Youth volunteers enhance Grand Bend lakeshore
Grand Bend's lakeshore receives some love thanks to youth volunteers
The Coastal Conservation Youth Corps (CCYC) was in Grand Bend for the first time recently to learn about Lake Huron’s coastline.
Nine volunteers, ages 11 to 17, had the opportunity (July 21-23, 2026) to learn about dune conservation, coastal processes, plastic pollution, and the importance of establishing native species of plants along the water’s edge.
The program kicked off with a shoreline clean-up stretching from Oakwood Resort's beach to the north side of Grand Bend's Main Beach.
Youth removed debris ranging from microplastics to food wrappers.
Some of the most notable items included a matching set of earrings and a complete children's toy with pieces found at opposite ends of the beach.
The participants received a hands-on understanding of just how much litter can accumulate along the lakeshore.
The second day of the program involved a short field trip to the Old Ausable Channel where youth learned how runoff can negatively impact water quality.
The young people took action to help re-build nature’s water filter by planting native species of plants along the side of the channel.
The day was rounded out by removing some invasive plant species from Grand Bend's Main Beach.
These tasks provided a great source of new knowledge for the participants. They also made practical, positive change, on the ground, to maintain our beaches.
The final day saw a guest visit from Lynn Tremain, a Grand Bend local, who shared her experiences conducting daily beach cleanups over the past five years and encouraged youth to repurpose litter through art.
Young participants created scenes of nature by using discarded beach toys, food wrappers, cigarette butts, and so much more found on the shores of Grand Bend.
Turning a heavy topic into a creative outlet helped inspire participants to take action against plastic pollution.
The program ended with a group meeting between the participants and members of the Oakwood Park Environment Committee. Youths got to share their learning and offer their solutions for preserving Grand Bend's shoreline.
This program wouldn't have been possible without the support of the Oakwood Park Environment Committee and the McCall MacBain Foundation, as well as the amazing community partners who dedicated their time to this program.
A huge thank you to Lynn Tremian, the Municipality of Lambton Shores, the Southcott Pines Park Association, and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.
If you're looking to help protect Lake Huron, join the Bayfield Love Your Greats beach clean-up happening on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Also, try your hand at making your own treasured art piece out of beach trash!
More information regarding the Love Your Greats clean-up can be found here:
CCYC is offered by the Lake Huron Coastal Centre, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Lake Huron shoreline through education, restoration and research.
Learn more on the Lake Huron Coastal Centre website and keep in touch on social media using @coastalcentre on Facebook and Instagram.