Coastal centre hosting shoreline clean-up at Station Beach, Kincardine, July 10

Trash and litter are harmful to the environment, as well as humans and animals. With the arrival of summer weather and vacationers, coastal areas of Lake Huron will be busy, with potentially detrimental effects.

The goal of the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation is to protect and promote a healthy ecosystem. To that end, in partnership with the Huron Fringe Field Naturalists and local businesses, it is hosting a volunteer shoreline clean-up of Station Beach, Kincardine, Monday, July 10, from 5-7 p.m.

The lead organizer is Rhiannon Moore, coastal outreach specialist with the coastal centre. One of her specialties and passions is educating the public to reduce pollution in and around waterways and beaches. She continues this work by leading the coastal centre’s “Butt Free Beach” campaign of which Station Beach is a participant.

Most clean-up materials will be provided, but volunteers are asked to bring their own gardening or work gloves, a re-usable water container and wear appropriate clothing. After a short information session, helpers will work in small teams to remove litter. Every item is recorded on a special tally card and at the end of the event, the trash is weighed. All data is submitted to the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up.

Earlier this year, a successful volunteer clean-up of the Goderich lakefront and Maitland River banks collected 700 pounds of trash!

The hosts, the coastal centre and the naturalists group, are responsible for clean-up materials, promotion and co-ordinating the waste pick-up.

As an event sponsor, Bruce Power is supplying a stand-up paddle board for a fund-raising raffle with proceeds going toward programs to protect Lake Huron’s coast. Tickets are $5 each.

West Shore Clothing and Surf Shoppe is assisting with promotion and will give participants an opportunity to try out a paddle board at Station Beach. Volunteers will also enjoy a free barbecue, with food supplied by Sobeys Kincardine.

Pre-registration is not required but if more information is desired, contact Rhiannon Moore at rhiannon.moore@lakehuron.ca or call 226-421-3029.

For more information on shoreline clean-ups, Butt Free Beaches and many other programs and events, visit the coastal centre’s website at www.lakehuron.ca.