With team names pinned proudly to their colour-coordinated attire, Sudbury's environmentally conscious joined together at Twin Forks Playground Sept. 15 to take part in the second annual Junction Creek Amazing Race.
The Junction Creek Amazing Race invites residents 14 years of age or older to participate in a series of challenges that test their knowledge, physicality and teamwork skills for the chance to win a variety of prizes.
The annual fundraiser was introduced by the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee last year to encourage understanding and appreciation for the 52-kilometre creek that runs throughout Greater Sudbury and supports a variety of wildland creatures, including 18 species of fish. (https://junctioncreek.com/)
"It's a fun easy way for people to give back to the community and the environment," said Miranda Virtanen, executive director of the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee and co-ordinator of this year's event.
"By having people get involved, they develop a sense of ownership, so they continue to look after it."
This year's challenges included bundling willow branches to create willow fascines, said Virtanen, which will be installed along the creek's shore bank to encourage vegetation and subsequently reduce erosion caused by wave action and surface runoff.
In addition, participants were asked to assess the health of Junction Creek by identifying species of bugs and fish who require a certain level of water quality to survive.
The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee is a non-profit organization that acts according to four pillars of restoration, research, education, and community involvement. The research they conduct is shared with a variety of shareholders said Virtanen, including the City of Greater Sudbury and the World Wild Life Fund.
Find more information on Junction Creek and their conservation efforts here.
