In mid-February, Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) received an additional $3 million from the government to spend by the end of March. The organization met the challenge by purchasing seven additional nature preserves, including four on Manitoulin Island. Two of those are going to be very good for hiking, said EBC executive director Bob Barnett. One is the Lewis Twin Peaks property, which has long been a hiking trail. “The owner agreed to sell it to us at a reduced price because she loved the fact that we were going to keep it open as a hiking trail,” said Mr. Barnett.
Manitoulin Streams’ student scientists passionate about environment
More than three bags of garbage were gathered in a Thursday morning clean-up of Bickel’s Creek in Gore Bay by Manitoulin Streams and members of the Gore Fish and Game Club. The three summer students working with Project Coordinator Seija Deschese are passionate about the environment and the opportunity to raise awareness about water conservation, invasive species and the importance of clean, healthy waterways. The Expositor spoke with OFAH invasive species technician, Maylen Moffatt; community resource stewardship liaison, Brynn Kiley; and waterkeeper Aiyana Louis to learn about their work, their future and how Island citizen scientists can participate in fun outdoor water projects this summer.