Sand sculptures turn Bay Beach piles into habitat-friendly art

Brent Jones
May 22, 2026 at 4:13 PM

Unexpected sand piles at Bay Beach are being turned into temporary public art as Fort Erie works to protect sensitive beach habitat.

According to the Town of Fort Erie, the sand is being transformed into sculptures for residents, visitors and children to enjoy, including a whale and an endangered Fowler’s toad.

The town says the work is meant to help protect the endangered toad and manage sensitive beach habitat at Bay Beach.

Because the Fowler’s toad is an endangered species, the sand had to be handled carefully throughout the process to avoid disturbing habitat.

The town says creating the sculptures is also a lower-cost option than having staff manually remove and relocate the sand piles without machinery.

Work on a 25-foot-long humpback whale sculpture near Crystal Beach began earlier this week. Credit: Town of Fort Erie | Facebook

According to 101.1 More FM, work on a 25-foot-long humpback whale sculpture near Bay Beach began earlier this week.

The radio station reported a woman commissioned by the Town of Fort Erie started work on the whale Tuesday. The artist, identified by More FM only as Karen, has been sculpting for more than 30 years.

The town is encouraging people to stop by Bay Beach, take photos and enjoy the sculptures while they last.

Visitors are being asked not to touch the sculptures so others can enjoy them for as long as possible.