Elk River Alliance Shoreline Cleanup for World Rivers Day

This summer, locals and tourists basked in the refreshing waters of the Elk River watershed to avoid unusually dry and hot conditions. Unfortunately, where there are people, trash is soon to follow. The Elk River Alliance–a local environmental charity–is asking the Elk Valley community to come together and help ensure a clean river for generations to come.

The event will be held on Sunday, September 24th (World Rivers Day) from 10AM until 2PM and will be based in Fernie (Dogwood Park boat launch), Sparwood (entrance to Elk River Trail, across from Sparwood Secondary School), and Elkford (Elkford Bridge, by the Esso). While those are the meeting locations, the Elk River Alliance encourages more adventurous participants to go to out-of-town boat launches, recreational areas, and along roads. Garbage bags, gloves, and snacks will be provided at meeting locations.

Last year the clean-up drew over 100 people and removed 83 bags of garbage from the shorelines. Cigarette butts, beverage cans, and various pieces of plastic were some of the most frequent items of trash. This year, ERA hopes the turn out will be even bigger.

“As our community grows, we need a consistent effort to ensure our shorelines stay clean,” said Lee-Anne Walker, Board Member and Founder of the Elk River Alliance, “this a great opportunity for people to come together and work on stewarding our environment.”

To find out more about the event visit elkriveralliance.ca/elk-river-shoreline-clean-up, or the Elk River Alliance facebook page to attend the event. The Elk River Alliance is very grateful to prize donors (Canadian Tire, Gear Hub, Big Bang Bagels, Mark Locki Photography, Rooftop Roasters, and Board Stiff), and to Big Bang Bagels for sponsoring this event.

Photo Caption: Participants of last year’s annual clean up with garbage pile extracted from the river