As heard on the March 23, 2012, Environment Report, part of Friday Edition at 9 a.m. Fridays on Delta College radio, Q-90.1 FM.

New Beach

Bay County plans to clean up a public beach in Pinconning.

The county has received $10,000 from ITC of Kawkawlin. The company builds transmission lines for power distribution.

County Executive Tom Hickner says the gift from the company will be used for beach improvements at Pinconning Park, a county owned campground and recreation spot in Pinconning Township.

The county plans to clean the existing beach there, and groom and prepare the surface. Then, about 900 yards of fresh sand will be brought in to replenish the shoreline.

The county also will construct a small changing booth and fresh water shower for swimmers.

Solar-powered channel markers for boats also will be installed at a nearby boat launch.

Earth Day Events

Earth Day is Sunday, April 22.

Several events are planned in Bay County and local cities and townships.

They include: a Bangor Township “Green Team” and Waste Management Used Battery Drop-Off at Bangor Township Hall, a Bay Soil Conservation District Tree Sale, and a Bay County Earth Day Electronics Recycling Drop-Off at the Bay County Fairgrounds.

In addition, there will a Mayor’s City Wide Clean Up event, and the Annual Ed Golson Earth Day Compost Giveaway in Bay City.

You can find specific information on each event at the Bay County website.

WIN It

Saginaw Bay WIN is funding one great environmental idea for Earth Day.

WIN, which stands for Watershed Initiative Network, is holding a Facebook contest (pdf).

It’s looking for nonprofits to submit ideas for environmental projects, summed up in 50 words or less.

Topics include:

• Conservation;
• Public Access to Natural Resources;
• Natural Resource-based Recreation or Education; and,
• Energy Efficiency.

Ideas will be posted to WIN’s website and Facebook page.

The idea that receives the most votes, or “likes” on Facebook, will receive a $1,000 grant.

There also will be a random drawing for gift cards. You can find out more at saginawbaywin.org.

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