Submitted by Moira Parker, Sources of Knowledge
This fall, Sources of Knowledge (SOK)has hosted several SOK Talks that celebrate community, harmony, and discovery. Below are some highlights from recent and upcoming events at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre.
A full house gathered on November 14th for a sneak peek at excerpts from All Too Clear, the documentary by Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnick, the local husband-and-wife team behind Inspired Planet Productions. Known for spotlighting Canadian nature and history, their mission is threefold: to inspire the public, deepen scientific understanding, and inform decision-makers about the freshwater ecosystems that sustain us. Their extensive work features over 40 hours of broadcast documentaries, including the Canadian Screen Award-nominated series Striking Balance. The evening began with a warm welcome and land acknowledgment from Parks Canada representative Sara Jean Hoffman, setting the stage for the filmmakers to share their work.
Based on the Peninsula at Larsen Cove, Drebert and Melnick are uniquely positioned to explore the Great Lakes’ underwater ecosystems. Using their state-of-the-art underwater drone (ROV), Kiyi, they investigate the impacts of the invasive Quagga mussel in All Too Clear. These mussels are altering ecosystems in Lakes Ontario, Huron, and Michigan as they can occur in staggering densities. Their work also includes studying potential effects of these mussels on the elusive Lake Whitefish.
A highlight of the documentary is their discovery of the shipwreck of the Africa, a 45-meter-long steamer that sank in 1895 while carrying coal from Ohio. During a 2023 fish-counting project with the U.S. Geological Survey, Drebert and Melnick spotted a mysterious ‘bump’ on the lakebed near Larsen Cove. With the help of their underwater drone, Kiyi, they uncovered the shipwreck, encrusted with invasive Quagga mussels, resting 85 meters below the surface. Tragically, the sinking claimed 11 crew members, including its captain, Hans Larsen. Earlier this year the filmmakers invited Larsen’s great-grandchildren to experience a tour of the wreck through Kiyi’s lens, adding a personal connection to this historic discovery.
All Too Clear is a three-part series available for free on YouTube, offering a deep dive into the hidden stories and urgent challenges of the Great Lakes. For more details, visit https://inspiredplanet.ca/alltooclear.
Bear Encounters – Dec. 5th 7 pm
Looking ahead, SOK’s next talk will be on December 5th, featuring celebrated photographer and photojournalist Willy Waterton. In Bear Encounters, Waterton will share stories and photographs from his work in Canada’s Arctic and on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula. His presentation will delve into the behaviour and habitat of black and polar bears, exploring how environmental changes are affecting their lives. Waterton’s breathtaking images will take the audience into the world of these powerful animals, offering insight into their conservation and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing environment.
SOK Forum – May 2nd – 4th, 2025
Looking ahead, the 2025 Sources of Knowledge Forum will focus on fire on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula. The event, taking place May 2nd-4th, will explore the historical, cultural, and ecological importance of fire. Covering topics like the sacredness of fire, forest management, fire readiness, and the role of fire in maintaining ecosystem health. As wildfires become more frequent and severe in Canada and around the world, the forum will bring together fire experts, Indigenous leaders, and community members to explore how we can better understand fire in the face of climate change.
These events are a valuable opportunity for people to come together, learn, and engage with important issues that shape the future of the Peninsula and its natural landscapes. Stay tuned for more exciting events from Sources of Knowledge on our website, www.sourcesofknowledge.ca, and join us for the next talk or forum!
