Coastal Conservation Youth Corps (CCYC)
A snapshot of the LHCC's Coastal Conservation Youth Corps program that is designed to help youth aged 14-18 gain valuable experience in costal conservation on Lake Huron.
Microfibres: Divert and Capture
Presentation by PhD candidate Lisa Erdle, 2020 recipient of the Geoff Peach Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was a contribution to her research on microfibres in Georgian Bay.
COASTAL PLANTS BOOTCAMP
Participants will learn how to identify common and some uncommon native plants found along the Lake Huron shoreline and report common shoreline invasive species along with options and techniques for removal. They will also learn how to identify and report potential shoreline plants that are Species at Risk.
SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT: Who does what?
Are you curious about the role of Ontario agencies in shoreline development? This webinar will outline which agencies are involved and tips for going through the permitting process while ensuring your shoreline project is sustainable.
BREAK UP WITH PLASTIC: How to transform your relationship with plastic
Come learn about the impacts of plastic pollution on coastal ecosystems, including water quality, tourism, and Species at Risk. There are also some useful tips on how to reduce your "plastic footprint" and report common shoreline garbage and plastic through Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up.
AQUATIC SPECIES AT RISK IN THE GREAT LAKES
Toronto Zoo Great Lakes Program teamed up with Green Goderich and Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation to provide a free educational webinar on aquatic species at risk in the Great Lakes.
IN A FLAP ABOUT SHOREBIRDS
Participants will learn about the common shorebirds found along the Great Lakes, reasons species may become at risk, the basics about the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the value of protecting species-at-risk.
LIVING SHORELINES: Building a resilient Lake Huron shore
Come learn about the different types of coastal ecosystems on Lake Huron, including how beach and dune ecosystems work, bluff erosion, sediment transport, and the benefits of naturalized shorelines.
HARNESSING NATURE's POWER: Natural Infrastructure Vs. Hardened Shorelines
The first webinar in our "Learning about Lake Huron - A Summer Coastal Webinar Series" will discuss how using natural methods of erosion prevention is more effective than engineered human-made solutions in certain areas across Lake Huron's Canadian Coast.
PLASTIC POLLUTION IN LAKE HURON: From microfibers to tires, How do we sort through the waste?
The second webinar in our "Learning about Lake Huron - A Summer Coastal Webinar Series" will discuss different types of plastic pollution and non-natural litter on Lake Huron's shorelines, beach clean-up results, and how we deal with the issue of beach garbage.
GOING WITH THE FLOW: Water Levels and What Shapes Lake Huron
The third webinar in our "Learning about Lake Huron - A Summer Coastal Webinar Series" will discuss why Lake Huron's water levels fluctuate, how this effects coastal communities during high-times and low, and how communities can embrace the fluctuations. We will also discuss 'coastal process' or how shoreline coastal ecosystems react to lake level changes in their shape, ecology, and geomorphology.
THROWING SHADE: The Right Plants for your Coastal Environment
The fourth webinar in our "Learning about Lake Huron - A Summer Coastal Webinar Series" will discuss the 10 different ecosystems on Lake Huron's shores, what plants inhabit and thrive in these areas, and how you can incorporate the right native plants on your property to improve water recharge, reduce erosion, protect from rising lake levels, and increase habitat for native flora and fauna.
IDENTIFYING IMITATORS: Comparing species at risk to their look-a-likes
The fifth webinar in our "Learning about Lake Huron - A Summer Coastal Webinar Series" will discuss a few different and unique species at risk that live on or travel across Lake Huron, and compare these to their look-a-like companions. Often, species at risk have developed unique features, colorants, or behaviors to protect themselves from predators or allow them to live in harsh, demanding environments, which have been imitated by other non-native species! Attend this webinar if you want to learn more about the species at risk on Lake Huron, including Butterflies, Birds, Turtles, Trees, and Snakes.
COASTAL RESTORATION: On sand beach, dune, and forests on Lake Huron
The sixth and final webinar in our "Learning about Lake Huron - A Summer Coastal Webinar Series" will discuss how to restore your sand beach and dune environment, or your coastal forest or semi-urban property to become more resilient to lake level fluctuations, erosion, and climate change, all while creating habitat and saving money! Methods of restoration will be discussed along with sample site plans, species lists, and ideas for 'natural' landscaping.
Learn about the impacts of plastic pollution on coastal ecosystems, and how to reduce your 'plastic footprint'.
'WATER' SOME WAYS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY?
Expand your knowledge about the threats to Great Lakes water quality, some common methods of assessing water quality, and how you can help protect our freshwater resources.
SPACE INVADERS: WIPE OUT INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES
Learn about some of the invasive species found on Lake Huron, and how you can help identify and remove these pesky shoreline intruders.
Learn about the impacts of climate change on Lake Huron, including effects on water levels, ice cover, erosion, water quality, and invasive species.
RISKY BUSINESS FOR OUR SPECIES
What are Species at Risk, and what makes them 'at risk'? Learn more about Lake Huron's rare species and how we can protect them!
COASTAL WETLANDS & TURTLES
TURTLES & WETLANDS OF LAKE HURON
Lake Huron's coastal wetlands are extremely productive and diverse communities of plant and animal life. They are vital to the well-being of the Great Lakes ecosystem, and provide benefits including water purification, flood prevention, and habitat for many unique species, including turtles. Watch our video to learn more about coastal wetlands, and the turtles that call them home!
Become a turtle crossing guard: learn how to help Lake Huron's turtles cross the road!
Learn how you can help Lake Huron's turtles, by reporting sightings to the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas or to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre!
Ecosystems on the Southeastern Shores
EPISODE 1 - Lake Huron's Southeastern Shores
The coast of Lake Huron contains 10 unique and rare ecosystems, overlapping many vibrant coastal communities. This video shows us this dynamic relationship between nature and culture!
EPISODE 3 - Bluffs and Gullies
Bluffs and gullies feed 72% of the sediment to beaches down-drift and offer spectacular views of Lake Huron to residents and visitors. Volatile and ever-changing, these ecosystems are important features on the southeastern shores.
EPISODE 5 - Woodlands
Coastal woodlands provide beautiful, diverse areas to enjoy on trails and to view wildlife, However, many of these areas are experiencing changes due to invasive species and land-use change. Can you recognize any local forests in this video?
EPISODE 7 - River mouth & Nearshore
River mouths are a mixing place where river water meets lake water. As the warm river water enters the cooler lake water, a unique ecosystem forms fostering areas for fish movement and breeding.
The nearshore zone of Lake Huron exists where the shoreline meets the Lake extending to a depth of 6-meters.
EPISODE 2 - Sand Beaches, Dunes, & Cobble
These ecosystems are some of the most highly visited areas on Lake Huron's coast! But they only make up 2-3% of the overall shoreline. Lets learn about the threats these ecosystems experience and the unique animals that call these coastal ecosystems home.
EPISODE 4 - Wetlands
Coastal wetlands provide many ecosystem services that we often take for granted, including purifying our water, absorbing floodwaters to protect inland communities, and providing habitat for rare species. Which coastal wetland is your favourite on the southeastern shores?!
EPISODE 6 - Alvars & Islands
Alvars are rare, unique ecosystems. These habitats, covered in bedrock and shallow soils, are recognized for their distinctive flora and fauna, including uncommon wildflowers, mosses and lichens, grasses and sedges, and stunted trees.
Lake Huron is home to ~25,000 islands ranging in size from small, barely visible shoals, to the largest freshwater island in the world.
The island clusters along Lake Huron’s southeastern shores are ecologically unique, but are distinct from one another in their history and cultural significance.