Towns Work Together to Clean Up Sheep River

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Some 30 volunteers, ranging in age from four months old to over 60 plus, came out and braved the cold and damp on Saturday, September 18th, to help preserve and beautify the Sheep River shoreline in the communities of Black Diamond and Turner Valley. Organized by the Town of Black Diamond Parks and Recreation Committee with help from the Town of Turner Valley, the Fall 2010 Sheep River Cleanup was also supported by local businesses and individuals. As in past years, this event was held in conjunction with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup (www.shorelinecleanup.ca
About 80 kilograms of garbage was collected from approximately 6,200 metres of shoreline, including large pieces of rusty metal waste and recyclables. “With this waste now out of harm's way, our waters, wildlife habitat and downstream users will all benefit,” says Linda Nelson, one of the event's organizers.
According to the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup group, shoreline litter can have serious effects on ecosystems. Degradation of water quality, toxins getting into the food web, encouraging the growth of invasive plant species, smothering small plants and organisms, and ultimately upsetting the Earth's life cycle are all associated with shoreline litter.
Volunteers had lots of reasons to attend this year's cleanup aside from wanting to participate in an eco-friendly family event. Their dedication and support continue to make this a successful annual event.
Water-saving kits, donated by the Oilfields Recycle Centre, were given out to the first 20 families who registered. These kits included low-flow shower heads, low-flow tap fixtures and a booklet containing many valuable water-saving tips. Other eco-friendly giveaways and prizes included outdoor tap timers and personal use water/beverage containers. Volunteers were also treated to a BBQ luncheon immediately afterwards. Celebrity chefs included Black Diamond Mayor Sharlene Brown and Councillor Sharon Hart and Turner Valley Councillors Garry Pollock and George Wallace.
The two towns are already planning for the next river cleanup tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 14th, 2011.