Students learn about Lake Huron coast
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students explore coastal dynamics as they tour from Goderich to Grand Bend
Secondary-school students from Goderich District Collegiate Institute (GDCI) had the chance to use Lake Huron as their classroom in April 2025 through a shoreline tour with local environmental experts.
Guides shared, with the students, the impacts of historical bluff erosion. They discussed sustainable agricultural practices, toured engineered protection structures, and participated in active on-the-ground restoration of dune vegetation.
The shoreline tour took place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 and was initiated by GDCI science teacher Melanie Ball. Cassie Greidanus, of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), coordinated the tour.
Presenters included the Lake Huron Coastal Centre; Ben Woodward, a master’s student at University of Waterloo’s Coastal Research Group; Nathan Schoelier, ABCA Stewardship, Land and Education Manager; and Daniel King, ABCA Water Resources Engineer.
The lessons learned were important across a broad range of career paths, including environmental science, tourism, landscaping, politics, and law as they highlighted the need for awareness and innovation to create balance between human needs and the power of nature.
Many of the topics discussed on the tour will be offered through the Lake Huron Coastal Centre’s youth education program.
Returning to Goderich this summer, the Coastal Conservation Youth Corps (CCYC) will be held from July 21-25.
The Lake Huron Coastal Centre expressed thanks for funding support from the McCall MacBain Foundation.
This free CCYC program, offered to youths ages 14-19, provides the opportunity to build skills and gain valuable experience while earning volunteer hours.
Learn more and register at: