Lower Cowichan River Cleanup 2023. Photo by Oli Price

THANK YOU to all participants of the 2023 Lower Cowichan River Cleanup!

Sunday, August 27, 2023, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Mini Big House, 5536 River Road, Duncan

Thank you to all of the community volunteers, partners and sponsors who participated in our 13th annual Lower River Clean Up to welcome the salmon home on August 27th – Huy tseep q’u siem!

Every year this soul satisfying event removes truck-loads of garbage from the iconic Cowichan River before the fall rains return and wash it all downstream. This year with the help of 106 registered volunteers, 10 organizers and our valued partners and sponsors, we pulled out a whopping 1825 kgs (2 US tons!) of garbage from 15 km of the river and its banks.

2023 Cleanup _ Cheyenne and Tom. Photo by Roger Wiles

We ended the day tired, happy and proud with a great feeling of community connection! We had smiles on our faces and full bellies following the volunteer lunch and some good laughs with old and new friends!

2023 Lower Cowichan River Cleanup. Photo by Barry Hetschko

We would particularly like to thank Cowichan Tribes for hosting the event — with a special shout out to Rick Wilson for his tireless work all day long in the big hauling truck, to Vernon Canute for welcoming us at the Mini Big House every year and to Elder Philomena Williams for the beautiful welcome and start to our day!  Thanks to Cowichan Valley Regional District for waiving tipping fees for the massive amount of trash we collected. Thanks to Island Tractor for a cash donation, Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery yummy breakfast treats and coffee, the Rotary Club of Duncan BC Canada for the BBQ lunch with food donated by the Real Canadian Superstore, Adam's Tarp & Tool for supplies, the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre for kids’ activities. Trucks were volunteered by Peter Williams at All Seasons Services, Bruce Coates, Paul Slade, David Slade and Drillwell (who have been continuous supporters since the first river cleanup!), everyone else who lent their trucks and finally to the organizers and group leaders of our 14 amazing teams that make sure everyone found their way, stayed safe and had fun!

This river is loved!

We welcome the salmon home.

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