This is the first installment of a series of fun, nature-based activities in western Pennsylvania. Check back for more in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
Searching the shores of Lake Erie for beach glass is a favorite pastime of many.<\/p>\n
Beach glass is glass that has been polished and smoothed by friction in the water and is found on the shores of freshwater bodies. The glass comes from ordinary items such as bottles, jars and other glass products that end up in oceans or lakes through shipwrecks, littering, coastal dumping, storm runoff or erosion. It is discarded waste that has been smoothed and frosted due to tumbling waves over 20 to 50 years.<\/p>\n
This glass comes in various colors, including blues, greens, browns, and more. The rarest color being orange<\/a>. This is due to the underconsumption of orange glass products, not being made as much. Not only do the locals of Lake Erie collect these little treasures, but some also make incredible-looking art out of them.<\/p>\n Elizabeth Jones is a beach glass artist located just outside Cleveland, Ohio. She started her journey with beach glass 11 years ago after she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She said her oncologist influenced her to start working with her hands due to her condition, and that is when she started her business \u201cLiz\u2019s Sea Glass Art.\u201d Every year, she sells around 100 art pieces, mostly online but also at local art shows.<\/p>\n Jones\u2019 tips and tricks to find beach glass<\/p>\n \u201cIf the waves are kicking up, go ahead and take a trip out to your nearest beach,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n She also stressed the importance of people being careful while searching for beach glass to prevent cuts from sharp glass. She encourages people to use rubber gloves while digging for glass.<\/p>\n After taking protective measures, you may have to dig deep in the sand to find the big pieces of beach glass.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to dig in the sand because if you dig in sand, you might stir up that treasured piece you\u2019re looking for,\u201d\u00a0Jones said.<\/p>\n Jones declined mentioning her favorite beach to search, but she did mention her least favorite spot.<\/p>\n \u201cHeadlands Beach in Lake County is kind of sparse for me. I\u2019ve tried, they call it digging, where you sit and you just move the stones back. I can\u2019t find a big piece there for love nor money,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Best beaches at Presque Isle State Park for beach glass<\/p>\n