Two teams of Ontario Stewardship Rangers are hard at work in Grey Bruce.
Coordinator Jason Ritchie says every summer they hire a crew of students for each county to tackle a variety of natural resource-related jobs.
Ritchie says the Grey County team will be working on removing the invasive species garlic mustard from several county properties.
They will also do a lot of stream rehabilitation work in partnership with the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Club.
Ritchie says the Bruce County team will be monitoring the piping plover, an endangered species of bird.
They will also work on removing the invasive species phragmites from beaches.
Other projects can include improving fish habitat, trail maintenance, and tree survival assessments.
Ritchie says each project has an educational focus, with the kids learning why they’re doing the work and how it will help the natural resource.
Ritchie says it’s a great summer job for teens who love the outdoors or are interested in pursuing a career in the natural resources field.
He adds it’s also a win-win situation for community-based environmental groups and organizations who can apply to have the Rangers work on projects for them.
Ritchie says the Rangers are paid minimum wage – they have to be 16 years old and also be able to get to the MNR offices in Owen Sound every morning.
The jobs are posted on the MNR’s website every April.
