Volunteers needed to clean up the river valley

A map of cleanup areas can be seen here. Registration is needed to track which areas have been cleaned and to recognize the efforts of volunteers

COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, cleanup sessions will operate a bit differently than in years past.

For example, large group cleanups have been the norm, but the Helen Schuler Nature Centre is encouraging solo, household and small team cleanups, in accordance with public health measures.

Participants are encouraged to use their own gloves and garbage bags. In years past, the Nature Centre has provided cleanup kits to those involved.

More details on changes stemming from the pandemic can be found here.

Once individuals are finished with their cleanup, they’re asked to place tightly-tied garbage bags next to existing City of Lethbridge garbage cans, wash their hands and report the total number of garbage bags, participants and any information on any strange findings or observations to the Cleanup Coordinator by responding to their registration email confirmation.

SHORELINE SATURDAYS

In addition to the Coulee Cleanup, citizens can clean up shorelines on the first Saturday every month between May and September.

Below is a list of dates when Shoreline Saturdays are taking place:

May 1
June 5
July 3
August 7
September 4

When participants are done, they’re asked to submit data as part of the national Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup database.

INVASIVE WEED PULL

The Invasive Weed Pull events help protect the natural biodiversity of the local area. Participants can learn how to identify and remove invasive plant species from natural areas in Lethbridge.

Invasive Weed Pull sessions target spotted knapweed and diffuse knapweed.

No pre-registration is required. Participants can meet at the designated location on the corresponding date and time.

The Helen Schuler Nature Centre provides gloves, bags and an orientation.

Invasive Weed Pull events take place on the third Wednesday or every month from May to August. Anyone interested in helping out can visit the locations listed below between 6 and 8 p.m. to get an orientation and supplies:

May 19 – Coulee Climb at Helen Schuler
June 16 – Elizabeth Hall Wetlands
July 21 – Galt Museum
August 18 – Coulee Climb at Helen Schuler

All cleanups are subject to change, according to recommended COVID-19 safety measures. More information on the work of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre is available here.

by Justin Goulet

Volunteers needed to clean up the river valley

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