Shoreline Cleanup: Protecting the Maitland River and Its Endangered Queensnakes
The Maitland River is home to countless species, some abundant, and some dwindling in numbers. One of these species is the endangered Queensnake. The Queensnake faces threats from man made pollutants, such as fishing line and other waste products. At the Huron Stewardship Council, we knew we had to take action in order to protect our Queensnakes. We decided to reach out to TD Friends of the Environment to help us on our mission to clean up our Queensnake habitat.
Project Goals and Impact
Our main goal was straightforward: reduce waste in the Maitland River and protect it’s surrounding habitats. Because our Queensnakes typically reside in areas that coincide with popular fishing spots, we wanted to target these areas. The task was simple enough: pick up litter! What we didn’t expect was the friends and the memories we made along the way. We got to teach the public about our Queensnakes, sparking a passion for wildlife in all who came with us on our journey. We also managed to show people that anyone can make an impact, and any impact made, matters.
Bringing the Community Together
At first, we weren’t sure how many people would really be that interested in cleaning up litter in Huron County. But the response from our community was incredible. We managed to bring together a staggering 37 volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to improving the health of the Maitland River. We organized several cleanup events, combined with our Queensnake surveys that aimed to monitor Queensnake populations along the Maitland. Over a kilometer of shoreline was cleaned at four recreation areas. The outcome was impressive: volunteers removed a total of 89 pounds of garbage, including not only fishing line and tackle, but also metal waste, beverage containers, and even an old tire!
Sustainable Solutions
While the cleanups were a fantastic start, we knew that we needed long-term solutions to tackle the issue of fishing line litter. That’s why the Huron Stewardship Council collaborated with local partners to design and install fishing line waste receptacles in Falls Reserve Conservation Area. These receptacles give anglers a convenient way to dispose of their used fishing lines, preventing them from ending up in the rivers, and eventually becoming a deadly hazard to our wildlife. This step, though small, is a significant mark towards sustainable waste management and protection of our wildlife.
Looking Ahead: Building a Cleaner Future
These efforts are just the beginning. By fostering a sense of community stewardship and raising awareness about the impacts of litter, we believe that we can create lasting change in how residents interact with their environment, specifically the Maitland River. Education is a key component to our strategy – we want people to understand the importance of proper waste disposal and its direct link to protecting Queensnake populations. We are optimistic that, over time, our community will embrace a culture of conservation that prioritizes the health of the Maitland River and its diverse wildlife.
Join the Movement
As we gaze into the future, we invite everyone to continue participating in these cleanup and conservation efforts. Together, we have the power to make a significant impact on the health of the Maitland River. Let’s protect the endangered Queensnake, and all the other species that call this beautiful river their home. Stay tuned for upcoming events and ways to get involved. Your participation is crucial for building a cleaner, healthier environment!
Thank you to TD Friends of the Environment for providing funding to support this project!
