New In 2024: Nature-Based Field Trips!
Submitted by Donna Cole, Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association
Become a member to protect our pristine water and dark skies, save endangered species, fight climate change and much more. With free nature activities and discounts on EcoAdventure tours, a membership makes the perfect Christmas gift for friends and family!
The Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (BPBA) is a Bruce Peninsula based registered charity. Since 2000, the Association has been implementing the concepts of UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves. Our mission is to build community commitment and capacity in conservation and sustainable development while achieving concrete environmental goals.
Administered by a volunteer board of directors, the Biosphere Association represents a diverse community, including conservationists, farmers, business owners, teachers, students and others. The board represents various interests to increase its effectiveness in achieving a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable community on the Bruce Peninsula.
We welcome all new members interested in learning more and supporting us.
Key Projects
By becoming a member, you will be supporting these six essential projects:
1. Protect and Restore Our Water by Focusing on Streams and Septic Systems
Water quality is fundamental to ecological and human health, and is a foundation for our region’s economic prosperity. The incredible clarity of the water on both Georgian Bay and Lake Huron is one of the Bruce Peninsula’s most noticeable features. Keeping it that way is one of the Biosphere Association’s critical missions. Under the Six Streams Initiative, started in 2012, we focus on reducing phosphorus, nitrates, E.coli, oil and other undesirable elements entering our streams. Working with the local farming community, we have provided 73 solar-powered watering systems and 25 km of fencing, so cattle no longer have to wade in the streams to drink, which is also better for the herd.
We are focused on fixing faulty septic systems by helping homeowners secure rebates. The Municipality does not have a residential septic system reinspection program so older systems installed 20 years ago may never have been inspected.
Properly functioning septic systems are particularly important on the Bruce because of the karst topography. Deep crevices in the rock allow surface and subsurface water to flow directly into groundwater without the natural filtering that occurs in areas with a greater soil cover.
In the last six years, the Biosphere Association, with support from Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, has helped landowners replace 60 septic systems and inspect and repair 120 other systems.
Contact us to see if you qualify for the $4,000 support grant to replace a failing system if it is polluting a watercourse.
2. Keep Skies Dark
Do you look up to the sky at night and clearly see the wonders of the universe? Preserving dark skies is an emerging conservation priority and a basis for sustainable ecotourism. Over 20,000 participants have enjoyed our free Bayside Astronomy Dark Skies program! Using dark sky friendly lighting practises like drawing curtains at night, using motion sensor lighting and dark sky friendly lights can help protect this environment. The Bruce Peninsula has some of darkest skies in southern Ontario not far from major urban areas. Help us to communicate and promote these sustainable living practices! As a Biosphere Association member you will be the first to know about these free programs. Follow the Bayside Astronomy Facebook page to learn more.
3. Fight Climate Change: Northern Bruce Peninsula Climate Action Plan
The Climate Action Plan is our community’s response to the many challenges posed by climate change. Led by the Municipality, with funding and support from Environment and Climate Change Canada, as well as a variety of other community organizations, the project team engaged all corners of our community – nearly one thousand voices in all – to develop an ambitious but practical plan that Northern Bruce Peninsula can be proud of.
One success was to increase electric vehicle charging stations. In partnership with M. H. Brigham Foundation, nearly 50 Level 2 EV chargers have been installed at local accommodation sites in the area.
4. Support Biodiversity: Save the Red-Headed Woodpecker!
Biodiversity is the Bruce’s natural claim to fame with a unique diversity of species, including species at risk. The Red-headed Woodpecker is one species in severe decline in Ontario due to habitat lost. It was declared an endangered species in 2018. We worked to protect lands to help these birds survive and by researching nesting sites and breeding locations.
5. Keep Invasive Phragmites Away
With the help of many volunteers, we removed large areas of invasive Phragmites which crowd out native vegetation, lower water levels and increase fire hazards, as stands are composed of a high percentage of dead stalks. They affect agriculture, become a road safety hazard and impact recreational activities such as swimming, boating and angling.
6. Experience an EcoAdventure
EcoAdventures, an initiative of the Biosphere Association, offers guided day tours, nature-based field trips and even an escape room adventure based in the forest! Enjoy snowshoeing, hiking, caving and biking across breathtaking and dramatic landscapes as you discover the secrets of this ecological treasure chest. We are “what to do” on the Peninsula. Join our winter Snowshoe to the Grotto Adventure! If you are an outdoor enthusiast, we are always looking for additional guides, and we welcome volunteers to act as “sweeps” on our Snowshoe to the Grotto adventures.
NEW in 2024! A Biosphere Membership equips you to participate in our nature-based field trips and includes a 25% discount on our very popular EcoAdventures tours.
Visit https://myecoadventures.ca/ to learn more.
It’s Easy to Become a Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association Member!
Do you want to be involved and support these and many other initiatives? Go to our website https://bpba.ca/ and become a member today! Membership is only $30 per year/person (other tiers available). Your membership helps us commit to long-term projects to protect our environment. It also makes a great gift! Sign up today!
Need more info on membership or volunteer opportunities? Contact us at info@bpba.ca.
