Even the Sturgeon River is getting involved with this year's river cleanup event, with high water levels flooding what would normally be trash-strewn shores. But don't worry, says organizer Erin Gluck — there's still plenty of trash to pick up.
Hundreds of residents will prowl the Sturgeon this Sunday as part of St. Albert's annual Clean Up the Sturgeon festival. Residents will get to remove garbage from the river and nearby trails, visit an environment fair and plant a tree as part of the River Edge Enhancement Project (REEP).
A record 375 people came out in 2010, says Gluck, the city's community recreation co-ordinator, and she's hoping for a similar turnout this year. "It's supposed to be 22 C and sunny, so that's good."
Participants can register at St. Albert Place or St. Albert Centre, she continues, where they will receive their bags, gloves and shirts. "All you need to bring is your enthusiasm," she says, although rubber boots could help.
High water levels have flooded most of the Sturgeon's banks, Gluck says, so some teams may be sent up along the Red Willow Trail if there's a shortage of trash. "We want to make sure everyone gets something out of the cleanup."
Paper cups and wrappers are still the most common forms of trash found near the river, Gluck says, in addition to cans and bottles. Shopping carts are now rare compared to past years, as are other large objects like washing machines. Last year's cleanup gathered some 700 kilograms of trash — the same amount as in 2009.
The second annual Environment Fair will run throughout the cleanup at St. Albert Centre, Gluck says. Ten groups, including the Big Lake Environment Support Society and Alberta Fish and Wildlife, will be on hand to talk about other local efforts to improve the environment.
REEP what you sow
River cleaners can also take a break to plant trees and shrubs along the river as part of REEP, an ongoing community attempt to bring plant and animal life back to the shores of the Sturgeon. Shovels, gloves and plants will be provided.
About 150 people came out to last year's event, says Nicholas Batchelor, chair of the REEP committee, with many getting copper tags to hook to their plants to help them track their growth.
This year's site, the seventh under REEP, will be 350 metres south of the pedestrian bridge near Canadian Tire, or about 50 metres south of last year's planting, Batchelor says. It will also be split into three plots to allow people and animals better access to the river.
REEP started back in 2005 as a way to bring biodiversity back to the Sturgeon, Batchelor says. This year, the city has called in students from novaNAIT to see how the project has performed. These students will help the city figure out which plants grow best along the river and what animals they've managed to attract.
It's a lot of fun seeing the whole city come out to restore the river valley, Batchelor says. "It's only one day of the year … and you can physically see the difference you're making to the community."
The REEP planting, river cleanup and environment fair run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this May 15 at St. Albert Centre and St. Albert Place. Call Gluck at 780-418-6005 for details.
But wait! There's more!
Here are three other eco-events also scheduled for this month:
o The city's twice-annual compost giveaway is this May 14. Residents will get two free bags of compost from the city's compost pile if they come to the public works yard (7 Chevigny St.) anytime between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. - three if they bring an empty bag from last year's giveaway. Come early, though - supplies run out fast.
o St. Albert Scout groups will plant trees on May 14 near Riel Pond starting at 9:30 a.m. as part of a naturalization project.
o About 500 students will plant trees at Willoughby Park this May 25 for Arbour Day.
Call 780-418-6005 for details.
