Lakeshore Advance, 2011-08-17, Page 5Wednesda , • ust 17, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 5
Community
Algae
Geoff Peach
The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal
Conservation
Walking the Green Mile Celebration
Going for a swim and coming out of
the lake with green slime clinging to
your hair is never enjoyable. Algae, is
a regular occurrence on the Great
Lakes. however, too much algae on
our beaches and nearshore waters
usually indicates a problem with the
local ecology.
Cladophera is a naturally occurring
algae on the Great Lakes. It provides
shelter and nourishment to a wide
variety of organisms including mol-
lusks, diatoms and young crayfish. As
with most plants, the addition of
nutrients like phosphorous and nitro-
gen can accelerate the growth rate of
algae. This can he a problem when
the natural balance goes out of
control.
Large amounts of algae usually
indicate that excessive nutrients like
nitrogen and phosphorous are enter-
ing the water from runoff. Algae foul-
ing along our beaches are an obvious
example of an ecological imbalance
due to excessive nutrients in the
water.
What are the sources of these nutri-
ents?The usual suspects include agri-
cultural and stormwater runoff, faulty
septic systems and wildlife.
But compounding the issue in
recent years has been the emergence
of Zebra Mussels, and their cousin
the Quagga Mussels. 'These non-
native, invasive species have been
implicated in contributing to some of
our water quality woes on Lake I heron
and the other Great Lakes. Zebra
Mussels can significantly change the
nature of the lake bottom, affecting
fish habitat and spawning.
Zebra Mussels absorb nutrients
(like phosphorous) and make the
water clearer. In turn, Zebra Mussel
excrement contains a high concentra-
tion of nutrients which build up on
the lake' bottom which provides ferti-
lizer for algae that grow on rocks and
other hard surface's on the lake hot -
tom. Also, the clearer water as a result
of the Zebra Mussels allows the suns
rays to penetrate deeper into the
water which aids in the growth of
algae.
While this algae clings to rocks, it
occasionally gets sloughed off and
carried to shore by waves. When large
amounts of algae pile up on our
beaches, it can produce a powerful
smell - not a pleasant experience for
the average beach -goer.
Reducing phosphorus pollution is
critical to controlling nuisance algae
growth and the overall health of Lake
Huron. One of the simplest things we
can all do to help keep our lake clean
is to reduce our contribution of nutri-
ent pollution by reducing fertilizer
use, properly disposing of pet waste,
reducing runoff of soil from construc-
tion activities and landscaping, and
agriculture.
of agriculture
The Huron County Federation of Agriculture invites
you, your family and friends to a a "CELEBRATION OF
AGRICULTURE" in Huron County and the 75th Anni-
versary of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture!
The exciting event occurs Thursday evening, Aug.
25th, at the Belgrave Community Centre, Belgrave.
Social hour starts at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.
with major program and entertalnment at 8:15 p.m.
Joining the festivities will be OFA President, Bette
Jean Crews, and several surprise guests. Check out the
displays and memorabilia reflecting Huron County's
agricultural history, achievements and famous people.
And have fun visiting with your county friends!
Tickets only cost $20.00 for adults, $10.00 for children
(5 - 10 yrs.) and are available from the HCFA office at
519-482-9642 or from any HCFA Director. But hurry!
Tickets are limited!
Volunteers needed to promote physical activity Memories of the
The Huron County Health Unit is
starting up a brand new physical activ-
ity program, and it is looking for vol-
unteers to help make it a success,
The Physical Activity Advisor Pro-
gram trains volunteers to do commu-
nity presentations, energizers, and
attend fairs and festivals. Their mes-
sage will he letting people know how
they can get more active for their
health.
Alycia Collins is the Physical Activ-
ity Advisor Coordinator and says she's
excited to work with volunteers to
build the program. "We're looking for
outgoing, energetic volunteers of all
ages who love working with people
and enjoy being active," she says. "You
don't have to have any qualifications
other than a willingness to learn and a
few hours of your time each month"
In order to become a certified Physi-
cal Activity Advisor, volunteers must
complete a 25 -hour training course by
attending weekly two -and -a -half-hour
evening classes at the Huron County
Health Unit in Clinton from Septem-
ber through to November. Once the
in -class training is complete, volun-
teers will do two community place-
ments with the Coordinator before
becoming a fully certified Physical
Activity Advisor.
Anyone who would like to learn
more about this volunteer opportunity
or wants more information can con-
tact the Huron County health tinit at
(519) 482-3416 or toll-free at 1-877-
837-6143.
Little looking for someone who loves sports
'lhis Little Brother is 8 years old. Ile
is excited to get a Big Brother and is
looking forward to having someone to
do activities outside with him. He
would like a Big Brother who enjoys
playing soccer, playing basketball,
going swimming and going biking on
the trails.
'Ibis Little Brother is one of the many
children waiting to be matched within
a mentoring friendship. If you are una-
ble to commit to being a Big, consider
our In -School Mentoring program. For
information on becoming a Big or our
other volunteer programs, call our
office at 519-237-3554, e-mail us at
cw@shbbbs.on.ca or visit our web -site
at www.shbbbs.on.ca
Canadian
Cancer
Society
Societe
canadienne
du cancer
LET'S MAKE CANCER HISTORY
For information about cancer,
services or to make a donation 1••939.3333 • WWW.Cancer.ca
Playhouse beginnings
"Huron Country Playhouse -Memories of Starting It" Is
available at the HCP Gift Shoppe one hour before every
performance and during intermission. Cost is $25 and all
proceeds go towards the HCP Capital Campaign. After
the end of the season or if you are unable to get out to the
Playhouse during Shoppe hours please call Val Webster
at 519-236-4404 and arrangements will be made to
deliver a book to you.
Tea for Healthy Living
Jan Wang
Our lives are fast paced due to the many challenges
and excitement we endure everyday. These invigorating
lifestyles may be fun, but they drain us of energy, which
can damage our health. While enjoying our hectic life-
styles, we also need to take time to restore the balance of
our body and mind. These teas can help with that
process:
t Improvement Tea
I 4 : lents: chrysanthemum, fios trollisu, blackcur-
rant eaf, Chinese wolfberry, mulberry leaf
Function: nourishes the liver and kidneys, relieves
tried and dry eyes, brightens eyes
Dampness Removal 'ilea
Ingredients: flos calendula officinalis, jasmine, mint,
rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalae
Function: regulates accumulation of body fluids,
soothes water retention inside body, and enhances
absorption of nutrients