Folks concerned about the state of the Cowichan River can join in cleaning it up on Saturday, Aug. 15 at Lake Cowichan.
It’s a day of fresh air, fun and community involvement, organized for the seventh year in a row by the Cowichan Lake & River Stewardship Society, with lots of chances to get wet, if you want to, and to work on land, if you’d rather stay dry.
Everything starts at 8:30 a.m. beside the Lake Cowichan Town Hall with a free continental breakfast. Then, from 9-10 a.m. everyone who’s taking part needs to register before getting their marching orders.
Finally, at about 2 p.m. there’s a free windup barbecue for participants, provided by Jakes at The Lake.
In addition, every registered participant will receive a tube rental gift certificate from Orka Outdoor Adventures and there are door prizes awarded at the end of the event which include gift certificates from local restaurants as well as gift packs from Orka.
This is definitely a family-friendly event, there is plenty to do and opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Any children under 14 helping out in the water must be accompanied by an adult, but with the water level so low this year, there are opportunities in plenty this year.
A word to the water wise: bring appropriate gear for working in the river like gloves, shoes that tolerate water and swimwear or snorkel and dive gear if you wish to help out that way.
Even if you don’t want to get wet, it’s possible to walk the river banks and pick up garbage which would otherwise wash into the water when the rains finally come.
And if you have a truck, the cleanup wants you, too.
The pickups will be used to support the removal of trash taken out of the river and to transport any swimming or walking volunteers to cleanup sites.
And finally, the organizers also need help from people with small boats that would be suitable for work between the weir and the big pool (below the car bridge). These boats will be used to support the swimmers and divers removing trash from the river.
If you can help with a truck or a boat or want more details, contact Sandy Cumming at SandyC01@shaw.ca or 250-710-679.