Coast Watchers, a community science monitoring program focused on the health of Lake Huron, will run for its third year at Huron Pines. Coast Watchers volunteers are part of a dedicated group that monitors sections of the Lake Huron shoreline on a weekly basis from May to October to gather data. Volunteers are trained to record air and water temperature, seasonal changes in water levels, occurrences of sensitive or invasive plants, fish die-offs, storm damage and pollution. This information guides restoration efforts, while engaging local volunteers in direct science.
Additionally, Huron Pines is looking to expand the network of piping plover monitors during nesting season. Volunteers will learn how to identify piping plovers and report sightings to the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team. A training video and training manual will be sent out to interested participants to prepare them for the in-person training. Stephanie Schubel from the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation team will present and lead the training. Priority locations (previous nesting locations): Tawas, Cheboygan, Oscoda.
The morning session (10am - 12pm) will introduce you to the Coast Watchers program (in collaboration with the Lake Huron Coastal Centre) and cover the basics of data collection, the data collection protocol, how to use the app, and explain how you will choose a location to monitor. You will receive all the supplies you need to conduct the monitoring.
12pm - 1pm lunch break (please bring your own)
The afternoon session (1pm - 3 pm) will introduce you to the Great Lakes Piping Plover recovery effort. Stephanie Schubel from the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team will give a presentation about piping plovers, the monitoring program and answer any questions that volunteers may have. This presentation will be followed by a hike on the beach to look for plovers.
These training programs are required to participate in the program(s). You only need to attend the training session for the program(s) you intend to participate in.
Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in our programming is a top priority at Huron Pines. If you encounter barriers to attending the session(s), such as transportation challenges, please contact Maddie at maddie@huronpines.org so we can arrange an alternative solution. Thank you.
If you would like to learn more about both of these programs and what participating in the program(s) entails, attend the Shoreline Monitoring Information Session on April 10th (VIEW EVENT INFO HERE).
Registration is required.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. It is a priority for Huron Pines to ensure that our communications and programming are available and accessible to everyone. Please contact maddie@huronpines.org if you have any questions about accessibility or believe barriers remain.
We recognize that accessibility is not always possible in every area of our work. Our efforts are ongoing. Through a commitment to continued learning and understanding, we will strengthen our awareness of the barriers and inequities that exist at the individual and community levels, in order to advance more equitable opportunities to experience the outdoors in our region.