The 撸奶社区River Watershed Society (SRWS) and Britannia Mine Museum are hosting B.C. and World Rivers Day celebrations this weekend, and this year there's extra reason to celebrate - namely this year's return of pink salmon to Britannia Creek after an 80-year absence.
B.C. Rivers Day, which takes place this Sunday (Sept. 25), is an annual celebration that increases public understanding of rivers and their many benefits (e.g. water filtration, wildlife habitat, flood protection, carbon storage, and recreation) and profiles threats to our waterways, offering the public a chance to get directly involved in local projects.
B.C. Rivers Day is in its 31st year, and in 2005 the United Nations declared the last Sunday in September World Rivers Day, using B.C. Rivers Day as a model.
The SRWS has been hosting the local Rivers Day event since 1998. This year the event is taking place in partnership with Britannia Mine Museum with funding from B.C. Hydro, Fortis B.C. and the Pacific Salmon Foundation. Event participants can sample fresh salmon off the Diamond Head Fish Market barbecue, learn about the success of the 撸奶社区Salmon Recovery Plan projects, join eco-kid activities, and take in the talent of local musicians. Edith Tobe, SRWS, executive director, said she is "thrilled that the pink salmon in Britannia Creek will be joining us for this year's World Rivers Day event," reiterating the recent news that the salmon have returned to the once-contaminated stream.
