Elizabeth Thorn Retires After 18 Years of Service to BPBA. The Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (BPBA) is bidding farewell to its longest-serving and most influential board member.
Elizabeth Thorn (second from right) with the Environmental Network group in October 2025. A group she worked hard to establish.
After 18 years of volunteer service, Elizabeth Thorn is stepping down from the BPBA Board of Directors, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of environmental leadership, community engagement, and conservation achievements across the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula.
Elizabeth joined the Biosphere Association in 2008, bringing a strong business background and a passion for protecting the natural environment. Over the years, she became a driving force behind many of the organization’s most significant initiatives. Alongside her husband Jeremy, she devoted countless volunteer hours to grant writing, financial management, project development and management, and strategic planning.
“As Board Chair for 14 years, Elizabeth has helped shape the Biosphere Association into the organization it is today. Her vision, dedication, and leadership have had a lasting impact on conservation efforts throughout the region.”
Victoria Lant, Current Board Chair 2026
Dark Sky Protection
Elizabeth’s first strategic initiative as Board Chair was advocating for dark sky protection, as a dark sky is an important part of habitat. Together with Doug and Paula Cunningham, she conceived and launched Bayside Astronomy. Since 2012, it has been enjoyed by over 25,000 people who now know the importance of preserving a dark sky and how to do it! Mike Warkentin, Dark Sky Board Lead for several years now, continues this crucial program.
The purchase of the Herschel from Terry Dickinson in 2015. Photo supplied by Mike Warkentin.
Conservation and Stewardship Plan & Environmental Network
Next, working with Sean Liipere and a 20 person Steering Committee, the Board created the region’s First Conservation and Stewardship Plan which helps guide sustainable development while protecting the globally significant biodiversity that earned the region its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration among environmental organizations Elizabeth worked to convert the Steering Committee into the Environmental Network which today meets twice yearly to share ideas, reducing duplication and realizing economies of scale.
Six Streams Project
As water quality is foundational to habitat health, Elizabeth worked with Neils Munk to develop and implement the Six Streams Project, her third strategic initiative. John Rodgers, Vice-Chair of BPBA, leads this important project today in 2026. It is a water quality initiative that works with local farmers and has installed more than 25 kilometres of fencing along inland waterways and provided incentives to landowners to replace problem septic systems polluting a watercourse. The project helps protect sensitive stream ecosystems by having properly functioning septic systems and maintains agricultural productivity through alternative livestock watering systems.
BPBA's Social Enterprise - EcoAdventures
Worried about an over-reliance on government grants, in 2018 Elizabeth designed and launched EcoAdventures, a social enterprise that combines environmental education with fun outdoor adventures in small groups for a fee. Working together with Graham Thomas, Rick Roman and Caeli Mazara, EcoAdventures has reached over 1,000 people with adventures such as Snowshoe to the Grotto, Owl Prowl and Brave the Caves. Dr. Mike Sehl, current Board Lead has developed new partnerships with Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), schools and other groups and revitalized Sagueen Sojourn, offering participants an immersive overnight Anishinaabe cultural experience with guided experiences in Neyaashiinigmiing.
Climate Action Plan
Elizabeth also played a leading role in the development of the Climate Action Plan for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula. In concert with Mike Campbell, Glen Estill and Rod Layman they brought together community organizations, local residents, and municipal leaders to create a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building community resilience.
Bioremediation & Eastnor Swamp Wetland Restoration
Other projects she championed with John Rodgers include an innovative bioremediation program aimed at removing phosphorus from agricultural runoff. She is proud of saving a wetland from becoming an ATV park and in 2021/22 spearheaded the purchase of a 100-acre wetland property. Working with Board Members Dr. Katherine McLeod and John Rodgers she is pleased that the property has been cleaned up and restoration is continuing.
Fundraising
Her commitment to community fundraising has also left a lasting mark. She created the annual Easter Egg Fundraiser, a popular event enjoyed by local families and supported through the years by Chief Easter Bunnies, Sue Ellen and Tom Boyle, and Pat Sein. Lotteries started by Elizabeth continue to be an important fundraiser and Board Lead Pat Sein has tickets for this summer’s raffle.
Throughout her tenure, Elizabeth remained focused on building partnerships and creating practical solutions to environmental challenges while inspiring others to become involved. Although she is stepping down from the Board, colleagues say her influence will continue to be felt through the many projects she helped establish and the strong foundation she leaves behind.
Gratitude
The Biosphere Association expressed its gratitude for Elizabeth’s years of service at its recent AGM. Elizabeth noted that the organization remains in very capable hands under the leadership of Board Chair, Victoria Lant. For the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association and the many community members who have worked alongside her, Elizabeth Thorn’s contributions represent nearly two decades of dedication to protecting and enhancing one of Canada’s unique and ecologically important regions.
A tribute to Elizabeth Thorn at the Biosphere's AGM on June 16 2026. R-L Mike Warkentin, Elizabeth Thorn, Pat Sein.