Caring for the Coquitlam River & Forest Cleanup

On September 26, our Volunteer Wave team joined Web of Life for a forest cleanup along the Coquitlam River.

Thirteen volunteers, including our team, showed up ready and eager to help. Some brought their own gloves and even a wheelbarrow, which made it easier to manage larger pieces of trash along the trail. Several volunteers grew up in the Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam area and were familiar with the path. Many shared how disheartening it was to see so much litter in an otherwise beautiful environment.

It took about 20 minutes to hike up to the main dumping area where most of the trash had accumulated. Along the way, we came across a few discarded barrels. Half of our team rolled them back down to the starting point while the rest continued toward the main cleanup site.

Once we reached the main area, volunteers got to work collecting and bagging trash, then carrying it back down to the starting location. We found a variety of items, including appliance parts, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a sink, and personal items left behind by campers and hikers. Slowly but surely, the trail and surrounding forest began to look more like the scenic space it’s meant to be.

Days like this remind us why it’s so important to care for the natural spaces in our communities. Even small acts of cleanup, when done together, make a meaningful difference for both people and the environment. We are grateful to everyone who joined and contributed their time, energy, and care to protect this beautiful trail along the Coquitlam River.