The Saugeen Bruce Peninsula Gravel Gran Fondo Raises Nearly $70k!

On October 5th, the scenic routes of the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula had more than 400 cyclists riding with huge smiles while actively fundraising for a good cause. Cycling on this spectacular, warm, sunny day with its stunning landscapes and challenging terrain, showcased not only the beauty of the area but also raised an impressive $67,000. The Fondo is by far our largest fundraiser of the year!

The BPBA will use these funds and the other fundraising activities, including a 50/50 draw and merchandise sales,  to enhance local conservation projects, community education programs, and initiatives that aim to protect the area’s unique biodiversity, improve water quality and keep our dark skies dark!

A team of 100 passionate volunteers dedicate their time and effort to ensure the event runs smoothly. From setting up food and water stations to managing the start and finish lines, volunteers play a crucial role in creating an unforgettable experience for participants. 

The grassroots nature of the event highlights the growing interest in gravel biking and the vibrant cycling community on the Peninsula. The race offered participants a choice of four different routes -115, 80, 56, and 30 km - each presenting unique challenges and breathtaking views. Riders navigate through a mix of gravel roads and picturesque trails, taking in the stunning fall foliage and the natural beauty that the Peninsula is renowned for. 

Our sponsors play a vital role in the success of the event. Thank you to everyone involved! Also, special thanks to the many photographers who captured the event.

Learn more and mark your calendar for next year's event, being held Oct 4th, 2026. Visit our website for details. Registration will open in early 2026: brucegravelfondo.com/.

Highlights from Our BPBA Fall Pasture Meeting 2025

What's With All These Dead Trees?

The emerald ash borer isn’t the only one causing damage. The spongy moth, for example, feeds on the leaves of many important native trees, stripping them bare and leaving them vulnerable to disease and death.

Meanwhile, invasive plants like periwinkle, garlic mustard, English ivy, and common buckthorn are now common across our forests. These plants spread quickly, outcompete native vegetation and prevent the growth of native seedlings, slowing the natural recovery of forests already stressed by invasive insects.

Climate change is making matters worse. Warmer winters and longer, hotter summers allow many invasive species to survive and thrive in our northern climate, where they once could not, accelerating their spread and impact.

Across Ontario, many pests and diseases continue to threaten our forests. While some have not yet reached the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, the damage could be devastating if they do, making prevention incredibly important. You can help by always buying firewood locally, which reduces the risk of transporting invasive insects. Cleaning boots, pets, and gear after a hike prevents the spread of seeds into new areas. Planting native species at home, and reporting or removing invasive ones, allows forests to recover before outbreaks get out of control.

The Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association is working to restore a wetland damaged by a former fish farm and invasive species. We are always looking for volunteers to join us in planting native trees and protecting the environment we all depend on.

In the end, small actions like these add up, making a big difference in keeping our forests healthy for the future.

Summer Field Trips 2026

The Biosphere team is already planning a series of 2026 Members-Only Field Trips, and we want your input!  Please drop us a line to [email protected] to let us know what trips you would most enjoy, or complete this survey:

2026 Members-Only Field Trip Ideas - Submit Your Responses

Here is just a sample of our 2024 and 2025 trips: 

Alvars in Bloom, Birding 101, Peninsula Geology, Plants & Pollinators (Beekeeping experience), An Anishinaabe Cultural Experience, Tree ID and Ecology 101, Net Zero Home Tour, Snake Trail Boardwalk, Wetlands.

All Field Trips are FREE to Members, and we can't wait to see you next Spring and Summer.  New ideas are always welcome!

The Bruce Peninsula Environmental Network – October 2025 Meeting Overview

The Bruce Peninsula Environmental Network (BPEN) is a collaborative network of organizations working in environmental conservation across the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, including land trusts, not-for-profit organizations, and government agencies. The Network meets bi-annually, with the most recent meeting held on October 20, 2025, at the Rotary Club of Northern Bruce Peninsula in Lion’s Head.

Meeting Highlights

The meeting reinforced the Network’s shared purpose: strengthening collaboration to address environmental stewardship, climate change, land-use pressures, and biodiversity conservation across the Bruce Peninsula.

Key discussions included updates on the Bruce County Environmental Sustainability Action Plan, karst mapping and protection of karst aquifers, conservation land mapping, and shared perspectives on how land trusts, national parks, and private landowners experience and are often scrutinized through tax policies. Participants also discussed ecological farming and land access, the integration of agriculture and conservation, climate change communication and education (including efforts to update the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula’s Climate Change Action Plan), shoreline conservation, invasive species management, and land protection initiatives.

Members shared significant progress in land securement, wetland restoration, species monitoring, and community-based science, while identifying ongoing challenges such as development pressure, shoreline hardening, rising land prices affecting both farming and conservation, and the need for stronger protection of karst aquifers.

Strong partnerships—particularly with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation—were highlighted as essential to shared stewardship, reconciliation, and long-term ecological resilience.

The meeting concluded with clear action items focused on coordinating the sharing of public-facing documents, completing conservation mapping, and expanding climate change and shoreline education initiatives.

Trivia Night in Lion's Head Raises $1,700

Together, the evening raised over $1,700 from ticket sales, home-baked treats, and silent auction bids.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event—we look forward to gathering again soon.

Announcing New Capital Grant-Funded Projects!

JP Bickell Foundation (1 year) - Protecting critical surface waters on the Northern Bruce Peninsula through cattle exclusion

Installation of new watering systems and water monitoring through the purchase of new monitoring equipment.

Community Foundation Grey Bruce (1 year) - Creating opportunities for community engagement in conserving a critical Bruce Peninsula watercourse

Repairs to existing buildings on Biosphere-owned wetland property for use in workshops, events, and environmental programming.

Trillium Mutual ROOTS Community Fund (1 year) - Alternate Water System Upgrade and Refresh

Upgrades and repairs to Judges Creek watering systems.

EcoAdventures Winter Excursions!

Volunteer Treasurer Needed 

We are seeking a volunteer Board Member to serve as Treasurer. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone with financial expertise and a passion for protecting the Peninsula’s unique natural environment. Applicants must reside or own property on the Northern Bruce Peninsula.

The Treasurer works with the Board and staff to oversee financial health, budgeting, and audit processes for a well-established charity with an annual budget of approximately $500,000.

Interested?

Please email [email protected] with a brief note on your interest and relevant experience or contact Board Chair Victoria Lant at [email protected] for details.