Posted: November 11, 2022
Youth Water Leaders Dig Into Conservation Within the Watershed
Back in August, the Youth Water Leaders spent a week focussing on conservation within the watershed and joined a panel discussion on environmental advocacy.
Written by Youth Water Leader Lydia Kropp.
In order to learn about some conservation practices and efforts happening in our watershed, the Youth Water Leaders had the opportunity to assist with the release of baby snapping turtles at Mud lake. In June the Youth Water Leaders got to participate in a turtle nest survey and it was determined that one nest was not in a good location and that the eggs needed to be moved. Following the removal of the nest, the eggs were taken by the Canadian Wildlife Federation until they hatched, with the Youth Water Leaders invited to attend the release. By being involved with the entire process, the youth were able to learn about turtles and the many issues they face before they even hatch. By controlling the release, the hope is that no turtles will get hit by cars or eaten by predators, given they are released right into the lake.
Later in the week, the Youth Water Leaders travelled to the Pinhey Sand Dunes to learn about the work being done to help conserve what is left of the dunes. The Pinhey Sand Dunes are left over from the Champlain Sea and are a unique habitat that up until recently have been deteriorating. Between tree planting projects in the area, wind, and people walking over the dunes, some of the dune sites have almost completely disappeared.
In more recent years, work is being done to educate people about the sand dunes and to remove any non-native species from the area to hopefully let the dunes return to their normal environment. With help from Biodiversity Conservancy International and the NCC, the dunes have been almost fully restored. Some of the rare species, such as the Ghost Tiger Beetle, can once again set traps in the dunes for insects. Trees have been removed to help the sun shine on the dunes again and dune plants have been planted to hopefully encourage the return of some species that haven’t been recorded in the area in recent years. The sand had to be filtered to remove any organic matter and work is ongoing to keep people off the dunes and encourage growth at the sites.
To end off the summer, the Youth Water Leaders joined a panel discussion to hear from environmental activists and learn how we can all become environmental activists and tackle any type of issue. With some advice from the panelists and new understanding of conservation efforts in our watershed, the Youth Water Leaders are ready to get back to school and create change.
Great program
Friends of Dumoine invite you to come and explore the http://www.sentierdumoine.ca with us next year
Thanks Wally! I’ve passed the invitation along to our Education Team, so they may be in touch when the next cohort of Youth joins the program.