The Quw’utsun Sta'lo' (Cowichan River) is the heart of our valley. With everything the sta’lo’ gives us, it's our turn to give back.
Join the Cowichan Watershed Board and Cowichan Tribes for the 15th annual Lower Cowichan River Cleanup on Sunday, August 24th! All are welcome and no experience is necessary.
At the Cleanup, we come together to learn and work as a community. With opportunities to swim, wade, walk, or paddle, you get to choose your own fun and adventure! And by joining us, you can help make our river a safer and healthier place for creatures and people alike. Afterwards, enjoy a free BBQ lunch with neighbours, friends, and connections new and old.
The summer's low water levels call for a community-wide push to protect our rivers. Our annual Cleanup helps to remove staggering amounts of garbage from a 15-kilometre stretch of the river before fall rains can carry it downstream. This year, we are also excited to team up with the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society to broaden our reach. Together, we can help to welcome the salmon home!
The Cowichan Watershed Board is a partnership between Cowichan Tribes and the Cowichan Valley Regional District. It exists to provide leadership for sustainable water management and to protect and enhance the environmental quality and quality of life in the Cowichan and Koksilah watersheds and adjoining areas.
Event itinerary:
9:30AM - Sign-in and meet your team leader
10:00AM - Welcome
10:30AM - Cleanup begins
1:00PM - Volunteer BBQ begins
What to bring? Sturdy, get-wet shoes, sunscreen and a hat, a water bottle, and gloves (if you have them). You may also bring swimwear, a snorkel, and/or flotation!
Questions? Contact our River Cleanup Coordinator, Katia Bannister (she/her) at
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Cover photo credit to Barry Hetschko.
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Duncan.