Communities across Canada are helping clean up the shorelines, one piece of garbage at a time.
On Thursday, Aug. 10, as part of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, local volunteers did their part to save the environment by picking up trash at Pelican Point on Moose Lake.
Kellie Nichiporik, environmental program manager at the Lakeland Agriculture Research Association (LARA) and chair of the Moose Lake Watershed Society, said although this is their seventh year participating, this is the first time they have been to Moose Lake.
“We're trying to restore the environment, make it safer for wildlife, and improve the water quality in the watershed by removing a lot of the garbage,” she expressed. “It's important for water quality, wildlife, and for our ecosystems to function naturally.”
About 20 people made the trek out to the remote location. Armed with garbage bags and gloves, they helped clear out debris such as hairspray bottles, burnt mattresses, cups, and canisters.
“They (volunteers) go and collect as much garbage as they can. They keep a tally sheet so at the end we know what is out there and see if there are any trends,” Nichiporik explained.
The most common items found are cigarette butts, but this location had a few less common items.
One volunteer was surprised to find a machete-like knife in the woods, while others were shocked by the amount of glass left behind.
With the help of MD of Bonnyville staff, they also removed an abandoned trailer, freezer, and television.
“On average we usually get two big dump trailers full of garbage. This year, we will definitely have more based on what is out here, like the trailers,” said Nichiporik.
Shaden Stoyles and Olivia Bishop were two of the younger volunteers cleaning up the shoreline.
They were most surprised to find pieces of glass in their search for trash.
“That's surprising because people can step on it, like kids who come here with their parents,” Stoyles said.
Bishop was concerned about animals eating the garbage, and the harm it could do to the environment.
Program manager for the Beaver River Watershed Alliance, Colin Hanusz, was busy picking up trash, but took a moment to talk about the message the cleanup sends.
“We want to encourage more groups to get these going,” he said.
Lucie Bell, a local volunteer, hopes it will remind residents how much work goes into keeping the environment clean and safe.
“Maybe the awareness will prevent some littering, maybe there will be less of it.”
