-binding grasses and a diversity of potted species suited to the harsh and dynamic conditions of life on a dune. Acting as a living fence to enhance the existing dunes, additional sand is anticipated to stay on the beach rather than blow into the adjacent marina.

Less obvious, is how these youth removed thousands of “nurdles” and other tiny microplastics (right) concentrated in the sand south of the Kincardine pier. While some conservation efforts may not be noticeable, they are certainly important and valued. Litter collection leaves the shore in a healthier, more natural condition and aids in reducing plastic pollution ingestion for wildlife.

“The dedication and passion of this committed group of young volunteers shines brightly for a future of taking action and seeking solutions to coastal challenges,” said youth education co-ordinator Kerry Kennedy.

Coastal centre executive director Alyssa Bourassa agreed. "By applying their new knowledge and skills learned from this program, youth are now better equipped to care for Lake Huron and support a resilient shoreline community throughout their lives."

Appreciation goes to Bruce Power, Enbridge and the Municipality of Kincardine for sponsoring the Coastal Conservation Youth Corps session in Kincardine this summer.



Members of the Coastal Conservation Youth Corps in Kincardine

The Lake Huron Coastal Centre is a non-government charity dedicated to supporting a healthy Lake Huron eco-system through education, restoration, and research. The centre is seeking financial support from the community to see the youth corps succeed into the future. To support this program, you can donate at www.lakehuron.ca/donate. Youth interested in taking part can learn more at www.lakehuron.ca/ccyc. To keep in touch follow @coastalcentre on Facebook, Instagram, and X.