Lake Huron youth conservation program comes to Grand Bend for the first time this summer

A free three-day shoreline conservation program for teenagers is expanding south to Grand Bend in 2026, offering hands-on experience and volunteer hours along Lake Huron.

Young people with a passion for the environment will have a new opportunity this summer, as the Coastal Conservation Youth Corps brings its program to Grand Bend for the first time in its seven-year history.

The program, hosted by the Lake Huron Coastal Centre, is heading to Oakwood Resort near Grand Bend from July 21 to 23, marking the furthest south the CCYC has operated. Past sessions have been held in Goderich, Kincardine, and Saugeen Shores.

"We are thrilled to expand the reach of the CCYC program southward to this welcoming community," said Kerry Kennedy, Stewardship Program Coordinator at the Lake Huron Coastal Centre. "It provides valuable opportunities for youth to make a difference for the benefit of a healthy coastal environment."

The free program gives youth hands-on experience in plastic pollution prevention, dune restoration, coastal monitoring, plant identification, and invasive species removal, among other conservation activities. Participants earn 18 volunteer hours over the three-day session.

Since launching in 2020, the program has welcomed close to 200 youth participants who have collectively donated more than 6,000 hours to protecting and restoring the Lake Huron shoreline.

Many alumni have gone on to careers in the environmental sector. Sielo Naranjo-Vargas, who participated in the 2023 cohort, is now studying Biology and Environmental Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University and works as a Waterfront Stewardship Specialist with the Town of Saugeen Shores.

"My experience volunteering with CCYC sparked my passion for environmental stewardship, helped shape the direction of my career and gave me skills and experience that I still use in my work today," she said.

Past participant Trent McBrien, who now holds a summer position with the Ministry of Natural Resources, offered a straightforward endorsement: "For anyone who is interested in environmental conservation and education, I HIGHLY recommend you volunteer, for not just the experience, but the people you will meet."

The 2026 CCYC sessions are:

• July 7-9: Kincardine
• July 21-23: Grand Bend
• July 28-30: Goderich

The program is free and open to youth. Interested participants can register at lakehuron.ca/ccyc.