Rain or shine, BC students care for their shorelines

 
By Emma Zuber
Communications Intern
Throughout the month of May, thousands of students across British Columbia participated in the first annual Spring Edition of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited.  These students are learning the importance of clean rivers, lakes and oceans and are hitting their local shorelines to make sure that they are kept litter-free and healthy.
“Encouraging all students to value and take care of the environment is a very significant part of environmental studies,” explained Gloria Charnell, a teacher at James McKinney Elementary School.  “Participating in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup with its global purpose of collecting data to shape the laws for pollution control seemed like a logical step in educating our students to be water stewards.”
Even the neighborhood wildlife was excited about the cleanup.
“Right after we finished cleaning, two ducks flew into the pond and the kids were thinking how the ducks must appreciate us cleaning up their space for them,” said Girl Guide leader, Tracy Keckalo.  Tracy and her troop spoke about how events such as the Shoreline Cleanup help protect the environment in the future, as anyone who has picked up garbage is unlikely to litter themselves.
WWF and Vancouver Aquarium would like to thank everybody participating in the Spring Edition of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.  Not only have you contributed to making our shorelines clean and beautiful, but you are also helping to keep our water healthy for humans and wildlife alike.
Want to get involved? The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup takes place nationally from September 17 to 25, 2011. It is open to everyone across Canada and takes place anywhere land meets water.  Tell all your friends and neighbors to start a new cleanup or join an existing one at shorelinecleanup.ca.

(c) WWF