Join the Elk River Alliance (ERA) in celebrating the Elk River with a fun-filled weekend of community events at the 4th Annual Swim, Drink, Fish Festival , hosted in conjunction with BC River’s Day! ERA is a community-based water group that aims to connect people to the Elk River ensuring it is drinkable, fishable and swimmable for future generations.
Schedule of Events
Saturday:
10am: Kick off the festival with an educational hike at Silver Springs, focused on the area’s geology, ecology and recreational values. Participants will be informed of stewardship survey results and the plan for Silver Springs Stewardship Solutions. To participate in this event, meet at the parking area at the base of Silver Springs on the BC hydro right of way at 10am on September 27th. Please wear sturdy shoes.
2pm: The Report to Residents on River Health event will be held on the Morrissey Cottonwood Trail. ERA will share results of the valley bottom assessment study and implications for river health. An opportunity for discussion, questions and next steps will follow a short presentation of results. To participate, meet at the entrance to the Cottonwood Trail on Morrissey Road (15 km west of Fernie) at 2pm on September 27th.
4pm: In Mt Fernie Provincial Park the Forests & Fish interpretive trail signs will be unveiled. This community education initiative will elaborate on how healthy forests foster healthy fish. Join for an easy hike along Lizard Creek to learn about stream and riparian health as well as on-going community stewardship activities. Refreshments and family-friendly activities to follow hike. To participate, meet at 4pm on September 27th at the day use parking lot in Mt Fernie Provincial Park.
Sunday:
2pm: Join in caring for the Elk River by participating in the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up. Participate in Fernie (meet at Annex Pond), Sparwood (meet at Rec Centre) or Elkford (meet at Rec Centre). Participants will form teams and clean-up designated areas along the Elk River. Gloves, bags and carpooling provided. Please wear work clothes and sturdy footwear. Volunteer appreciation event at 4pm, following clean-up.
To offer/request a carpool ride or for more information about this event, please contact the Elk River Alliance at 250-423-1682 or at lee-anne@elkriveralliance.ca
