Green Ribbon Champion (GRC) is a multi-year community-based stewardship program that works with lakefront property owners and volunteers to restore sand dune ecosystems. In 2022 we worked with 50 participants to complete beach assessments, provide advice and educational resources, and create individual restoration plans for their properties. We shared educational information with thousands of individuals through social media, workshops, newsletter articles, media, and conversations at the beach. We completed 43 community dune restoration projects this year, restoring over 5.3km of beach-dune shoreline. Our program attracted 225 enthusiastic volunteers who donated their time to plant native dune plants, install sand fencing, remove invasive species, and install interpretive signs. The methods used in GRC are simple and cost effective, and the impact of this restoration work will result in a more resilient shoreline, erosion protection, habitat for Species at Risk, and healthier beaches.
Nearest city or town: Town of Saugeen Shores
Project start date: May 1, 2022
End date: December 31, 2022
Project focus: Ecosystem Restoration
Project contact: Holly Westbrook