For Canadian Environment Week we are taking the time to appreciate the diverse and resilient natural environment that Canadians are fortunate to experience. More importantly, we are celebrating those who protect this natural environment—leaders who protect the wildlife, rivers, lakes, and oceans that we so fundamentally depend on. One of these fearless leaders is our Riverkeeper and Partnership Lead for Swim Drink Fish, Lauren Hornor.
Celebrating Environmental Leadership in Canada
Read These 7 Books to Connect with Water on a Deeper Level
By Julia Pepler
There’s no denying that our team is a passionate group of water nerds. Over the years we have collected a roster of books that help us connect to water, whether we are landlocked and dreaming of open water or craving a good read that motivates us in our mission of swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for all. Writing and art provide a powerful connection that teleports us to the water and ignites a passion for protecting our precious resource. The books below helped us connect to Canada’s beautiful water bodies and appreciate just how precious they are, we hope they do the same for you.
Uncovering the Mystery of Vancouver’s Lost Streams
By Julia Pepler
Recently, I was biking along 6th Avenue when I heard the rushing of water next to a roundabout. I pulled over to confirm that I was indeed hearing water below the street. This piqued my curiosity. When I got home, I began researching the area and learned that it’s home to an underground stream. What is more, I found that there are dozens of streams hidden out of sight and that Vancouver was once home to a thriving population of Pacific Salmon1. But I still had a lot of questions: What effect did these streams have on the environment? Why did the salmon disappear? Can we bring them back and “rewild” Vancouver?
Hidden cameras fight illegal dumping that costs taxpayers millions each year
Officials dream up new ways to track down people who sully rivers, forests
CBC News, Yvette Brend
The spring melt in B.C. uncovers crocuses — and garbage, by the truckload in some spots.
We’ve removed over 130 tonnes of garbage from the Fraser River, which is HUGE!
By Julia Pepler
Last Saturday we held the 12th Annual Fraser River Cleanup with Woodtone on the banks of the Fraser River in Chilliwack, our biggest cleanup to date. Thanks to the help of 700 hard-working volunteers we removed 6.5 tonnes of garbage, bringing our total over the past 12 years to 130 tonnes of garbage removed from the Fraser River and its watershed. That’s equivalent to the weight of 98 grizzly bears!
Several tonnes of garbage hauled in during Fraser River Cleanup in Chilliwack
A total of 700 volunteers flocked to the shores of the Fraser River to help with the cleanup
The Progress, Jenna Huack
Hundreds of people lined the shores of the Fraser River for the 12th annual Fraser River Cleanup on Saturday.
Helping hands roll up sleeves, pay it forward at Fraser River cleanup
About 700 volunteers spent a sunny Saturday collecting garbage on the banks of the Fraser River in Chilliwack
The Vancouver Sun, Glenda Luymes
CHILLIWACK — They came from all over the Lower Mainland, with little in common but a love for the river.
Volunteers assemble by the hundreds to clean up garbage on Fraser River
Global News, Robyn Crawford
Hundreds of volunteers were busy Saturday at the 12th annual Fraser River clean-up.
6 Ways to Enjoy the Water this Spring
Spring has finally started to poke its head out as the days get longer and warmer. Some of the best spots to enjoy BC's sparkling waters are thriving in the springtime. So grab a few cozy layers, sturdy shoes, some snacks and head out for an adventure! If you're at a loss of where to start, here are six ways you can get out on the water near Vancouver this spring.
Fraser River Cleanup hits the hotspots around Chilliwack
The 12th annual river cleanup is March 23 and the goal is attracting more youth
The Progress, Jennifer Feinberg
Getting young people out to the annual Fraser River cleanup has always been considered as crucial by cleanup organizers Fraser Riverkeeper and Woodtone.
