PNOA in 2023 Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Event
It was a sunny day on Oct. 7th, 2023. More than 40 members from Pacific Northwest Outdoor Association gathered at Elgin Heritage Park to participate in a Canadian Shoreline Cleanup event. ‘Our association has a kayaking program. We organized kayaking courses at Crescent Beach and Nicomekl River every summer. We would like to do something to return to this community.’ A volunteer at PNOA Reception Desk told a couple of local residents who were walking in the park and curious about the event. Originally, it was only planned to clean the banks of the Nicomekl River. But unexpectedly, more than 40 people signed up. After communicating with the City of Surrey, PNOA members cleaned up not only the shorelines of Nicomekl River and Crescent Beach, but also Semiahmoo Heritage Trail and Crescent Park. ’We appreciate what you are doing. Thanks.’ The local residents praised PNOA’s efforts.
After the cleanup, PNOA members moved to Crescent Park and had a potluck party, hmm, not really a party but a workshop. They shared outdoor safety knowledge and surviving skills, and, of course, delicious foods. Skyview Outdoors, a local store based in Surrey, also joined the workshop and demonstrated a few outdoor gears. ‘I have spent a very meaningful day.’ One participant claimed. ‘I wish we could clean up a couple of trails in my city next time.’ PNOA members are from all cities and towns in Metro Vancouver. Most of them had no outdoor experiences before coming to Canada. PNOA was founded in 2021 to help these newcomers to learn outdoor skills, reduce the risks of casualty and minimize the impact on the environment. The association has become quite popular recently with a membership of about 110 lately.
