NELSON, B.C. — The Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FoKLSS), in partnership with Living Lakes Canada, is calling on residents to roll up their sleeves for a streamside cleanup of Cottonwood Creek in celebration of BC Rivers Day.
The event, scheduled for Monday, September 29, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., will bring volunteers together at Cottonwood Falls Park for a hands-on initiative aimed at restoring one of Nelson’s best-known urban waterways.
Expanding Community Stewardship
This year’s cleanup marks the second annual effort at Cottonwood Creek, part of the ongoing Cottonwood Creek Revival Project led by Living Lakes Canada. The project is designed to restore the creek’s health and biodiversity, ensuring it remains a vital resource for wildlife and the community alike.
Organizers say the cleanup is an opportunity to connect people with their local environment while addressing pressing issues around litter and stream degradation. Supplies including buckets, gloves, garbage bags, and trash pickers will be available in limited quantities, though participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment where possible.
To make the day more inviting, FoKLSS will provide light snacks and refreshments, while society merchandise will be available by donation. Families and children are welcome, underscoring the event’s focus on inclusivity and education.
“We’re proud to celebrate BC Rivers Day by connecting the community with this important urban stream,” said Lily Feeback, Program Coordinator with FoKLSS. “Events like this help us build a culture of care and stewardship around local water bodies.”
Building on Tradition
BC Rivers Day, held annually on the last Sunday of September, is part of a province-wide tradition that highlights the ecological, cultural, and recreational importance of rivers and waterways. Established in 1980, it has since grown into one of the largest river-related celebrations in the world, inspiring communities across Canada and beyond.
For Nelson, Cottonwood Creek has long been a focal point. Flowing through the city before joining Kootenay Lake, the creek is both a natural and cultural landmark. The annual cleanup adds momentum to wider conservation initiatives in the Kootenays, many of which emphasize collaboration between non-profits, local governments, and community volunteers.
How to Get Involved
FoKLSS is encouraging residents to RSVP through its Facebook event page and to complete an online waiver ahead of time to simplify registration. Adult participants can sign their own forms, while parental consent is required for youth volunteers.
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Adult Waiver: form.jotform.com/242117149041043
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Youth Waiver: form.jotform.com/242117970318254
Organizers note that advanced sign-up will help streamline check-in at the event.
Support from Provincial Leaders
The cleanup is being supported by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, which is celebrating 45 years of river advocacy and stewardship in 2025. The council has been a long-time advocate for community-based environmental programs, promoting grassroots involvement as key to river protection across the province.
By combining local enthusiasm with provincial-level support, the Cottonwood Creek initiative is positioned as a model for other communities looking to strengthen ties between residents and their waterways.
Broader Implications
While the event may seem modest in scale, its organizers emphasize that such grassroots efforts can have lasting impacts. Stream cleanups reduce pollution, restore habitat, and foster a stronger sense of responsibility toward natural resources. They also encourage businesses and institutions to invest in sustainability initiatives that align with community values.
The presence of partners such as Living Lakes Canada also highlights the importance of scientific input in restoration projects. The Cottonwood Creek Revival Project is not only about removing litter but also about monitoring ecological health, improving water quality, and creating long-term strategies for resilience.
Looking Ahead
As Nelson residents prepare for the September 29 cleanup, the event serves as both a celebration and a reminder: local waterways are essential to the community’s quality of life, economy, and environment.
For Lily Feeback and the FoKLSS team, the goal is simple but profound. “Events like this help us build a culture of care and stewardship around local water bodies,” Feeback said.
With families, students, and community groups expected to turn out, the Cottonwood Creek cleanup on BC Rivers Day is poised to strengthen Nelson’s commitment to conservation while setting an example for other communities across the province.
