Shuswap watershed week and Earth Day

Apr 20-23, Salmon Arm –

The week of April 18-24, 2010 has been dedicated to the Shuswap watershed and there are dozens of activities planned, all focused on helping to improve the understanding, appreciation and protection of the of the watershed. The idea is to connect people to the watershed through outdoor activities, educational initiatives and entertainment. Government agencies, local businesses and conservation organizations have all collaborated to raise awareness of the issues surrounding this priceless natural treasure.

Nearly every segment of the community has become involved, including area photographers, artists and musicians. The Shuswap Watershed Project recognizes that the key to improving understanding and respect for the watershed should involve young people, and one way to involve students has been through the essay, art-poster and song writing contests (there have been 33 songs from all types of musicians entered in the ‘Song for the Shuswap’ songwriting contest!). A team of experts is now hard at work, judging the many entries.

The first public event will take place on April 20, 2010 at 2 pm, when there will be a tour of the water treatment plant at Canoe.

On Wednesday, April 21, starting at 9:30am, join a guided nature hike along the Salmon Arm Bay trails (meet at the Interpretive Centre). At noon, bring lunch and a chair to the Ross Creek Plaza and enjoy the great Shuswap-inspired music of Sasha Lewis and Jesse Clarke. At 2pm there will be a tour of Salmon Arm’s sewage treatment plant that, despite its advanced technology, may still be contributing too many nutrients to our now algae bloom prone lake.

Earth Day, April 22, 2010, the day will begin with a guided hike on Salmon River delta at 10am, with the Switzmalph Cultural Society. Then, the public is invited to the Salmar Classic Theatre at 7pm to a ‘Celebrate the Shuswap Evening’ for the final judging event, including the ‘A Song for the Shuswap’ contest and a concert produced by Ted Crouch. The winners will receive substantial cash prizes. There will be a video by Fred Bird and slide shows on the big screen produced by the Shuswap Photo Arts Club and other photographers. The tickets for the event are $2.

Friday, April 23 is the key event of the week, the Shuswap Watershed Conference. It will involve students, teachers, and the public as well as government agencies, and is being held at Salmon Arm Secondary, Sullivan Campus. Speakers include Chief Judy Wilson, Salmon Arm Mayor Marty Bootsma, Kim Fulton, Phil McIntyre-Paul and Jim Cooperman.

At 1pm, the keynote speaker, Dr. Craig Orr, will talk about salmon, watersheds and climate change. There will be a panel discussion on how best to conserve, protect and restore the Shuswap watershed.

Free registration forms are available at Wickett Business Services, SA Observer and Bookingham Palace or you may register online at: http://www.shuswapwatershed,ca.

At 6:15pm, enjoy a Shuswap food dinner by Cookshack Creations, the cost being $10. And the evening will end with a concert and family dance with Old Man’s Beard at 7:30pm, the cost $5.

Tickets for all events are available at Acorn Music and Salmon Arm Observer. For more information, you may contact: Jim Cooperman, Project Leader, 679-3693 Kim Fulton, Project Educational Coordinator, 546-3644 Monica Gail Kriese, “Celebrate the Shuswap” Event Coordinator, 833-6100.