Fernie, B.C. – Clear blue skies, warm temperatures and clear flowing clean water – magnets for the Elk River. Talk to residents and the ribbon of life connecting our communities has been a focus for activity this summer whether floating, fishing or dunking.
September 24-25, coinciding with both BC and World Rivers Day, the Elk River Alliance (ERA) is providing an opportunity for residents and visitors to give back to and celebrate the lifeblood of our valley through stream science, special events, education opportunities and stewardship in action.
For the Love of the Elk Photo Contest is accepting photos of scenery, wildlife, people and sports on the Elk River until September 20. Prizes will be awarded in each category and be part of an audio-visual presentation will be presented at the Our River Rocks Social. Submit your photos to ayla@elkriveralliance.ca or drop them off at 891 2nd Ave, Fernie.
Artists are encouraged to make art on the Elk. Take out your easel, camera, clay or sketch-pad and be inspired to begin creating work celebrating the Elk River. Works can be developed over the fall and winter. There will be a call for submissions for and Elk River display in the Spring 2012.
On Saturday, September 24 from 1:00-4:00 p.m., citizens are invited to participate in stream science at Mount Fernie Provincial Park, part of the BC Parks 100th Anniversary celebration. Park at the day use site and follow directions to the stream. Be a water scientist with Lizard Creek Streamkeepers and get wet with hands-on stream science taking water quality tests, flow rates, mapping measurements and sampling freshwater creatures. Build a cutthroat kite or create a water critter. Take in a demonstration and presentation by Master fly fisher John Poirier, learning to think like a trout. Bring a mug for hot chocolate and a snack. Rubber boots, waders and waterproof clothes recommended.
Purchase a ticket for Our River Rocks Social at Rip’n Richards by the river. From 7-11 p.m. ERA is serving up dinner and price includes your first clean, clear locally produced beverage. View an audio-visual presentation on the river and display on the Elk River watershed. Rock the night away with Faceplant. All ages welcome. Tickets $20 are available at Wildsight Office 891 2nd Ave Fernie.
Sunday September 25 from 1-4 p.m. is the Annual Elk River Shoreline Cleanup. Meet at Annex Pond and adopt a stretch of the Elk River and clean it up with your team for 2 hours. Gloves and bags provided. Deliver your garbage back to the Annex Pond park for a volunteer appreciation BBQ at 3:00 p.m..
At 4-5:30 p.m. take your family to the Fernie Aquatic Centre for a Water Wonder encounter to learn about the cool properties of water, the water cycle, water use and conservation. Regular admission applies.
“We have so many sponsors and partners involved with our expanded Elk River BC Rivers Day event. The Columbia Basin Trust, RBC Blue Water Project, BC Parks 100 Anniversary, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Wildsight, City of Fernie, Fernie Brewing Company and Canyon Rafting are making this celebration and act of stewardship possible this year”, thanks Lee-Anne Walker, ERA Executive Director.
For more information see: www.elkriveralliance.ca or call (250) 423-3322 Lee-anne@elkriveralliance.ca For tickets visit the Wildsight office 891 Second Ave. Fernie.