Submitted by Donna Cole
The Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (BPBA) is bidding farewell to its longest-serving and most influential board member.
After 18 years of volunteer service, Elizabeth Thorn is stepping down from the BPBA Board of Directors, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of environmental leadership, community engagement, and conservation achievements across the Bruce Peninsula.
Elizabeth joined the Biosphere Association in 2008, bringing a strong business background and a passion for protecting the natural environment. Over the years, she became a driving force behind many of the organization’s most significant initiatives. Alongside her husband Jeremy, she devoted countless volunteer hours to grant writing, financial management, project development and management, and strategic planning.
“As Board Chair for 14 years, Elizabeth has helped shape the Biosphere Association into the organization it is today,’ said Victoria Lant, the current Board Chair, “Her vision, dedication, and leadership have had a lasting impact on conservation efforts throughout the region.”
Elizabeth’s first strategic initiative as Board Chair was advocating for dark sky protection, as a dark sky is an important part of habitat. Together with Doug and Paula Cunningham, she conceived and launched Bayside Astronomy. Since 2010, it has been enjoyed by over 20,000 people who now know the importance of preserving a dark sky and how to do it! Mike Warkentin, Dark Sky Board Lead for several years now, continues this crucial program.
Next, working with Sean Liipere and a 20 person Steering Committee, the board created the region’s first Conservation and Stewardship Plan which helps guide sustainable development while protecting the globally significant biodiversity that earned the region its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration among environmental organizations Elizabeth worked to convert the Steering Committee into the Environmental Network which today meets twice yearly to share ideas, reducing duplication and realizing economies of scale.
As water quality is foundational to habitat health, Elizabeth worked with Neils Munk to develop and implement the Six Streams Project, her third strategic initiative. John Rodgers, VP, leads this important project today. It is a water quality initiative that works with local farmers and has installed more than 25 kilometres of fencing along inland waterways and provided incentives to landowners to replace problem septic systems polluting a watercourse. The project helps protect sensitive stream ecosystems by having properly functioning septic systems and maintains agricultural productivity through alternative livestock watering systems.
Worried about an overreliance on government grants, in 2018 Elizabeth designed and launched EcoAdventures, a social enterprise that combines environmental education with fun outdoor adventures in small groups for a fee. Working together with Graham Thomas, Rick Roman and Caeli Mazara, Eco Adventures has reached 1,000 people with adventures such as Snowshoe to the Grotto, Owl Prowl and Brave the Caves. Dr. Mike Sehl, current Board Lead, has developed new partnerships with SON, schools and other groups and revitalized Saugeen Sojourn, offering participants an immersive overnight Annishinabee cultural experience with four guided experiences in Neyaashiinigmiing.
Elizabeth also played a leading role in the development of the Climate Action Plan for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula. In concert with Mike Campbell, Glen Estill and Rod Layman, they brought together community organizations, local residents, and municipal leaders to create a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building community resilience.
Other projects she championed with John Rodgers include an innovative bioremediation program aimed at removing phosphorus from agricultural runoff.
She is proud of saving a wetland from becoming an ATV park and in 2021/22 spearheaded the purchase of a 100-acre wetland property. Working with Board Members Dr. Kathryn McLeod and John Rodgers she is pleased that the property has been cleaned up and restoration is continuing.
Her commitment to community fundraising has also left a lasting mark. She created the annual Easter Egg Fundraiser, a popular event enjoyed by local families and supported through the years by Chief Easter Bunnies Sue Ellen and Tom Boyle, and Pat Sein. Lotteries started by Elizabeth continue to be an important fundraiser and Board Lead Pat Sein has tickets for this summer’s raffle.
Throughout her tenure, Elizabeth remained focused on building partnerships and creating practical solutions to environmental challenges while inspiring others to become involved. Although she is stepping down from the Board, colleagues say her influence will continue to be felt through the many projects she helped establish and the strong foundation she leaves behind.
The Biosphere Association expressed its gratitude for Elizabeth’s years of service at its recent AGM. Elizabeth noted that the organization remains in very capable hands under the leadership of Board Chair Victoria Lant.
For the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association and the many community members who have worked alongside her, Elizabeth Thorn’s contributions represent nearly two decades of dedication to protecting and enhancing one of Canada’s unique and ecologically important regions.
