Interested in becoming a Coast Watchers Volunteer?
The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation is looking for helping hands with our Coast Watchers Citizen Science Program! Simply choose your favourite area on Lake Huron’s coast to monitor once per week from May until October.

As a citizen scientist you will contribute observations and scientific measurements to our 16-year data set! Long-term monitoring is important to understand our changing climate, threats and stressors to water quality and wildlife that rely on the shoreline ecosystems. Bonus: you have a chance to enjoy the beautiful Lake Huron views!

You can make a difference in monitoring Lake Huron’s shoreline. No experience is necessary, as training will occur in April through online video sessions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you would like to become a Coast Watcher let us know by e-mailing us using this link. More information about the program including past annual reports can be found at this link .

Lake Huron Ice Cover
Historical Changes, Current Ice Cover, Albedo Effect, Climate Change, and What You Can Do About It!
Annual ice cover on Lake Huron effects much more than just how many days we can go ice fishing or skating. Years with heavy ice coverage inevitably effect the nautical shipping industry, precipitation and evaporation trends for spring, as well as lake levels and water quality for that year's summer months. Decreasing ice cover on Lake Huron can impact shoreline infrastructure, wildlife and increase the effects of climate change.
Current Ice Cover
Lake Huron's ice cover is always in fluctuation. Latest data from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) shows that total Great Lakes ice coverage was 27.2% as of February 24th 2021. Lake Huron's ice cover, on the same date, was 27%.
Historical Changes to Lake Huron Ice Cover
Long term data trends show that ice cover in the Great Lakes has declined over 20% on average since 1973. When looking at long term data sets (over 30 years) it is important to understand that trends represent the true change in our environment. The graphic to the right highlights the percentage of ice cover ranging from 1973-2020. The darkest colour on the map shows 0% ice cover and white represents 100% ice cover. Based on data dating back to 1970, Lake Huron water temperature has increased by 0.9 degrees Celsius every decade. 
Albedo Effect
It is important to understand the Albedo Effect when analyzing how climate change effects the Great Lakes. Albedo measures the reflection of solar energy off of different surfaces on earth. The process is simple, dark surfaces absorb a lot of energy and light surface absorb very little energy. When ice cover is high solar energy is more easily reflected from earth which can cause temperatures to stay lower. When ice cover is low solar energy is easily absorbed by the dark water, causing temperature to rise. The image below illustrates how different surfaces absorb or reflect solar energy. 
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
What it means for the shoreline and the lake
As climate change continues to alter North American atmospheric conditions, we can expect to see more variation in ice cover and water levels on Lake Huron. Ice can also act as a buffer to protect the shoreline from wave erosion. Flooding has caused damage to property structures, docks, and businesses, as seen on the Georgian Bay shoreline. This area as also experienced a decrease in the fish population found in the Mangetawan River. Many fish species, such as Burbot and Trout, depend on reliable ice development in the winter months for their spawning cycles and to protect their eggs. Read more on how low ice cover impacts Great Lake fish species here.

Environment and Climate Change Canada's study (found here) report suggests by mid-century we're going to see ice cover periods reduced by between 25-50 days, mostly from later freezes and earlier spring melts.
What YOU Can Do About It!
Climate change can be overwhelming, but the solution is very simple; limit the amount of CO2 you produce. Here are a few ways to reduce your carbon footprint:

  • Educate yourself and others about climate change
  • Keep a vegetated buffer between the water and your property structure
  • Establish and maintain dune systems as they act as natural shoreline barriers
  • Switch to a more plant based diet
  • Shop at zero waste stores for your food and hygiene products
  • Compost
  • Drive less! Walk or bike if you can (win-win for your body and the planet!)
  • Properly upkeep your vehicle
  • Wash cloths on a cold water cycle and line dry laundry
  • Shop local and eat local where possible
  • Thrift shop and use local online marketplaces
  • Refuse single use plastics
  • Switch to energy saving appliances
  • Unplug and turn off devices when you’re not using them
  • Reuse water consumption (short showers, low flush toliet, turn off tap when not in use)
Great Lake Book Recommendations
Looking for interesting and informative reads about the Great Lakes? Look no further! Use the button at the end of every section to find the book online OR better yet, contact your local book stores to see if they have the book in stock.
The Great Lakes: The Natural History of a Changing Region
By: Wayne Grady

This book explains biology and ecology of the Great Lakes. It begins what the geological formation of the Lakes and explains the Great Lake's role in recent human history. It also breaks down the ecosystems that thrive along these lakes.

This is a great read for people who want a scientific foundation of the history of the Great Lakes.

The Sweet Water Sea: A Guide to Lake Huron's Georgian Bay
By: Marjorie Cahn Brazer

  • This book covers general information about the Georgian Bay and the surrounding area. It covers topics like: its origin, cruising conditions, and logistics about each waterway, harbor, and town on the bay.

  • This is a great read if you're specifically interested it the history of Georgian Bay!
The Once and Future Great Lakes Country: An Ecological History
By: John L. Riley

John L. Riley explores both the decline of wildlife and native plants centuries after the introduction of European species and the increased protection of nature and re-wilding in recent decades. Climate change, globalization, invasive species, and urban sprawl is highlighted as today's largest threats yet this book holds hope for the future of the Great Lakes.
The Death and Life of the Great Lakes
By: Dan Egan

Dan Egan provides a hopeful message of ways we can restore and preserve the Great Lakes for future generations to come.
Nibi Emosaawdang: The Water Walker
By: Joanne Robertson

The Water Walker illustrates the story of Nibi Emosaawdang, a passionate and resilient Ojibwe Nokomis women, who walks the Lake Huron shoreline to raise awareness of water protection and water quality issues within indigenous communities.
Braiding Sweet Grass
By: Robin Wall Kimmerer

Braiding Sweet Grass discusses the need for humans to develop a deeper, more ecologically conscious relationship with the earth.
The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation is a registered charity founded in 1998 with the goals of protecting and restoring Lake Huron's coastal environment. We are the voice for Lake Huron.