Below is another update from World Rivers Day chair
Mark Angelo, in the lead up to our seventh annual
World Rivers Day, slated for September 25th, 2011.
Greetings River Advocates,
Preparations are being made for World Rivers Day
on September 25th and some exciting events are
beginning to emerge for 2011!
Please let us know about any Rivers Day activities
you may be planning in your area and we'll acknowledge
them in future updates (a brief summary of the event
along with contact information can be sent to
Tom_Saare@bcit.ca).
Below is a small sampling of festivities from around the
world that are in the planning stages and many, many
more events will be included in future updates. We hope
you'll consider organizing a Rivers Day event of your
own and globally, millions of people are expected
to participate.
Thousands of events around the world are anticipated to
take place. Just a few examples;
Australia - numerous World Rivers Day events are
being planned in river catchments across Australia.
Just a sampling includes; an online World Rivers Day
Photography Competition; a major Tree Planting and
riparian restoration project at Phillips Creek CARINA,
QLD; the Lower Murray Darling Native Fish Release
(sponsor a fingerling online); an assortment of
RiverSmart Australia initiatives, Marsh Movies, Music
and more . WARREN,NSW; For an ongoing update of
events throughout the country, contact the International
River Foundation at info@riverfoundation.org.au
Burnaby, BC - A massive celebration will take place to
celebrate the inspiring restoration of Guichon Creek, an
urban stream that only a few decades ago was severely
degraded (contact Tom_Saare@bcit.ca)
Vyatka River, Russia - On
September 25, 2011, in
Vyatka (Kirov) the Vyatka Riverkeepers (a Waterkeeper
Alliance member) will celebrate World Rivers Day along
the Vyatka River. Activities will include, presentations,
a stream clean-up along the banks of the Vyatka River and
the release of 2 sturgeon into the Vyatka River by the
Vyatkakeeper Activists and representatives of the
government of Kirov Oblast. The sturgeon is the symbol
of the Waterkeeper Alliance (contact: Vyatkakeeper@gmail.com)
Howe Sound, BC local events will celebrate the
ecological resurgence of the area culminating in a plan to
restore fish stocks in Britannia Creek, a stream that was
once a toxic hot-spot but has bounced back following
efforts to address long standing pollution concerns.
(contact: tobe@shaw.ca)
New Westminster, BC - The Fraser River Discovery
Centre celebrates the opening of a major new exhibit
on the Heart of the Fraser at a special reception on the
evening of Sept. 23 in the run-up to Rivers Day. The
display focuses on efforts to protect the Hope to Mission
stretch of the Fraser, one of the most productive
stretches of river anywhere in the world.
(contact: info@fraserriverdiscovery.org)
Changsha, Hunan Province, China – The China Program at
Pacific Environment along with eight other NGO’s from around
China will recognize World Rivers Day at a Water Pollution Conference
in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Participants will travel to the
polluted Liuyang River to learn first-hand how Green Hunan works to
protect the river.
For more information contact: ( ilizzie@pacificenvironment.org )
City of North Vancouver, BC - Join the City of North Vancouver,
Evergreen and other community groups on September 25 th
(10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) for an invasive plant pull and native planting
event along Mackay Creek at Heywood Park in celebration of
World Rivers Day. With park improvements underway, the City
is pleased to celebrate at Heywood Park, one of our greatest
natural areas in North Vancouver. (anegenman@cnv.org)
In Ottawa , Ontario and Gatineau , Quebec , the Ottawa
Riverkeepers will be celebrating World Rivers Day at
Victoria Island, a sacred Algonquin site on the Ottawa
River, situated in downtown Gatineau and Ottawa, at the
base of the Chaudiere Falls. The launch of the final leg of
the Great River Project will be showcased with one of our
Riverkeepers completing her 900 km. journey on the
Ottawa River from Ft. Temiscaming to Montreal. Voyageur
canoes will be on site and the public is invited to join the
Ottawa Riverkeepers and paddle past Parliament Hill as
far as Kettle Island. Contact Sabrina Bowman
(sbowman@ottawariverkeeper.ca)
In Coquitlam , BC , the Riverview Horticulture Centre
Society will be celebrating World Rivers Day by removing
invasive plant material along two local streams that run
through the Riverview grounds. The invasive plant removal
is part of an ongoing stream enhancement project associated
with these streams. (contact: normadk@telus.net)
India - on the weekend of World Rivers Day, numerous
events throughout India will take place centering on the
need to address climate change and move beyond
fossil fuels in order to protect water resources and
other environmental values. Under the banner of
"Moving Planet", the diversity of events will range from
planned marches to bike parades to petition drives
demanding a clean energy future and healthy waterways.
(contact: Chaitanya Kumar@organizers@350.org)
Campbell River , BC , the 10th annual Haig-Brown Festival
offers enjoyment for all ages on the banks of the Campbell
River. The festival takes place on World Rivers Day and
highlights both the benefits of our rivers and the importance
of taking good care of them. Visitors are invited to join a
heritage property historic tour or guided bird walk along
Kingfisher Creek. Haig-Brown's writings will be read aloud
in the book-lined study which will be open to the public
throughout the day. The schedule of events includes the
annual stewardship awards, environmental and literary
displays, fishing demonstrations, children's activities,
live music and tasty food.
(contact: public.programs@crmuseum.ca)
Maple Ridge, BC - Come celebrate World Rivers Day with us at
Kanaka Creek, Sunday, September 25 from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Activities at this free event include canoe tours of lower Kanaka Creek,
and volunteers will be on hand to explain the flora, fauna and history
of this area . The event is co-hosted by the Kanaka Education and
Environmental Partnership Society (KEEPS), Metro Vancouver Parks,
and Bell-Irving Hatchery.To reach this site, travel to the intersection of
the east end of Haney Bypass and Lougheed Highway 7, then head
east to River Road. The parking area is immediately east of the railway
crossing. ( admin@keeps.org )
In Dhaka , Bangladesh , the Riverine People will observe
World Rivers Day for the second time. As part of the
festivities, a three day riverine photographic exhibition
will take place from September 24-26. On World Rivers Day
itself, a publication ceremony will take place focusing on
the release of a major report on the importance of restoring
the Boral River. Circulating posters, a Facebook campaign
and a TV program are also scheduled. The theme for this
year's event is "stop killing rivers" and the venue for festivities
will be at the University of Dhaka.
(contact Sheikh Rokon: skrokon@gmail.com)
Vancouver, BC - Fraser Riverkeeper will be participating
for the 4th year in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
on September 24, 2011. Similar events are unnfolding
across Canada from Nova Scotia to Quebec and from
Prince edward Island to British Columbia. As part of both
BC and World Rivers Day, the Fraser Riverkeepers will
act as site coordinator for the cleanup of False Creek
East, which is a rocky beach near Science World.
Fraser Riverkeeper will also invite poets attending the
100,000 "Poets for Change" event in Vancouver that day
to take part of this action. The cleanup will go from noon
to two in the afternoon. (contact: info@fraserriverkeeper.ca)
Salmon Arm, BC - join in a major celebration of the
Salmon River Delta, including music, feasting, a blessing
from First Nations' elders, and a riverside trail walk.
(contact: Warren Bell at cppbell@web.ca)
Brisbane, Australia - As part of the 14 th Annual River Symposium,
organizers are holding a World Rivers Day community event on
September 25 th , at the Main Stage, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane,
Queensland, Australia from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. The event will
feature presentations by Riversymposium keynote speakers,
“Up a Dry Gully” presentations from high school students, river
and catchment related art work from primary school students
and live entertainment. For more information contact:
( Carla@waterforum.org.au )
Port Angeles, Washington, USA - In the run-up to
Rivers Day, one of the most exciting and important dam
removals ever undertaken will commence as part of a
major river and fisheries restoration effort along
Washington's Elwha River. A major science gathering
will take place on September 15 and the formal launch
of the dam decommissiong effort will take place Sept. 17.
In time for World Rivers Day, September 25, a new public
observation trail will be in place, as well as an interpretive
exhibit and several webcams so that the public can
continuously monitor the project over the next few years.
(contact: david_m_reynolds@nps.gov)
In Maple Ridge , BC , along the Alouette River, the Alouette
River Management Society will be hosting a World Rivers
Day event with live entertainment, a barbecue, a children's
fishing pond sponsored by the BC Federation of Drift Fishers,
raffle and silent auction, community and environmental displays
and much, much more.(contact: arms@telus.net)
Prince George, BC - As a run-up to World Rivers Day, the
Fraser Basin Council is sponsoring the event “Rethinking our Waterways”,
A Workshop on Water and Watershed Planning in the Face of Climate
Change and Other Challenges. This event will be held at the
Prince George Civic Centre on September 23, 2011. Other workshops
are scheduled for future dates in 100 Mile House, Salmon Arm,
Chilliwack and New Westminster. These workshops are intended
for those who have roles, responsibilities and interests in different
types of water or watershed planning, including all orders of
government (local, First Nations, provincial, federal) community
stewardship organizations and various sectors that use water
such as communities, industry, agriculture and ranching, and
tourism and recreation. The workshops coincide with the launch
of a new guide “Rethinking Our Water Ways A Guide to Water
and Watershed Planning for BC Communities.” For more information
contact (Steve Litke – slitke@fraserbasin.bc.ca )
Mississauga, Ontario - the "Fall Salmon Run" will take
place on Saturday, September 24, 9:30 to 11:00 am.
Watch the mighty, migratory salmon as they return to
spawn in the Credit River this fall. Join us for an
exploratory walk along the banks of the Credit and get
'hooked' on the underwater world on World Rivers Day.
Meet at the main (first) parking lot at Riverwood. Cost: free.
Location; 4300 Riverwood Park Lane, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5C 2S7.
(contact: marketing@theriverwoodconservancy.org)
New Westminster, BC - The Fraser River Discovery
Centre, we will be celebrating BC and World Rivers
Day with a festival that honours the Fraser River,
the province’s most magnificent river, and its many
tributaries. Inspired by the river, Artists on the River is
an art and environmental festival that attracts over
3,500 visitors to the Fraser River Discovery Centre
and the Westminster Quay boardwalk. Consisting of
artists and artisans in all media displaying their work,
live entertainment for all ages, and crafts for children
and their parents, there is something for everyone!
(contact: CSale@fraserriverdiscovery.org)
In Nova Scotia , the Sackville Rivers Association will
celebrate World Rivers Day by holding an interpretive
trail walk on the Bedford Sackville Connector Trail.
President Walter N. Regan and others will be in
attendance to speak about the history of the Sackville
River, its ecology, restoration and the importance of
our native Atlantic salmon. The walk will commence
at 10:00 am on Sunday, September 25th. Meet beside
the True North Diner in the Bedford Place Mall, Bedford,
Nova Scotia. (contact: sackvillerivers@ns.sympatico.ca)
In Mission , BC , the Mission Adopt A Block is sponsoring
a World Rivers Day stream clean-up along four of Mission's
most littered creeks on September 24th and 25th. Local
community groups including the Mission Rotary Club,
local high school students and active residents from the
seniors community complex will assist in the clean-up
efforts. (contact: missionadoptablock@gmail.com)
Carinthia, Austria - Organizers in Carinthia, Austria will
recognize World Rivers Day on September 23 rd , when
students from three elementary schools will visit the
Parish of St. Jakob im Rosental to learn and experience
the topics on waters and rivers. Students will participate in
nine different activity stations that relate to water and power,
water colours, plants and animals, water circulation,
paddling and a boat ride. There will also be a river clean-up
with prizes for the students that collect the most pieces of
garbage. The event takes place from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
Everyone is warmly welcome to join in on the activities.
For more information contact: (jessica.maier@arco.at)
Fernie, BC - The Elk River Alliance is hosting the
"Elk River Swim, Drink, Fish Festival" Saturday
September 24 - Sunday September 25, 2011.
Celebrate our connection to the ribbon of life that links
residents in the Elk River watershed and is the lifeblood
of our community. On Saturday September 24, be an
active participant in stream science on Lizard Creek:
The Elk River Alliance Lizard Creek Streamkeepers
invite the public to their fall sampling day. Get involved
in hands-on stream science taking water quality tests,
flow rates, mapping, measurements and sampling
freshwater creatures. Build a cutthroat kite or sculpt
a water critter. View displays on the Elk River
watershed. And on Rivers Day Sunday, participate in
the 7th annual Elk River Shoreline Cleanup: Meet at
Annex Pond at 1:00 pm.
(contact: Lee Ann Walker at fernienature@shaw.ca)
Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Environmental
Society is hosting a number of different events in
Saskatoon and Regina in celebration of World Rivers
Day. Events will include: (1) The Radiant Rivers Photography
Contest. Open to entries from across Saskatchewan.
Enter photographs of Saskatchewan Rivers and win
some great prizes (water@environmentalsociety.ca).
(2) Riverside Park clean-up in Saskatoon with the help
of the Trash Dashers group. (3) Nature and photo walk
along Petturson's Ravine in Saskatoon with the Native
Plant Society of Saskatchewan. (4) Blue Drinks at
Saskatoon's Winston Pub, a relaxed pub-based
discussion group talking about regionally specific
water issues. (contact: water@environmentalsociety.ca)
Bulkley Valley, BC (Telkwa and Smithers) - World Rivers
Day will be celebrated in the Bulkley Valley with an event on
September 25 th that includes a canoe, kayak and raft float from
Quick Bridge to Telkwa, a free salmon barbecue at Eddy Park
and live music at Eddy Park with Chicken Creek and Jenny Lester
and Friends. There will also be trivia, prizes and more.
For more information contact: ( taylor@bachrachcommunications.com )
Langley , BC , the Township of Langley and the
Langley Environmental Partners are proud to present
the annual WaterWeeks Festival starting with the
Rivers Day Festival on Sunday, September 25 at
scenic, heritage Williams Park. This year's free
family event offers 25 interactive displays and activity
booths including: bird house building, live owls, tree
planting, Dancing Bear Story Theatre, Ask a Master
Gardener, the Solar Powered Road Show, and the life
size salmon board game. On-site concession will be
available featuring local and organic foods. The festival
will feature live performances by Will Stroet, the Genuine
Jug Band, and Tony Prophet!! (contact: nmarples@tol.bc)
Brisbane, Australia - On World Rivers Day, the
International River Foundation is sponsoring
a special screening of Water for Life, a recent, highlyacclaimed Canadian TV special with Mark Angelo,
Holly Arntzen and Kevin Wright celebrating the
importance of rivers and water - along with the
Peabody award winning documentary, Big River.
Proceeds benefit river restoration efforts in flood
ravaged parts of Queensland.
(contact: matthew@riverfoundation.org.au)
Kitimat, BC - Kitimat, BC – The Kitimat Valley
Naturalists will be celebrating World Rivers Day
with a clean-up along the Kitimat River. The event
will also draw attention to the challenges the Kitimat
River faces with ongoing industrial development. For
more information on this event,
contact April Macleod ( mac2aa@citywest.ca )
Edmonton, Alberta - River Rally, a multi-day conference
that celebrates water and watershed stewardship in Alberta
will start with a signature raft trip down the North Saskatchewan River.
The River Rally will highlight some of the great work Albertans
are engaged in to promote watershed protection and feature
presentations by some truly outstanding speakers. We’ll end the
weekend on World Rivers Day with a BBQ and a discussion about
how all watershed enthusiasts can work together to have a positive
impact on our provincial waters! Alberta Ecotrust Foundation
( pat.letizia@albertaecotrust.com )
Chilliwack, BC - on both BC and World Rivers Day,
join in one of western Canada's biggest stream
cleanups as the Chilliwack Vedder River Cleanup
Society undertakes another major initiative along
one of BC's most important recreational rivers.
(contact: Chris Gadsden at gadsden@shaw.ca)
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories - "Paddlers for Parts"
continue their great advocacy work promoting organ and
tissue donation with a Rivers Day of paddling, slack lining,
bonfires, fine food, music and games. Meet at the
Yellowknife River day use area, Yellowknife.
Time: 10:00 am- 6:00 pm, Sept. 25.
(contact: Greg Loftus at cominco@theedge.ca / 867-4443007)
Yale & Hope, BC - A major paddle trip is planned down
the mighty Fraser River from Yale to Hope. A flotilla of
canoes, kayaks and rafts will travel 22 km downstream
between the two historic communities. Along the way,
we'll stop for lunch and explore interesting locations
under the leadership of Fraser River historians.
(contact: info@hopemountain.org)
Brisbane, Australia - the International River Symposium
will unfold along with the announcement of this
year's Riverprize recipient.
(contact: Natalie@riverfoundation.org.au)
Lillooet, BC - The Lillooet Naturalist Society will celebrate
World Rivers Day with a Shoreline Clean-up. The clean-up
may also involve some invasive plant removal. Bring gloves
and a bag lunch. The event will take place on Sunday,
September 25 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Meet at
the S’ at’ atqway Powerhouse Restoration Site. After the clean-up,
the event organizers invite volunteers to participate in a
game of salmon-inspired mini-golf.
For more information contact: ( kimnorth@gmail.com )
Newfoundland, Canada - an exciting river celebration
along the Exploits River is planned.
(contact: davebarker366@hotmail.com)
Across Europe - on rivers such as the Danube, the
Rhine and the Douro (along with other great waterways),
Uniworld River Cruises will coordinate an array of
Rivers Day celebrations and acknowledgements.
(contact: stischer@uniworld.com)
Numerous other events are in the planning stages across
the United States as well as Africa, and South America.
Details will be forthcoming in future updates.
Visit our Web site at: www.worldriversday.bcit.ca
to find out more about World Rivers Day, We can help
your promotions via our website, as well as emails like
this one.
World Rivers Day is based on the incredible success of
BC Rivers Day in British Columbia, Canada over the
past 31 years.
Promoting River Stewardship
World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world's
waterways. It highlights the many values of rivers
and strives to increase public awareness and
hopefully encourage the improved stewardship of
rivers around the world. Rivers in every country
face an array of threats, and only our active
involvement will ensure their health in the years
ahead.
Join the Celebration!
World Rivers Day organizers encourage all of you
to come out and participate. In particular, consider
starting a Rivers Day event of your own, which
might range from a stream cleanup to a community
riverside celebration. And if you create an event, be
sure to tell us about it! We'll keep you posted in
the months ahead as new Rivers Day activities are
announced.
International Partners
World Rivers Day is intended to compliment
the broader efforts of the United Nations
Water For Life Decade initiative and we look forward
to working closely with them in the months ahead to
promote this event and encourage new participants.
In launching World Rivers Day, we also greatly
appreciated the support of the United Nations
University and the International Network on Water,
Environment, and Health.
Special thanks to our World Rivers Day sponsors:
- HSBC Bank Canada
- Rivers Institute at BCIT and the
visionary commitment of its founding
supporter, Mr. Rudy North
- United Nations Water For Life Decade,
Canada initiative
- United Nations Water for Life Decade; 2005 - 2015.
To find out more about water issues, and how
to get involved with World Rivers Day, visit the
Web sites below for more information.
World Rivers Day Web Site:
http://www.worldriversday.bcit.ca/
Rivers Institute at BCIT:
www.riversinstitute.ca
BC Rivers Day Web Site:
http://www.riversday.bcit.ca/
United Nations "Water For Life Decade"
http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade /
Yours truly,
Mark Angelo,
-- Chair, World Rivers Day
United Nations Water for Life, Canada initiative
-- Chair, Rivers Institute at BCIT