The 15th annual Lower Cowichan River Clean up was an amazing success, thanks to the incredible efforts of our community of volunteers, partners and sponsors. Together, we helped protect the Quw’utsun Sta’lo’ (Cowichan River) and prepared it to welcome the salmon home!
Every year, this important event removes truck loads of garbage from the Quw’utsun Sta’lo’ before the fall rains wash it downstream. This year, a team of 143 volunteers pulled a staggering 1,182 kilograms of waste from 15 kilometres of the river and its banks.
The day ended with tired muscles, smiling faces and full bellies, thanks to the delicious donated food. It was truly a day of action, gratitude, community, and laughs with friends old and new.
A heartfelt thank you to our longtime and new partners
This work would not be nearly possible without the help and support of our community.
In addition to representatives of Cowichan Tribes and the Cowichan Watershed Board, our dedicated route leaders represent a long list of local businesses and organizations, including:
- Sahtlam Firehall
- Duncan Rotary
- Drillwell
- All Seasons Services
- Quw’utsun Cultural Connections Society
- Island Tractor & Supply Ltd.
- Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society
- Koksilah Watershed Group
- Nature Cowichan
- South Island Whitewater Club
We are also deeply grateful for the financial support provided by Domtar and Island Tractor & Supply Ltd, and to our other core partner — the Cowichan Valley Regional District — for both their financial contributions and for waiving the tipping fees for garbage disposal for the River Clean Up.
A special huy ch q’u to Elders T’uahwiye and Qwiyahwultuhw for joining us and sharing their presence and wisdom with everyone.
We also want to recognize the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society for running the children’s activity station, and the Cowichan Tribes’ Marine team (S-hwuhhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa – Thunderbird Protecting the Ocean) program for sharing their materials. It is so important to inspire and educate the next generation of river stewards!
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our food sponsors, who kept our volunteers fueled with morning treats, midday snacks and a celebratory BBQ lunch.
- Duncan Garage Cafe
- Bagels and Bannock
- Duncan Rotary
- Duncan Real Canadian Superstore
And finally, we want to send a specific thank you to each and every volunteer. You showed up on a hot summer morning, you lent a hand wherever it was needed, and you smiled the whole time. You are the heart and soul of this event, and we couldn’t do it without you.
Looking forward
The River Clean Up truly highlighted the love our community has for our river! We can’t wait to do it all again next year. Want to stay informed about the Cowichan Watershed Board’s latest news? Sign up for our newsletter!
Feature photo by Barry Hetschko
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