Volunteering on World Rivers Day
Cleaning up the Thompson River in British Columbia, Canada
Sep 26, 2009
Fresh water is often taken for granted and mismanaged in many situations. Some people living in large cities have never even seen the source of natural fresh water from a lake or river. Once immersed in a natural outdoor environment, an appreciation and connectedness develops for nature. This is one of the most important elements in celebrating World Rivers Day.
World Rivers Day Internationally Recognized
World Rivers Day happens annually the last Sunday in September. It has been endorsed by the United Nations and recognizes the importance of the rivers surrounding us. Non-profit organizations and companies often organize events to bring volunteers together to clean up the river banks.
Mark Angelo, Rivers Day Chair and founder, and the Chair of the recently formed BCIT Rivers Institute, says “World Rivers Day has its roots right here in British Columbia and is now an international celebration attracting millions of people in close to 30 countries.”
River Clean-up in Lytton, BC
In Lytton BC, staff at Kumsheen Rafting Resort share the love for the environment and the rivers they work on with fellow co-workers and guests from around the world. They offer whitewater rafting trips in one of the hottest places in Canada throughout the summer months. Every year they get together for a staff trip and willing volunteers to collect garbage along the sides of the Thompson and Fraser Rivers.
Many garbage items include metal scraps from the railway tracks and random items that have been lost off the highway. At times, expensive wiring and parts will float down the river at spring freshet and stay on the shore when the water levels lessen throughout the season. For those who collect antiques, there is always a possibility of a historical “find” from the Cariboo Gold Rush era.
The Thompson and Fraser Rivers
The Thompson and Fraser Rivers continue to be the largest-volume rivers in BC kept in a natural state. Its waters still not dammed or diverted to harness hydro-electric power, the Thompson River contributes to a third of the Fraser’s volume at the confluence at Lytton. This corridor attracts outdoor enthusiasts due to its dramatic canyon landscape, First Nations history, and rivers.
Both rivers have seen communities of First Nations people living along their banks for up to ten thousand years. The eco-diversity ensured a balanced diet while living off the land. Seasonal berries, rose hips, various plant leaves and stems combined with fish (especially salmon) and wild game provided food for families. Climate was bearable during the winters and hot during the summers.
It was not until the end of the 1793 with Alexander Mackenzie’s fur trading expedition that there was any contact from Europeans. Mackenzie and colleague Simon Fraser developed fur trading posts along the Fraser River to its mouth near Vancouver. Then the Gold Rush struck, attracting more people along the Cariboo Wagon Road in the mid-1800’s. The development of the railroad tracks to facilitate trade across Canada was completed in 1885.
Trains now run on either side of the rivers and are a large part of the landscape. The canyons carve out magnificently steep embankments and high mountain peaks. The Trans Canada Highway #1 also follows each canyon and carries commuter traffic into the interior from the coast.
How to Volunteer for World Rivers Day
Take a look at the official World Rivers Day website and start there. Make sure you have the last Sunday of every September set aside for volunteering and in the meantime get out there and experience nature!
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