If there is one simple and concrete action to take in favor of waterways in spring, it is cleaning the banks. And yes: melting ice often leaves waste appearing, a real visual pollution, as much as for bodies of water!
Although everyone has the opportunity to carry out cleaning chores independently, several organizations and citizen groups organize them in order to capitalize on the strength of numbers. Here are six clean-up activities near Montreal to participate in this spring, in a park near you.
May 14: Cleaning of the banks in Tétreaultville
The non-profit organization Sea Shepherd, whose mission is to protect marine ecosystems, is organizing a series of shoreline cleaning activities this spring across the four corners of Quebec. Sea Shepherd will hold its next waste collection activity in the Montreal area on the morning of Saturday, May 14 at Promenade-Bellerive Park, à Tétreauville. L’idéal est d’arriver équipés, sans quoi sacs, gants, quelques pinces et chaudières seront disponibles sur place. Aucune inscription requise.
May 21: Cleaning of the banks in Pointe-aux-Trembles
Join theBlue Organization, L'Idyll Performing arts and the Pointe-aux-Trembles House of Culture le samedi 21 mai, dès 11 h. Cette corvée de nettoyage du printemps se déroule dans l’Est de Montréal, sur les berges du Parc du Bout-de-l’Île donnant sur la Rivière des Prairies. L’équipement est fourni, mais assurez-vous de vous inscrire!
May 21: Cleaning at the bottom of the river in Verdun
Avis aux plongeuses et plongeurs : c’est le temps de sortir votre équipement de plongée pour répondre à l’invitation lancée par l’exploratrice et cinéaste Nathalie Lasselin from Urban Water Odyssey! Meet at the Verdun marina on the morning of Saturday, May 21 to clean the bottom of the St. Lawrence River. You must have a Quebec scuba diving accreditation card, a rope if possible, neoprene gloves and a mesh bag to collect waste!
May 28: Cleaning of the banks in Longueuil
People of the South Shore, here's something to occupy your morning on Saturday, May 28: join Sea Shepherd to clean up the banks of Marie-Victorin Park, in Longueuil. Once again the organization will distribute materials to collect waste, but it is recommended to bring your own. No need to register in advance, be spontaneous!
June 11: Cleaning of the Saint-Jacques River in Brossard
Here is another cleaning activity organized by Nathalie Lasselin, and in collaboration with The Green Vigil. On the one hand, divers are invited to do an aquatic cleanup in the Saint-Jacques River. On the other hand, it is possible to explore it in a canoe, kayak or paddle board (SUP), available for rental at Radisson Park and Bassin-de-La Prairie Park. You are also invited to participate in the classic cleaning of the banks along the river. Bring your gear!
June 18: Cleaning the banks at Parc de Dieppe, near Habitat 67
Participez à une activité de nettoyage des berges au cœur de Montréal, près de l’immeuble iconique Habitat 67. Le samedi matin du 18 juin, joignez vos efforts à ceux de Sea Shepherd au Parc de Dieppe pour donner un coup de pouce au fleuve Saint-Laurent. L’organisation recommande d’apporter votre propre matériel de collecte de déchets, sans quoi elle en prêtera. Les inscriptions ne sont pas requises. Ouvrez l’œil pour ne pas rater les surfeurs et surfeuses de rivière, qui chevauchent la vague éternelle à proximité!
Do you know of other shoreline cleaning initiatives near Montreal that will take place this spring? Contact us!
Photo couverture : Un nettoyage des berges a été organisé au Parc de Dieppe par l’Organisation bleue dans le cadre du Jour de la Terre. Crédit : Organisation bleue
