A service learning opportunity for youth, to be held in both the Goderich and Saugeen Shores communities, will offer knowledge and hands-on skills related to coastal conservation this year.
The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, a non-government charity dedicated to supporting a healthy ecosystem through education, restoration and research, launched the Coastal Conservation Youth Corps (CCYC) program in 2020. Seeing a growing interest in volunteerism, along with a passion from Lake Huron communities to tackle threats facing the Great Lakes, the CCYC was created to engage youth, ages 14-18. Participants are invited, at no cost, to join week-long sessions in the summer, or to volunteer over two weekends in the fall.
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“The fundamentals of environmental stewardship will go a long way to protecting natural resources into the future,” says Erinn Lawrie, Executive Director of LHCCC. “Training young leaders to care for and take conservation action to protect coastal ecosystems will save financial resources over the long-term and ensure our coast is resilient for generations to come.”
The summer program kicks off in Goderich July 5-9, from 9:00-3:00 p.m. with Great Lakes science projects to help protect water quality and provide habitat, including a high-profile dune restoration project on Goderich’s Main Beach. The itinerary includes removing harmful trash from shorelines, investigating plastic pollution, identifying species, managing invasive species and designing a community low-impact plan.
At this time, registrations are being accepted through the website at www.lakehuron.ca/ccyc . Space is limited, as the group size will not exceed nine. Program plans are flexible to enable adaptation to the recommended Covid-19 protocols.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming a new cohort of Coastal Conservation volunteers this summer,” adds Education Technician, Kerry Kennedy. “Thanks to our funders and municipal partners we are planning authentic projects with opportunities to learn about conservation and gain valuable experience, Students may choose to further their education or seek a career in the environmental field, and in addition, they will earn volunteer experience hours to support their high school credentials.”
Primary funding support for the program comes from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations.
For further inquiries on the program, email education@lakehuron.ca. To learn more about the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, visit www.lakehuron.ca, or on social media @CoastalCentre.
