Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Update

Our newly appointed ESC has established three environmental zones in Southcott Pines:  

1. The Lake Huron Shoreline
2. The central gardens, parks, and trails
3. The Old Ausable Channel

Some of the projects we have completed and are working on for 2026 are:

• Carolyn Young and volunteers planted some 250 different grasses, plants, and shrubs last fall in varying locations throughout the community. These are marked by red flags and will hopefully mature over the summer. Thank you to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority for partnering with us and covering the cost of the plants.
• The Milfoil Management Project was put into four areas of the Old Ausable Channel last Spring. Initiated by Jennifer Powell, masters student, from UOT, the study is showing promising results.  We  will continue to monitor the test zones next year. Jennifer may be available to give a presentation on her findings and other work she has been doing on the channel later in the year.
• The Sunset Community Foundation grant project at Pinedale culvert will be completed by the end of June. We will be installing a new water control gate and a watercraft portage.
• We have plans to create a pollinator garden on SPPA property close to pathway #2 in the area adjacent to the riverbank restoration that was done in 2021.
• The ESC is looking at long term options to improve the river path trail in the low areas where flooding takes place.
• We will be planting trees, shrubs, and vegetation throughout the neighborhood late in the Spring.
• Beach and river cleanups will be scheduled for next year.
• We hope to have an information board at Sun Beach to educate members and guests about environmental facts and concerns. We also are considering portable signage and QR codes that can inform residents about native plants, trees, and vegetation along pathways and in park areas.
• We hope to work with local conservation authorities, Pinery Park, the municipality, the steering committee for Old Ausable Channel, and neighbouring communities on larger long-term projects that will improve conditions on the Old Ausable Channel for wildlife and recreation.

       All these projects will require volunteer assistance, and I encourage everyone to help out however you can. Not all projects require heavy physical work. We have clubhouse demonstrations to organize as well as other areas that assistance is needed. Please leave your name and how you may want to help with Kim at the office (sppa@hay.net) and we will keep you informed of upcoming events.

                On behalf of the Environmental Stewardship Committee, I wish everyone a great summer in Southcott Pines and thank you for your support maintaining and sustaining our unique ecosystem for future generations.