The Hope Mountain Centre is hosting another special event this Sunday to honour the Fraser River in celebration of World Rivers Day.
A paddle trip for canoes and kayaks will take participants downriver from Kilby to Mission.
Mark Angelo, founder of World Rivers Day, calls the Hope-to-Mission stretch the “Heart of the Fraser” in honour of the ecological wealth found there. Millions of pink and chum salmon spawn in the Fraser mainstem between Hope and Mission, and the river supports at least 30 other species of fresh-water fish, including the largest population of white sturgeon in Canada. Many bird and mammal species are also supported by the river and its forests.
River scientists will be joining the paddle trip this year. Jordan Rosenfeld, a professional fish biologist, will be netting and identifying fish for the audience. Retired UBC professor Mike Church will also be along for the ride. He is a river morphologist widely considered to be the leading “Gravel Guru” for the Fraser. The paddle trip includes lunch and bus transportation between Kilby and Mission, and there are motorized raft options for people who don’t want to paddle. To register, contact Hope Mountain Centre at 604-869-1274 or at www.hopemountain.org
Envision Financial in Hope and Mission has come on board as a Rivers Day sponsor this year, and in support of Envision’s “Full Cupboard” campaign, Fraser River archaeologist Rick Blacklaws will be showing photos of the Fraser tonight (Sept. 25) at 7 p.m. at the Blue Moose Coffee House.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of food or cash to the show in support of the local food bank.