Bond Lake Clean-Up (Oak Ridges)

We need a big clean-up Bond Lake!
Help animals and the environment, connect with like-minded community members, and protect the natural spaces of Oak Ridges.
BOND LAKE:
Bond lake is a kettle lake located on the Oak Ridges Moraine and is considered to be ecologically sensitive. This area is home to a diverse number of species, and many come to enjoy this natural space and the beautiful trails around the lake. The area has both a paved trail running around and behind the lake, and a non-paved trail that runs directly around the edge of the lake.
THE WASTE ISSUE:
With development and human population increasing in the area, Bond lake faces various threats and increasing waste from rising human use and presence. Unfortunately, this can pose consequences for both terrestrial and aquatic environments as waste can leach toxicity, bioaccumulate, translocate, and impact the overall health of ecosystems and subsequently surrounding communities.
Previous clean-ups have shown that the majority of the trash around Bond lake is most common around areas where there are illegal bon fires and fishing activity, although some trash also appears along the trail from hikers. The areas closer to surrounding housing developments have shown to be problematic as some garbage can translocate.
Some of the most common items found include styrofoam, plastic bottles, beer cans, and cigarette butts, but items will vary.
WHAT TO EXPECT/WHAT TO BRING:
It might be cold so please dress warm and wear comfortable shoes. Gloves and bags (garbage and recycling) will be provided, but please bring reusable water bottles and snacks with you!
PARKING:
There is a parking lot at the meeting location (see address). If this parking lot is out of space, you can park behind the Bond Lake Arena at 70 Old Colony which is about a 10 minute walk from the meeting point/trail entrance. Some visitors park along Yonge St. beside the entrance; however, I can not condone this due to the close proximity to road traffic. If you choose to park along Yonge, please use caution and watch for traffic around you.
LOCATION/TIME DETAILS:
We will be meeting at the main trail entrance at 12611 Yonge St. in Richmond Hill on October 27, 2019. The event will take place 10am-5pm, but please feel free to stop by anytime, for however long you can. Any amount of help is still helpful.
CONTACT DETAILS:
If you have any questions, ideas, or concerns, please send an email to bondlakecleanup@gmail.com
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS:
-when you’re picking up waste items, please check the items for any life (e.g. slugs, worms etc.) prior to placing items in a trash bag. If you find any critters, please gently guide them back to the ground.
-if you’re only coming for a short time and live close by, please walk or bike to the location if possible to reduce our emissions.
-if you’re bringing snacks and food with you, please take the time to dispose of any packaging, wrappers, bottles etc. properly, or take them home with you.
* this event is registered under the Great Shoreline Cleanup.
https://www.shorelinecleanup.ca/cleanups/y6ol2 *