Hike It! Love It! Keep It Clean! Community Science Project
In response to an increase in litter along the Bruce Trail and building on a successful pilot project completed in 2021 in the Peninsula section, the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) launched the Hike it, Love it, Keep it Clean! project in the summer of 2022, to clean up the Bruce Trail and learn more about the litter that ends up on the trail.
Did you know the top three littered items on the Bruce Trail include:
- Plastic – mostly single-use food and beverage containers
- Cigarette butts and smoking-related items’Cigarette butts and smoking-related items
- Paper pieces of all types
Analyzing Litter Data
Peninsula Bruce Trail Club (PBTC) is committed to using a Community Science approach as we continue to collect, sort and submit our litter collection data to Bruce Trail Conservancy.
In 2023, PBTC Litter Ambassador Volunteers and PBTC Trail Ambassadors will focus on key hot spot areas for group clean ups and support individual volunteers to collect, sort litter and send their litter data to BTC. BTC will analyse the data in Fall 2023.
Project Goals
To improve cleanliness of the Bruce Trail
To learn more about the location and type of litter on the Bruce Trail
To increase awareness about the impact of litter on our natural environment
To emphasize the importance of reducing single-use plastic
To raise awareness cigarette butts are not biodegradable and can be recycled
Help Wanted
Volunteer
During the 2024 season, we need your help! Volunteer as a PBTC Litter Ambassador. In person training regarding safe pickup practices, litter sorting, data recording and submitting is available. Volunteer vests and litter pickup supplies are provided.
It’s fun, a great way to meet others and being outdoors is always a special treat! Be part of the movement! Every small action helps make big change!
Four ways you can help:
- Volunteer as a PBTC Litter Ambassador for a specific section of the Bruce Trail in our section.
- Volunteer as a PBTC Litter Ambassador at PBTC Community Litter Pickup Events. See below for details.
- Volunteer to develop innovative and interactive games for community engagement at litter pickup events and displays.
- Support our community partners at their litter events, when possible.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
Litter Pickup Supplies and orientation provided. Bring your lunch and stay after the Cleanups for The Trash Talk Café
Interested? Contact Marg: pbtcoutreach@gmail.com
Regular PBTC clean-up events will be held at various Bruce Trail locations on the Saugeen Peninsula throughout the summer. Check PBTC FB and Instagram for future dates.
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