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, Final Preparations are being made for World Rivers Day on September 25th and some exciting events are planned 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 'Common Rights on Common Rivers' The water sharing of common rivers between Bangladesh and India. (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 1:00 PM until approximately 2:00 PM 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 ) Quesnel, BC – The Baker Creek Enhancement Society will be holding a stream clean-up activity in the Baker Creek and Fraser River areas in Quesnel. This event is associated with the salmon habitat awareness campaign which the Society has been promoting this year with the occurrence of the pink salmon run in Baker Creek. Our goal is to promote awareness of salmon spawning areas in Quesnel and the need to keep our streams and rivers healthy. We hope to have several volunteers as well as the Katimavik group come out to help on Sunday morning. For more information contact: (vlynn@shaw.ca) 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) 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) 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) Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – World Rivers Day 2011 will be celebrated at Friendship Park in Saskatoon with a variety of activities including Who/What’s in our River, River Talk, A Stream of Fun and Facts, and Learn to Kayak on the River with Brian Sarauer. A number of other events will be taking place such as Wings on the River, Keeping our River Tidy, River Walks, Blue Drinks, and the Radiant River Photo Contest. For more information contact: (info@econet.sk.ca) London England - The WandlePiscators will be celebrating the ongoing recovery of South London's River Wandle with a club fish-in (meeting at Colliers Wood at 11am, enjoying an early lunch at the William Morris riverside pub, and fishing up the river during the afternoon). The UK's Environment Agency recently named the Wandle as one of the country's 10 best-recovering rivers, and we'll aim to celebrate that by catching and releasing trout, chub, dace, barbel and roach from water that was classified as an open sewer as recently as the 1960s. For more information contact: (theo.pike@wandletrust.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) Vanderhoof, BC – Celebrate World Rivers Day at Riverside Park from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM with exhibits, children’s activities, interpretive walks, stream clean-up and free barbecue (hosted by the District of Vanderhoof, Nechako Valley Food Network, and Nechako Waste Reduction Initiative). For more information contact: (recdir@district.vanderhoof.ca) Chile– The Maule ItataCoastkeepers will be celebrating World Rivers Day with a number of events including riverside and beach clean-ups. This year marks the 24th annual Carnival of the Earth and Water that will also feature many activities related to World Rivers Day. For more information contact: (mauleitata.coastkeeper@gmail.com) 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) Port Coquitlam, BC - In Port Coquitlam, BC, the annual Rivers and Trails Festival will be taking place at Peace Park along the Fraser River to celebrate World Rivers Day. Worm composting demos, Children’s activities, Nature walks, entertainment and more check out the City of Port Coquitlam website or (contact: BattleS@portcoquitlam.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) Terrace, BC – Terrace, BC will celebrate World Rivers Day with two events. The Terrace Rotary Club will sponsor a stream clean-up along the Skeena River. The Terrace Rod and Gun Club will also be holding a stream clean-up along Hurley Creek. For more information contact: (Rob.Dams@dfo-mpo.gc.ca) 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) Prince George, BC – The 11th Annual Prince George Rivers Day Music Festival takes place on September 25, 2011 at Fort George Park, Prince George from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM.The BC Rivers Day Music Festival is a free public event that encourages residents and visitors to celebrate the quality of life that our rivers and our fresh water provide to each one of us. This music festival celebrates Prince George’s unique river heritage and raises awareness about their social, cultural, economic, environmental and recreational values through music, guest speakers, children’s activities, educational displays and other activities. For more information contact: (info@riversdaymusic.org) 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) Buffalo, New York – In Buffalo, New York the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeepers are hosting the annual Fall Clean-up to beautify Buffalo and Niagara’s waterways on Saturday, September 24, 2011. Families, community groups, employee groups, service clubs, school clubs, scouts, churches, and individuals can help at over 40 sites across Erie and Niagara Counties. A volunteer picnic will follow. The Nickel City Triathlon is also scheduled to take place on September 24th along the shores of Lake Erie at Gallagher Beach. For more information on these events contact: (rconnolly@bnriverkeeper.org) 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) Malaysia – In Selangor, River Ranger training will take place at selected schools and communities within Selangor, Petaling and Jaya. The training is conducted in partnership between the Global Environment Centre and the GAB Foundation. River Ranger training will also be delivered in Penang at 4 schools and communities. A River Ranger Jamboree is planned for Melaka and will be attended by River Rangers from 14 States in Malaysia. For more information contact: (kalithasan@gec.org.my) 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) North Shore, BC – NorthShoreWetlandPartners Society is holding a combined Rivers Day and BC Parks Centenary Celebration at Cypress Creek Lodge in Cypress Provincial Park on September 25th from 11 AM to 3 PM. Activities include seed collection for distribution in a wetland riparian area of Cypress Creek Headwaters where recent restoration work has taken place. There will also be a work party building a boardwalk through a bog to help another wetland in Cypress creek headwaters recover. Our event is taking place to thank our volunteers and recognize the contribution they are making towards the park and Cypress Creek. This is the second year we have had a Rivers Day Event in Cypress Creek Headwaters. For more information contact: (Fiona_wright@telus.net) 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 ) Grand Forks, BC - The Kettle Granby andBoundaryAngler Club will be coordinating a river clean-up during World Rivers Day. This has been an ongoing project for the club. The Grand Forks Environment Committee will also participate and has contributed funds for garbage bags and garbage disposal. For more information contact: (jenny.coleshill@granbywilderness.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 ) Langford, BC - The Bilston Watershed Habitat Protection Association along with the Langford Lakes Area Protection Society is planning a tree and riparian planting day on the bank of Martin Brook, a tributary of Bilston Creek, in Langford, just west of Victoria, on September 25'th. Everyone is welcome to come on over and help out. Light lunch will be provided. The event begins at 10:00 AM and is located at the Corner of Sooke Highway and Woodruff Road opposite Humpback Rd. For more information contact: (bilston@islandnet.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 - On World Rivers Day, the Exploits River will the focus of a walk along the trails for a streamside clean-up. This activity will be followed by a presentation on the history of the river and the extinct Boethuks. There will be demonstrations on how to tie salmon flies. The Exploits River is the number one salmon river in Atlantic Canada. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served. For more information contact: (davebarker366@hotmail.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 - 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