Barrow Bay Raises over $11k to Protect Local Waterways

This summer, the Barrow Bay community came together for a fundraising event to protect water quality through alternative cattle watering systems. With live music and generous donations from residents, the event raised an incredible $11,375!

These funds will go toward purchasing and upgrading solar-powered watering systems that keep cattle out of streams while providing them with safe drinking water. Using a solar pump, the systems draw water from the stream into a trough that livestock drink from without the risk of injury or illness. In combination with fencing, these systems help keep cattle away from sensitive waterways and keep the water safe for both our communities and local ecosystems.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Barrow Bay community and our donors, real progress is being made toward protecting the Peninsula’s water systems.

In photo: Donors Kathy Wilson (BBPOA), Steve Bogue, John Rodgers (BPBA), Marty Kings, Kim Dawson. Absent: Elaine Levesque, Dean Bedwell, Tim Breadner.

Congrats to Our 50/50 Winners!

In August, Stuart and Hélène Forbes made their way up to the Bruce Peninsula to pick up their cheque for $2,350.00!  They were very excited to spend some time exploring our natural beauty.

Stuart and Helen are strong supporters of all things natural.  Stuart is a member and volunteer for the Bruce Trail Conservancy, actively working to keep up the trail, one of our national treasures.  Stuart and Hélène look forward to continuing to contribute to the Saugeen Bruce as opportunities arise.

The 50/50 funds are already working hard to restore our Eastnor Swamp. This land is located just below the headwaters of Judges Creek. The water course has been heavily altered due to past fish farming operations, including a 2-kilometre stream diversion.

The funds enable staff and volunteers to carry out tasks such as cutting grass and trail forging, removing debris, controlling invasive species, planting native vegetation, and reshaping stream banks to reduce erosion. Tree planting provides shade that helps regulate water temperatures, which in turn limits excessive algal growth and supports a healthier aquatic ecosystem.

Thanks to everyone who took part in the 50/50 draw and continue to volunteer. Your support is making a real difference in the health of the Eastnor Swamp wetland.

In photo: Donna Cole (BPBA Board Member), Hélène and Stuart Forbes.

Another Successful Summer for Bayside Astronomy

Bayside Astronomy had another wonderful summer under some of the darkest skies in North America - the skies of the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula! This summer we had three students - Grace Jaklitsch, our wonderful program manager from last year, with her amazing knowledge of Greek Mythology, along with two new students, Patrick Hamani an Astrophysics major at McMaster University and Francesca Borromeo a Biology major at the University of Ottawa. The team was led by Board Member Mike Warkentin, "The Dark Sky Guy" who volunteers countless hours to this program.

Stargazing was offered five nights a week at Lion’s Head Marina, Singing Sands, Miller Family Camp and Summer House Park. We were able to run more than half our scheduled nights despite wildfire smoke and cloudy conditions, with over 1700 enthusiastic attendees.  Almost 90% of our attendees were first-timers to Bayside, and the majority of those, were first-timers to the Peninsula

If you are interested in astronomy, please follow our Facebook page, packed with information on the stars, telescopes and dark-sky friendly lighting tips: https://www.facebook.com/BaysideAstronomy