Shoreline litter is one of the most widespread pollution problems endangering our waters, but it is completely preventable. In an effort to raise public awareness as well as combat the issue directly, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre (HSNC) and the Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) are partnering to organize a public shoreline cleanup to improve the aquatic health of the Oldman River basin. Volunteers are invited to join the effort and do their part to remove debris from our most precious of resources – our watershed.
“Water is life – we need to remember that we all have a part in preserving water quality for the benefit of all of life on earth. Shoreline litter can leach harmful chemicals into the water, be accidentally eaten by wildlife, injure or entangle aquatic animals.” – Curtis Goodman, Resource Development Coordinator with Helen Schuler Nature Centre
A group of 20 volunteers pitched in to make a difference at the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands in August 2015. These volunteers were part of the PeaceBus initiative and included young individuals from all across Canada. During this clean-up 400kg of debris was removed! Some strange finds included: a lawnmower, an aircraft tire, and bones! The top three most common items found along Lethbridge’s shorelines from August’s shoreline clean-up were:
Cigarette butts
One-time use fast food packaging
Foam pieces
Based on statistics and data from past local and national shoreline clean-ups, this is a common theme across Canada. Shoreline litter is pollution and has the potential to negatively impact the entire watershed.
You are invited to join volunteers in September to tackle the problem of shoreline litter!
Tuesday Sept 15 (12:30pm-4:30pm) at Botterill Bottom Park (meet at Boat Launch)
Stantec will be bringing their team to help with this cleanup J
Saturday Sept 19 (1:00pm-3:00pm) at Indian Battle Park Beach (meet at Helen Schuler Nature Centre)
If you would like more information about the Shoreline Clean-Up in Lethbridge, please contact Curtis Goodman at 403-320-4985 or email Curtis.Goodman@Lethbridge.ca
Curtis Goodman | RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
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