by Bill Ansley:

The Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation in cooperation with the Long Point Bird Observatory has adopted the 4.32 km stretch of Highway 59 between Regional road 42 and the Causeway restaurant. The Biosphere Reserve Board is responsible for the west side of the highway and the Bird Observatory for the east side. Members of both groups attended a training session as required by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

Our first cleanup was conducted on Saturday, November 9. Twelve participants from both organizations collected thirty-seven bags of garbage. This section of highway is very heavily travelled, especially in the summer time. In addition to the many cottagers, there are people visiting the several marinas and two Provincial Parks, as well as many day visitors, swimmers and boaters. Keeping the litter cleaned up enhances the already beautiful area, and makes it a more pleasant place to visit.

The Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation recently had the opportunity to take part in Port Rowan's Tomato Fest activities. Through input and organization from Board of Director member Christine Poff, the Biosphere's Environmental Youth Corp staff put together an educational booth and prepared a float for the parade.

The booth displayed educational material pertaining to the Who, What, When, and Where of the Biosphere Reserve, current projects, as well as offering activity books and brochures to interested persons.

The parade was a huge success and we were proud to have our float amongst the other organizations. The theme of the float was to demonstrate the many leisure and recreational activities that can co-exist in our natural environment.

The exposure the Biosphere gained by taking part in the Labour Day festivities was very positive and provided us with the opportunity to fundraise for our Ground-Hog Day special raffle. Raffle items include works from several talented and local artists including Randy Wilson and Cory VanGronigen. Tickets are still available from Foundation members. For information, contact Christine Poff, at (519) 586-2444.

Thank-you to all those who came out and supported the Biosphere. See you next year!

During the week of May 6-10, over 700 Norfolk high school students and teachers volunteered their time and effort to clean up and beautify their communities as part of PITCH-IN WEEK Ontario. The local campaign was organized by the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation (L.P.W.B.R.F.) and the Norfolk Secondary Schools Environmental Association (N.S.S.E.A). The purpose of this campaign was to show some environmental leadership, and perhaps instill more pride in the beauty of our community. Also, by actually picking it up, students and teachers would become more aware of what’s being thrown away. Great enthusiasm and commitment was demonstrated by the many volunteers and the physical results in the neighbourhoods were immediately apparent.

Although this was a volunteer effort, due to financial contributions from several community groups, organizers were able to give away 100 special T-shirts, 400 PITCH-IN buttons and 1000 PITCH-IN Car Litter Bags as draw prizes to volunteers. Donations from the community also helped to pay for necessary materials such as garbage bags and rubber gloves.

Funding was provided by: The Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation, The Norfolk Secondary Schools Environmental Association, The Simcoe Kinsmen, The City of Nanticoke, Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation. Thank you to these supporters for “pitching in”!