The eighth annual Cowichan River Cleanup is being held on two different weekends this year.
This is a chance for families to be involved in helping to look after the Cowichan, one of Canada’s heritage rivers.
It all starts Saturday, Aug. 20, at Lake Cowichan with the upper river cleanup, which is run by the Cowichan Lake & River Stewardship Society. It goes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Register and get a free continental breakfast from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Central Park, beside the roundabout.
The second event, which tackles the lower Cowichan River and is organized by the Cowichan Watershed Board, is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In this case, registration and free continental breakfast starts at 10 a.m. at Little Big House near the Siem Lelum Gym.
Follow the signs to find the location.
There are always opportunities for helpers of all ages but children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Organizers ask that you bring your own gloves and be sure to wear appropriate footwear. There’s all kinds of work to do both in an out of the water but if you are helping in the water, you’ll need to bring water gear, flotation devices and dive or snorkel gear.
Small row boats are helpful so if you have one, bring it along and you’ll be welcomed.
Volunteers with trucks are also needed to haul material to the dump after it’s removed from the river.