Clean-up, critter count, food and music celebrate Low Tide
On the Saturday in May with the lowest tide, volunteers clean the beaches of Cowichan Bay while families learn about the creatures in the water and the mud.
This is Low Tide Day, which will be held on Saturday, May 7, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Kil-pah-las Beach just east of Cowichan Bay village for the cleanup beach cleanup.
Volunteer biologists will use a seine net to collect creatures from the near offshore environment, then other volunteer biologists will lead Dr. Bill Austin’s “critter count”, a quadrant survey of the animals in the mud.
At 12:30 p.m. cleanup teams and families gather for lunch, provided by the Cowichan Bay community, and music by Dennis Atkins.
Everyone is welcome at this free event which combines science education, food, music, and environmental stewardship. Low Tide Day is an opportunity to have fun while learning about, celebrating, and caring for the shore and the intertidal world.
International Low Tide Day began in 1995 with an “Eco Fayre” in Brighton, England, celebrating “One tide on one day around the world.”
In 1999 Cowichan Bay became the first Canadian community to join and the event has been held every May since then, sponsored by the Cowichan Land Trust, the Cowichan Valley Naturalists, the Cowichan Bay Improvement Association, Cowichan Tribes, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District, with support from many other local groups and businesses.
The motto of the event is “One tide, on one day, around the world, because we all live downstream.”
For more information, visit www.cowichanestuary.ca, email lowtide@cowichanestuary.ca, or call John at 250-746-6141 or Jeff at 250-252-1400.
Dance fundraiser aims to keep youth program going
Cowichan Green Community invites youth ages 13-18 to dust off their dancing shoes and bust a move at the May 14 Youth Dance Fundraiser.
To be hosted at the Duncan Showroom’s groovy new venue (131 Station St.), the dance runs from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s sure to be an evening of good beats, activities, and food — all in honour of CGC’s Youth Outreach Team.
CGC’s YO Team, whose funding runs out this July, is a dedicated team of eight youth who contribute countless hours of volunteer service to the community. From hosting science workshops, to sharing their talents for baking, crafting, and cooking with the community, the YO Team is an invaluable asset to the CGC team, the Green Community said in a press release.
As Alyssa Loucks, a KinPark Family Drop-In Coordinator, states, “being on the YO Team gives youth opportunities to utilize their skills, discover their strengths, and build their confidence. The YO Team would love your support, so they can continue to be active superheroes in the community.”
This dance will feature live music including DJ Lady Mischief and young local musicians. For those needing a rest from the dance floor, there will be games, prizes, and snacks for purchase at the concession. To ensure everyone’s safety, Let’s Dance is a supervised alcohol- and drug-free event. Bags and coats will be checked at the door.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at CGC’s Garden Pantry Store (360 Duncan St.), or the Duncan Showroom. All proceeds will go towards keeping the YO team an active part of planning and implementing KinPark Family Drop-In classes.
For more information on Let’s Dance please contact Jennifer from the Cowichan Green Community at 250-748-8506 or email jennifer@cowichangreencommunity.org, or check-out the event online: cowichangreencommunity.org/workshop-events/lets-dance/
MS Walk ready to set out at Cowichan Sportsplex May 15
Sunday, May 15, it’s time for the Scotiabank MS Walk.
Check in at the Cowichan Valley Sportsplex at 10 a.m. and get ready for the big start at 11 a.m. There are three and five kilometre courses so depending on how fit you feel, you can enjoy a great day walking with friends for a great cause.
With Canada having the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world, the walk organizers are hoping thousands will feel inspired to participate in the annual fundraiser.
“The need for donations is immense as we fight to find a cure and advance research efforts. Here in B.C. alone, there are approximately 12,000 people currently living with MS. Whether you are a long time participant or have yet to get involved in our fundraising initiatives, now is the time to join us on the walk where every step matters,” Rowena Veylan, senior director, development, B.C. and Yukon Division, said last week.
For more information, contact Sheron Chrysler at sheron.chrysler@mssociety.ca 250-748-7010.