The quest to fly a Blue Flag at Erieau Beach is still alive.
But first, local residents need to know how to properly protect the local plants and animals.
Program Manager for Blue Flag Canada Brett Tryon says native plant species that are threatened, like the common hop tree, can look very similar to weeds.
"It has three leaflets and when it is very young, it can look very similar to poison ivy," says Tryon. "The main difference is that poison ivy has a longer stock at the base of each leaflet."
Erieau entered the pilot program in 2013 and is currently a candidate for Blue Flag status.
In order to be approved the beach will need to meet strict criteria for water quality, environmental education, environmental management, and safety and services.
