Youth inspire us to care for the ribbon of life that unites us all in the Elk River watershed. Members of the Mountainside Youth Group swarmed the Maiden Lake, Elk River shoreline to the North Fernie bridge and parking area west of Tim Horton’s and Canadian Tire on last Friday September 21.
“Every year the youth want to give back to the community and like getting involved with hands-on stewardship projects” says Kathi Temple, youth group coordinator.
The community is invited to join Fernie youth as well as millions worldwide and thousands across BC on September 29-30th, to celebrate and care for our waterways.
In honor of World and BC Rivers Day, the Elk River Alliance is hosting the 2nd Annual Swim Drink Fish Festival September 29 and 30th for community residents to learn more about the health of our water, aquatic species that depend on it and the importance of shoreline habitat. “At station 3 in James White Park, residents will learn about the Amazing Bat Project in the Elk Valley and help us paint bat boxes”, says Walker.
“September 29th between 2-5 p.m. at the Elk River Rendezvous, people can walk, bike or paddle to 3 stations at the Annex Park, Coal Creek/Elk River confluence and James White Park where hands-on activities and experts can answer your questions about the health of the Elk River”, says Lee-Anne Walker ERA Executive Director. “In the evening is the Our River Rocks Social to celebrate the river and features River Reflections of Elk River inspired artwork.”
Sunday September 30th is the Great Elk River Shoreline Cleanup cleaning up 40 kms of the Elk River from Olsen Crossing to Elko. Register at the Annex Park at 2 p.m., adopt a section, clean it up, and bring back your garbage. Food will be served to volunteers after the cleanup.
Members of the Canyon River Raft team pitch in for the Elk River
Walker states “It takes a community to care for healthy water and leadership to inspire our direction. Thanks to Teck Coal, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, The Free Press, and Wildsight Elk Valley Branch for your leadership and contribution to this years event”.
For more information contact:
Lee-Anne Walker
Lee-anne@elkriveralliance.ca
(250) 423-1682
