Submitted by Ned Morgan
Three Waters Foundation is a home grown clean up initiative, dedicated to removing plastic pollution from Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, and inspiring others to take action. Founded by local photographer, filmmaker, writer and paddling guide Scott Parent, Three Waters’ focus is on remote islands and shorelines where plastic and other debris is accumulating, posing threats to ecosystems and in particular to nesting colonial birds, as well as the spawning grounds of native fish, reptiles and amphibians.
Parent conceived Three Waters in 2019 after he and his daughter Acadia, nine years old at the time, paddled tandem on a SUP from Bootaagani-minis (Drummond Island) MI, USA, to Penetanguishene, ON, CA. Inspired by the Metis Migration of 1828, their journey covered nearly 500 kilometres across Lake Huron’s three bodies of water. Three Waters Foundation aims to raise awareness of the growing pollution crisis through expeditions, partnerships, research and community engagement.
“Our shorelines have organizations initiating clean ups and beach tidies, and I’m grateful for that. The remote islands are out of sight and mind for most people and also not easily accessible.” says Parent.
“These exposed island coasts often take the brunt of what washes up onshore and are also home to the wild ones living there. Visits to the remote islands require an understanding of the colonial birds, to ensure we aren’t interrupting them during critical times of year for them. Ultimately we aim to serve these species that have become impacted by plastic pollution, and not cause them any further distress.”
You can support the initiative by donation and enjoy THREE WATERS FILM free at the upcoming SOK screening on Wednesday July 26th, 2023, at 7:00pm at Parks Canada Visitor Centre.
