Nature lovers around B.C. are invited to celebrate their local creeks, streams and rivers on the 44th annual BC Rivers Day through clean-up, stewardship and recreation events.
Several organizations in the Kootenays are among over 30 events planned for Sunday, Sept. 22, set to include river clean-ups, guided paddles, salmon education initiatives, riverside tree plantings, and more.
“Our rivers are important lifelines throughout the province that connect us and our ecosystems,” said Soraya Olszewski, Communication and Engagement Officer with the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC.
“BC Rivers Day is a chance for people to come together to appreciate, celebrate and give back to their local rivers.”
Olszewski said river advocate Mark Angelo and the Outdoor Recreation Council started BC Rivers Day in 1980, and it has since grown to be recognized as World Rivers Day in over 100 countries.
“World Rivers Day started here in B.C., so I think that’s a testament to how great our rivers are here,” said Olszewski.
“Our rivers are threatened by pollution, habitat loss, industrial development, invasive species, and climate change. BC Rivers Day provides a meaningful opportunity to learn about and give back to the rivers that connect us.”
“We have a spectacular river heritage in BC and to see this great provincial event evolve into a global celebration of rivers has been exciting to see”, said Mark Angelo, founder and chair of both BC and World Rivers Day.
A list of Kootenay-based events can be found below:
- Elkford (Elk River Alliance) – Elk River shoreline clean-up
- Fernie (Elk River Alliance) – Elk River shoreline clean-up
- Invermere (Wildsight Invermere) – Group paddle
- Nelson (Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society) – Cottonwood Creek clean-up
- Sparwood (Elk River Alliance) – Elk River shoreline clean-up
You can participate in a local event or find ways to celebrate BC Rivers Day by visiting the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC website.
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