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BC Marine Trails is calling on community partners, paddling clubs, and individuals to host stewardship events focused on ocean conservation and cleanup efforts during Ocean Week Canada (June 1-9). If already participating in an event, we would love to hear about it — consider sharing photos and stats from your upcoming cleanup!

BCMT is happy to provide:

• Support and guidance in organizing and executing your cleanup event.
• Promotion of your event on our website and social media platforms to boost visibility.

If you are unable to participate directly, consider making a difference through small actions during Ocean Week Canada:

• Complete a personal beach clean: by yourself, with friends, or with family! Forward us the results!
• Further your knowledge of the ocean through reading, or watching educational content.
• Fill a hatch with marine debris on your next paddle.
• Complete a Site Condition Report (and get the chance to win with Mustang Survival!)

Challenge: Imagine if all 1150 BCMT members went for a paddle during Ocean Week Canada and performed a personal beach clean. Better yet, what if each member submitted a Site Condition Report? Together, our community can have a monumental impact. We’re calling on every BCMT member to join us in this challenge. Let’s paddle with purpose and keep our marine trails pristine! Are you in?

Site Condition Report contest

It’s that time of year again! We are excited to announce the return of our annual Site Condition Report (SCR) contest. The rules are simple: if you’re out on the water along the BC coast and are visiting any sites, submit an SCR and be entered to win! Each submitted SCR is an additional entry, with the contest running until the end of September. What’s up for grabs:

Submitting SCRs is essential for building BC Marine Trails’ comprehensive database, capturing critical information such as photos, maintenance requirements, landing conditions, and potential hazards. Reporting only takes ~10 minutes of your time. If you find value in the BCMT map, we encourage you to report on your next site visit!

How can you submit a site condition report?

1) Collect relevant notes and photos in the field, and submit a report via our website upon your return.

OR

2) Download the ArcGIS Survey123 app on your mobile device. Load the BCMT site condition report survey from our website, then, submit reports directly from the field!

Coastal Caretakers' corner

Take action to preserve our coastal sites by participating in the BCMT Coastal Caretaker program — Coastal Caretakers are committed to giving a VOICE to the sites they visit on their personal adventures.

No time commitment is required from Coastal Caretakers. Simply participate when, where, and how you can — the more eyes we have on the coast, the better off we all are.

10 Tips to Boost Mental Health with Sea Kayaking and Nordic Friluftsliv

"Take two nature pills and call me in the morning."

May 6-12 marked Mental Health Week — a perfect opportunity to explore the profound connection between paddling, the great outdoors, and mental well-being. Our newest Coastal Café article dives deep into how paddling isn't just a physical activity — it's a tool to boost and maintain happiness. Spending time in nature, engaging in physical activity, and immersing ourselves in blue/green spaces are powerful tools for reducing stress, nurturing mental wellness.

Find Jerry Kaye's top ten tips on taking your 'nature pill' — and much more in this thought provoking read!