ST. PAUL – Armed with grabber tools, members of the community participated in a clean-up of Upper Therien Lake at Lagasse Park in St. Paul on Aug. 29.
The Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA) partnered with the County of St. Paul for the clean-up effort.
LICA is a non-profit organization with duties that include reporting on watershed health for the province. It is also the Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) for the Beaver River Watershed.
Every year, LICA visits communities in the region to do shoreline clean-ups.
Stephanie Sampson, education and outreach coordinator at LICA, as well as one of the organizers, said part of the reason behind the clean-up is to educate people about the health of their watersheds.
“That means our plants, animals, our air, our water, soil,” she said. “So, one of the things that we like to do with education is action, and not just teaching people about it, but actually getting out there and doing what we're preaching.”
The idea is to lead by example.
Part of that education includes teaching people about riparian zones during clean-ups and the importance of keeping these zones clean. The riparian zone is the transition area between a water body and upland vegetation, said Sampson.
“It’s a really important part of keeping our water healthy,” she said. “So, by helping pick up the garbage and keeping any pollutants out of that area, we can help keep our water clean, as well.”
She said the clean-up has been “super successful.” Initially, she was worried about the weather due to prior rainy days. But, the day in St. Paul turned out to be nice and sunny.
“Big thanks to the County and the Town of St. Paul for helping us facilitate this event today,” said Sampson, explaining the County did provide a garbage truck for the event. “And thanks to everyone who came out to help clean our community.”
LICA is also holding another clean up at Sandy Beach in Cold Lake. The clean-up will be held on Sept. 25 and 26.
