A River Runs Through It - Community champions work together to improve an urban oasis in North Vancouver

VANCOUVER, March 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the International Day of Action for Rivers, Evergreen BC and retailer Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) announce they are teaming up to restore a key green space waterway in the City of North Vancouver.

The budding partnership will focus on streambed and habitat restoration with community stewardship projects throughout North Vancouver's Lynmouth Park, engaging local individuals, volunteers and community groups in an effort to enhance the green space and natural habitat in the area.

"In the bustle of city life we sometimes overlook the rivers and streams that flow through our cities." explains Jessica Lax. "We're pleased to be part of a community dedicated to the preservation natural spaces and watersheds in cities, and in North Vancouver in particular."

Participants in the projects will be able to get their hands dirty in a variety of projects to restore and enhance the streambeds of Lynmouth Park—from removing invasive species and replanting native vegetation to ongoing stewardship and restoration activities that will keep the park and watershed in the park natural and beautiful.

With the opening of a new MEC store in the North Vancouver community this spring, MEC is making good on a broad commitment to the environment in the surrounding community.

"Our new North Vancouver store is a truly responsible development that embodies the values that guide MEC," said CEO David Labistour. "These same values define Mountain Equipment Co-op's new partnership with Evergreen BC, and we are delighted to work with Evergreen to ensure that outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand for the benefit of everyone in the community."

The innovative Canadian-based retailer is lending community support and resources to help restore valuable habitat and green space in Lynmouth Park, and will work with Evergreen BC to host a number of engaging community stewardship events to be held throughout the year, which will educate and inspire the community to become active stewards of the natural environments within the city.

MEC's energy-efficient "green" store also provides amenities within Lynmouth Park, including bicycle infrastructure improvements, and funding for stewardship of Lynn Creek.

More tips on how to be "kind to our rivers and streams" can be found on Environment Canada's website: http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/reseau/watertips_e.html

About Evergreen
Evergreen is a national not-for-profit organization that makes cities more livable. By deepening the connection between people and nature, and empowering Canadians to take a hands-on approach to their urban environments, Evergreen is improving the health of our cities—now and for the future.

Mountain Equipment Co-op is Canada's leading retailer of clothing, gear, and services for active lifestyles, including climbing, hiking, cycling, running, camping, paddlesports, yoga and fitness. MEC has more than 3.5 million members throughout Canada, whom it serves through 15 destination stores in six provinces as well as mec.ca. Widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability, MEC is a member of 1% For The Planet and supports various outdoor recreation and environmental initiatives through its community grants program. Anyone can join MEC and become part-owner in the Co-op, by purchasing a $5 lifetime individual membership. More information about MEC is available at www.mec.ca.

Evergreen BC:
Jessica Lax
BC Regional Program Manager
778-960-9539
[email protected]

National:
Anthony Westenberg
Evergreen Communications
416-596-1495 x332
[email protected]

Mountain Equipment Co-op
Tim Southam
MEC Public Affairs
604-707-4480
[email protected]