We live in a very unique area – as unique as the Everglades.
That according to the designation as a UNESCO world biosphere reserve.
The Bruce Peninsula was given this designation in 1990 – and this Friday you can find out how unique this status is.
Communications Officer for Parks Canada – and the chair of the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Foundation – Sean Liipierre will be speaking in Tobermory in the evening to explain what being part of the UNESCO world biosphere is all about.
UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization.
Darci Lombard – the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club Special Events Coordinator says the event is so popular they added a second speech.
Lombard says LiiPierre will speaking about what it means to live in the biosphere – and how to sustain the environment and what the biosphere has to offer.
Lombard says the designation shows there are unique environmental factors in the areas.
There are currently 553 worldwide designations – 15 of them in Canada.
We have two designated areas – the Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay.
Other UNESCO reserves are the Everglades and the Galapagos Islands.
Liipierre will be speaking at The Parks Canada Visitors Centre in Tobermory on Friday from 7 PM to 8 PM and again at 8:30 to 9:30.
Liipierre is speaking in conjunction with the hosting of the Bruce Trail Conservancy AGM by the Penninsula Bruce Trail Club.
The AGM is running this weekend – along with the 6th annual Outdoor Festival
The festival features events running Friday through Sunday.
Lombard says the main highlight of the festival are 16 guided hikes around the trail on subjects such as geology and vegetation.
Lombard adds though – all events are FULL as pre-registration is needed.
You can get the heads up for next years festival registration by becoming a member of the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club.
Lombard says even though the events this weekend are full – you can still participate October 4th for Bruce Trail Day when the entire trail will hold hikes to promote the path.
Two will go on in our area – one in Wiarton – the other in Tobermory.