The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup - Winchelsea Island

This September, for the sixth year in a row, TLC will participate in The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. The rocky shoreline of South Winchelsea Island is roughly 2 kilometres long and each year several garbage bags worth of floating debris collect in the nooks and crevices. The shoreline is home to harbour seals, river otter, mink, starfish, mussels and much more. As stewards of this special place it is important that we keep this shoreline clean.

We will also be continuing our work of removing invasive broom and blackberry along the trail and amongst the bluffs of this Garry oak ecosystem. This work has been being carried out over the last 12 years by countless groups of dedicated volunteers and must continue for as long as the roots of the blackberry and the seeds of the broom continue to survive. We are making headway and in the last few years the blackberry vines have dwindled in many places to only small shoots.

As a participant on this holiday you will be adding your helping hands to the long line of those that have come before and those that will come after in the careful work of caring for this rocky windswept island.

Work Tasks:

Our work will focus on clearing the entire shoreline of the island of garbage that has washed in over the last year. We will also continue our conservation work throughout the island where we have been clearing invasive plants from this sensitive ecosystem.

Tools will be provided, however, if you have loppers, pruners, clippers, or weed removal tools that you would like to use, please bring them along.

Holiday Itinerary:

Friday, September 21: Arrival Day
Evening: Get to know your fellow travellers � dinner provided by TLC

Saturday, September 22:
8 a.m.: Breakfast provided by TLC � prepared by staff and participants
9 a.m.: Introduction to the island
Tool and Safety talk/Conservation Work
Noon: Lunch provided by TLC � prepared by staff and participants
1 p.m.: Conservation Work
4:30 p.m.: Free time to relax on the deck or to explore the island
6 p.m.: Supper provided by TLC � prepared by staff and participants

Sunday, September 23:
8 a.m.: Breakfast provided by TLC � prepared by staff and participants
9 a.m.: Conservation work
Noon: Lunch provided by TLC � prepared by staff and participants
Cabin clean-up for 3 p.m. departure

Arrival Details: Friday, September 21

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Schooner Cove Marina. For more information about transportation see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

5:30 p.m.: Meet at Schooner Cove Marina in Nanoose Bay, 3521 Dolphin Drive. Meet by the gate to the marina. The marina gate is at the lowermost parking area.

5:45-6 p.m.: Boat departs Schooner Cove for first shuttle to the island.

6:45 p.m.: Everyone ashore at South Winchelsea Island � unload gear and supplies from boat.

Departure Details: Sunday, September 23

3 p.m.: First boat shuttle off the island. Our departure time is planned to enable ferry travellers to board the 5 p.m. ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay.

Evening Activities: Evening activities are usually informal, and may include games, puzzles and group music. If you play an easily portable instrument, bring it along. If you have a favourite game you would like to share with the group, feel free to bring it with you.

Non-Member Cost: $215 + HST

Member Cost: $193.50 + HST