Earth Day weekend
self-directed beach clean-up

A letter from Joanne:
CHI’s suggestion for Earth Day 2023

Greetings fellow Hornbyites! Earth Day (April 22nd) is fast approaching, and once again we at Conservancy Hornby Island (CHI) suggest doing a springtime shoreline clean-up on—or around—that date.  For some years, I have organized the island into shoreline areas and assigned volunteers to cover particular stretches. I have not done that as of late, nor do I propose to do so this year.  That being said, a self-directed cleaning blitz seems to be the best approach to execute this important activity this year.

Regarding your plan of attack, it is my understanding that most of us have a specific beach that we regard as ‘ours’, and are familiar with the condition of our local ‘hood’. I suggest focusing on your preferred area and whether that particular beach needs some clean-up attention. In preparation, please think about where best you could pick up the detritus that lingers—often tucked away at the rear of the shoreline.

If you don’t have anywhere in mind, volunteers working together to pick up plastic bits and styrofoam beads on Big Trib would be incredibly helpful.  It mostly lurks in amongst the logs. An army of volunteers might not get it all, but every little bit helps! Helliwell too has the styrofoam bead problem in several coves; it hides under the rocks and in among the rock crevices. I realize it is infinitely tedious picking styrofoam, bead by bead (believe me, I’ve spent many an hour doing it), but if people tackle it together, you can chat, and enjoy the scenery as you gather the vile stuff and make a difference all the while!

Regarding a tactical approach, as much as I detest plastic, the (preferably recycled) bags made of it are the easiest and lightest way to transport what you find. Your collected garbage can then be brought to the Hornby Island Recycling Depot where there is no charge for disposal. When you arrive at the facility, please go to the depot attendant and they will advise as to where to properly dispose of any gathered beach garbage (Hornby Island Recycling Depot operating hours are currently Friday—Sunday from 9 am —1 pm).

If you’d like more information, please email Bree at chihornby@gmail.com.

Any time and effort you can give is helpful and a very worthwhile way to mark Earth Day.

Thanks in anticipation,

Joanne Wyvill for CHI.