FONDO 2024
On Oct 6th 2024, our major fundraiser of the year, the annual Saugeen Bruce Peninsula Gravel Gran Fondo took place, drawing 400 avid cyclists from across the region. The cloudy windy start gave way to a spectacular sunny day! This event is the Biosphere's largest fundraiser and supports important work to restore the Eastnor swamp to a thriving ecosystem and undertake other environmental projects.
Organized by passionate volunteers, the race featured an incredible 95 individuals who dedicated their time and effort to ensure the event ran smoothly. From setting up food and water stations to managing the start and finish lines, the volunteers played a crucial role in creating an unforgettable experience for participants. Jean Campbell and her crew of volunteer bakers made 100’s of butter tarts, cookies, squares and more that all of the riders eagerly consumed!
“This event is more than just a ride; it’s a celebration of our community and the incredible landscapes we have here,” said race organizer Mike Campbell. “We are thrilled with the turnout and the support we received, especially from our volunteers. Their dedication is what makes this event possible.”
Our sponsors played a vital role in the success of the event and we would like to sincerely thank them again! See the full list here: https://www.brucegravelfondo.com/our-sponsors
At the finish line in Lion’s Head, riders celebrated their accomplishments with food and camaraderie hosted by the Ferndale, Lion’s Head & District Lions Club from Lion’s Head and local beer and cider was provided by Tagwerks Brewery.
We also held our Gravel Gran Fondo raffle draw for a Pulse SUP, Peloton original painting, Cobble Beach golf for two and stained glass. All winners have claimed their prizes. Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket!
Plans are already underway for next year’s race so mark your calendars for October 5, 2025, and be prepared to join the adventure!
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Preserving Our Dark Skies: An Astrophotography Exhibit Coming Soon to Parks Canada, Tobermory
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Step into the cosmos with our upcoming astrophotography exhibit, celebrating the breathtaking beauty of our dark skies and the talented photographers who capture them.
Launching this spring, the exhibit at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory will feature stunning prints of deep-sky objects and nightscapes from skilled astrophotographers. Each image will be accompanied by details about the celestial object and the process behind the shot, with the opportunity to learn more or purchase prints through QR codes linked to the artists’ sites.
This exhibit is more than just art—it’s a reminder of why protecting our dark skies is so vital. A special thanks to Parks Canada for supporting this initiative.
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EcoAdventures - More to Explore this Winter!
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EcoAdventures, is a social enterprise of the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association, that offers an educational and meaningful way to experience the local environment. Our motto, Learn, Play, Make a Difference, summarizes the experience participants can count on receiving when taking part in a guided EcoAdventure.
Our offerings are fun, educational, and impactful. EcoAdventures tours are a great way for families and friends to enjoy exploring and spending time together outdoors. Additionally, with these guided hikes, participants will leave with valuable and fascinating knowledge about the natural world that surrounds them. In this way, EcoAdventures contributes to the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association’s mission to educate the public about our local ecosystem and the challenges that face it.
Booking an EcoAdventure also helps to financially support the environmental conservation work carried out by the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association, which is now over 20 years old. This winter starts off with our “Winter Solstice“ hike on Dec 21 from 3:30 - 5:30 at Lion's Head. Make the shortest day of the year a celebration of light. It’s a guided experience with head lamps.
Journey to the Grotto runs through out the winter no matter the weather. If it snows… we have snow shoes, ice…we have crampons and walking poles. This annual favourite takes you to the grotto far away from the crowds of summer, off the beaten track, in a safe information-filled way provided by your guide.
Learn, Play, Make a Difference
Sign up at: https://myecoadventures.ca/
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Greenbelt Grant - A Huge Thank You to the Greenbelt Foundation for Supporting Our Mission at EcoAdventures!
The Greenbelt Foundation stewards Ontario's Greenbelt, two million acres of protected land that provide clean air, fresh water, climate resilience, and a reliable local food source to help Ontario thrive. They are the only charitable organization solely dedicated to the health and prosperity of Ontario's Greenbelt. Learn more at greenbelt.ca
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Solar Workshop - Rooftop Solar is Having Its Day in the Sun!
The prices are WAY down. The federal government Canada Greener Homes Loan is still available that offers up to $40,000 interest free toward energy upgrades, including solar panels (but act now!). And most importantly, there is a new electricity pricing plan that gives a bigger credit for electricity generated during peak hours (the Ultra Low Overnight Price Plan from Hydro One). The result is that the economics of solar has been substantially improved. And it is at a perfect time, because the province's need for electricity has been increasing, and without more solar, we will need to use more fossil gas to generate electricity.
We think that warrants a workshop. Join us March 22 at Rotary Hall, Lion's Head where we will bring together suppliers, local case studies, and share ideas.
Save the date and watch for more information coming soon!
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