Keeping Georgian Bay beaches healthy

Jenni Kaija is the Assistant Ecologist for Ontario Parks working for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Responsibilities include looking at how beaches within the Southwest Zone are managed. The health of these areas are gauged through surveys and assessments of the shorelines, followed by suggestions for restoration and education efforts.

She kindly agreed to answer 10 questions (links below) for Georgian Bay Forever around beach ecology, stressors, and restoration efforts.

Question and Answer Links:

Question 1. Many think of Georgian Bay as rocky shorelines, but in fact there are many beautiful beaches. How many beaches are there in the Southwest Zone that you are trying to protect?

Question 2. What are the top 3 ecological functions that beaches (or a certain kind of beach) perform?

Question 3. Why do we love beaches? And what threatens our enjoyment of them? .

Question 4. If beaches aren’t protected properly, are there species at risk?

Question 5. Can you describe types of beaches in Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes, and their best most natural form? Why removing natural plants on a beach may be harmful?

Question 6. Can you describe the stressors to beaches or certain types of beaches that are impacting ecosystems?

Question 7. Is there a large component of your program that works on educating the public about beaches and their natural functions?

Question 8. Do you do restorative work? And/or do you educate the public on what they can do to help protect beaches?

Question 9. What are the top 5 things we (citizens) can do to help protect our beaches?

Question 10. Do you have a favourite restoration project in the Southwest Zone? Explain.

Beaches in the southwest of Georgian Bay:

These are Ontario Parks beaches in the southwest part of Georgian Bay (white background marks) . Yellow are beaches that are referred to in this question series. Red dots indicate non-operating parks. To locate Ontario Parks and find out more information, please visit the Ontario Parks locator.

About Georgian Bay Forever

Georgian Bay Forever is a charity that funds and supports scientific research, restoration projects and education that protect and enhance the waters of Georgian Bay, as part of the Great Lakes. Our vision is that Georgian Bay waters are healthy and thriving for future generations. Learn more about how you can support out work.