Anyone with a yen to help cleanup the Cowichan River can join the effort on Sunday, Aug. 30, under the sponsorship of the Cowichan Watershed Board and Cowichan Tribes.
From 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the focus switches to the lower Cowichan. Everyone is asked to register at 9:30 at the Little Big House (find it behind Cowichan Tribes' Si'em Lelum' gym by following the signs.)
"The Cowichan River is essential to sustaining life in the Cowichan Valley," organizer Candace Charlie said. "We have the good fortune of living alongside one of only three Canadian Heritage Rivers in B.C. and to help keep it beautiful we are hosting the sixth annual Lower Cowichan River Clean-up."
Safe Youth Cowichan, an action group of concerned local young, is taking part in the event.
"We understand the impact that community use has on the river and know that it's our responsibility to help maintain the health of our watershed," Charlie said. "We support the river cleanup and believe that together we can contribute to a future that includes clean, drinkable water and a healthy fish population. It's a fun way to get involved and care for the river we all depend on and enjoy, so come join us and help us be the solution to river pollution!"
Like last year, there will be coffee and treats at registration and a free barbecue lunch for volunteers at the end. There are also door prizes for participants.
Anyone wishing to take part is asked to wear appropriate shoes and bring gloves as well as a change of clothing, too, just in case.
There are chances to get wet in this cleanup but if you want to take to the water, organizers are asking that you bring your own snorkels, flotation devices and diving gear.
For more info, contact Candace Charlie at
candace.charlie@cowichantribes.com