This summer, the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club (PBTC) is learning more about litter accumulation on the Bruce Trail and Trail Access points utilizing volunteers in a Community Science project called, “Keep the Bruce Trail Clean & Green”.

During the past year, litter accumulation increased everywhere including our natural green spaces. Marg Glendon, PBTC Outreach and Membership Director, initiated this project. “I love the Bruce Trail and know how much people need and appreciate being able to connect with nature, especially as we experience limitations due to COVID19. When I saw the litter accumulate in an area that I love, I had a visceral reaction: what I love, I want to protect! I felt we needed to collaborate with community partners to learn more about litter on the trails and communicate the message: pack it in AND pack it out!”

It is the valuable work of individuals and our partner organizations – A Greener Future, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Bruce Trail Conservancy, Keep the Bruce Clean & Green, Ontario Parks, and Owen Sound Waste Watchers – which helped PBTC blaze the path toward a grassroots pilot project, “Keep the Bruce Trail Clean & Green”. As a partner sharing a common goal, Keep the Bruce Clean & Green approved the project name.

The pilot project has four goals: pick up litter, collect and analyze the litter data, keep cigarette butts out of landfill/water, and strengthen community messaging about trail etiquette.

"A Greener Future" registers and trains all volunteers as well as the Bruce Trail Conservancy Trail Ambassadors, who will also pick up litter and report data as part of their role. At the end of the summer, the data will be analyzed and the lessons learned will guide the PBTC in its ongoing efforts to Keep the Bruce Trail Clean & Green. The PBTC is collecting litter/data at random Bruce Trail locations and at two specific hotspots: Little Cove and the Lion's Head Nature Reserve.

Volunteers can register for PBTC group pickup events:

- Little Cove July 17, August 21 and September 18 @ 10AM

- Lion's Head Nature Reserve July 18, August 22 and September 19 @ 10AM

The PBTC is also offering Enviro-Hikes at each of Little Cove and Lion's Head Nature Reserve which will be lead by Parks Canada and Ontario Parks' Interpreters, respectively. Participants will pick up litter while learning about our fragile ecosystems along the Bruce Trail. A trained volunteer will accompany the participants, collecting and submitting litter data. Those interested in participating in an Enviro-Hike, can send an email to [email protected] indicating which event date and location in which they're interested. These events are scheduled for:

- Little Cove in Bruce Peninsula Nation Park July 17, August 21 and September 18 @ 10AM

- Lion's Head Provincial Nature Reserve July 18, August 22 and September 19 @ 10AM

The "Keep the Bruce Trail Clean & Green" initiative has captured the interest of Bruce Trail lovers from north to south. As a result, individuals can volunteer to pick up anywhere along the Bruce Trail.

source: media release, Peninsula Bruce Trail Club