Water is in the spotlight in the Township of Langley as Langley Environmental Partners Society holds kicks off WaterWeeks, a series of activities that runs through to Oct. 18.

“This is our 16th annual BC Rivers Day Community Festival, and we are excited to once again offer all the fun activities that have become favourites with the public, and more,” says Nichole Marples, executive director of LEPS.

BC Rivers Day was held Sept. 27, at Williams Park.

“In the Township of Langley, BC Rivers Day marks the beginning of WaterWeeks, a series of events and activities celebrating the recreational, historical, and environmental aspects of the Township’s watercourses, groundwater, air quality, and wildlife habitat,” says Ryan Schmidt, environmental coordinator for the Township of Langley.

“In addition to our BC Rivers Day Community Festival, there are many other fun activities planned for this year’s WaterWeeks event, including the Langley Green Tour, a stream cleanup, and an opportunity to paddle the Bedford Channel in a voyageur canoe, and the Green Living Symposium.”

WaterWeeks activities include:

Langley Green Tour: Hop on a hybrid tour bus and visit some innovative sustainability projects happening right here in Langley. Learn about rain gardens, see water-absorbing pavement and explore water conservation systems. An on-board lunch will be provided. Hosted by LEPS’ Langley Thinks Salmon project. Space is limited. Registration required prior to Oct. 1 for this event on Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Park and ride from the Township of Langley Civic Facility, 20338- 65th Avenue

Voyageur Fraser River Paddle: Paddle in a 10-person Voyageur canoe guided by the Fort Langley Canoe Club for a unique hands-on look at the Bedford Channel. PFDs, paddles and instruction provided. No experience required but active participation is expected. Space is limited. Registration required prior to Sept. 30 for this event on Sunday, Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meet at the Paddle Sport Building on Fraser River, Fort Langley. Cost is $10.

Flush and then what? Tour: Discover how our waste wastes away at this Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour. You’ll be proud to know that Langley hosts a unique bio-filtration system to manage our wastewater. Find out how it works. Hosted by Metro Vancouver. Registration required for this event on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 to 8 p.m. at Northwest Langley Wastewater Treatment Facility, 10301-201 St. Walnut Grove.

West Creek Wetland Walk: Take a guided tour through this not-yet-publicly-accessible parkland. This 160-acre gem is one of the largest areas of wildlife habitat in Langley. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open to spot some of the nearly 170 animals that use the site, including up to 18 endangered or threatened species. Hosted by Glen Valley Watersheds Society. Space is limited. Pre-registration required for this event on Saturday, Oct. 10, 1 to 3 p.m. at West Creek Wetlands, exact location provided upon registration.

Dig in! Tree Planting: Exercise your planting skills. Learn how trees and plants encourage healthy habitats for salmon and wildlife. All supplies and refreshments provided. Sturdy footwear required. Rain or shine, dress for the weather. Registration required. Hosted in partnership with Township of Langley Parks Design and Development Department, and the Trees for Tomorrow Program on Sunday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Derek Doubleday Arboretum trailhead at 21200-block of 56 Avenue.

Streamside Clean Up: Slip on your gum boots, grab your family, friends and neighbours, and head out to Bertrand Creek in Aldergrove. Explore the creek side while removing garbage, and help enhance fish habitat. All equipment and refreshments provided. Registration required for this event on Sunday, Oct. 4, 1 to 3 p.m. Meet at the Aldergrove Heritage Society Telephone Museum and Community Archives, 3190 - 271 Street.

Green Living Symposium: Interested in living more sustainably? This free one-day event will involve expert speakers revealing simple things you can do to live green. The morning session will focus on local food, including a seasonal lunch, and the afternoon will kick-off Waste Reduction Week, discussing waste reduction and responsible consumerism. Get practical advice and take action. Hosted in partnership with the Township of Langley Responsible Program. Registration required by Oct. 11 for this event on Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fraser River Presentation Theatre, Township of Langley Civic Facility, 20338 - 65 Avenue.

Most of the events are free, but pre-registration is required for all events. Call LEPS at 604-532-3511, or email waterweeks@tol.bc.ca

Local students will also be encouraged to be leaders in the protection of their community’s watercourses through a series of school programs presented by the WaterWeeks Street Team during WaterWeeks.

Four Langley schools will view ‘Keep Cool! a play about climate change’ performances hosted by DreamRider Theatre. This project addresses the need to educate children about positive actions they can take to offset climate change, specifically teaching them ways they can reduce carbon gas emissions.

Also, grade four and five classes also have a chance to sleepover at the Vancouver Aquarium, participating in their world renowned “Night Lights” program thanks to a global warming poster contest being held as part of WaterWeeks.

Visit www.tol.bc.ca/WaterWeeks for information, contact waterweeks@tol.bc.ca or call LEPS at 604-532-3511. WaterWeeks is made possible by the Township of Langley, Langley Environmental Partners Society, and Vancity.