Announcements
We look forward to seeing you Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10-3 at Black Bridge Beach on the sacred ancestral lands of Cowichan Tribes, our co-hosts. You can find more information on our River Day page and see the fun from previous years in our gallery.
We meet monthly, except August. You can find more details and Notes from our Meetings on our Meetings page.
Who we are
First and foremost, we are grateful to be living and working on the unceded traditional territory of the Quw’utsun People.
The Cowichan Stewardship Roundtable is an open and collaborative group based in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, BC. Our work is focused on protecting our water and watersheds, now and for generations to come.
For over two decades, the Stewardship Roundtable has proven its ability to act quickly and effectively in a time of crisis, as well as plan for the long term. The roundtable approach allows local residents, industry, government and stewardship groups to address issues and take advantage of limited funding, to create the greatest good for the greatest number.
When a drought hit the Cowichan Basin in 2003, Roundtable participants worked together to ensure that our basic water needs would continue to be met. When low river flows threatened our Chinook salmon population in 2006, group members acted quickly to relocate spawning fish and protect this fragile species. When the Cowichan River was being clouded by fine clay from Stoltz Bluff, the Roundtable remediated the area and stopped the equivalent of 9 dumptruck loads per day from sliding into the river and suffocating river life. This project won an award for its efforts, but more importantly it protected an important ecosystem and resource for all who rely on it to survive.
As independent groups and individuals we have different interests, but as Roundtable members we share a common understanding: the health of watersheds is key to the health of our families, businesses and environment.
Roundtable Facebook Posts
We are so excited to share the details of this year's Quw'utsun Sta'lo' Skweyul (Cowichan River Day in Hul'q'umi'num', the beautiful first language of the Cowichan Valley).
Save the date Sunday, Sept. 20, 10-3.
Come and join river stewards, Tzinquaw dancers, Quw'utsun Mustinuhw (Cowichan people), knowledge keepers and even a raptor bird or two for a day of community, reconciliation, celebration, river education, and collaboration in building a better watershed and a better world.
We are short of funds due to cutbacks to a major funder. Drop us a note at cowichanstewardshiproundtable@gmail.com if you have an idea to help us with funds.. Volunteers also wanted.
Huy tseep q'u (thank you to more than one person)
Join the Cowichan Watershed Board, Cowichan Tribes, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District for the 16th annual Lower Cowichan River Cleanup on Sunday, August 23rd!
The Quw’utsun Sta'lo' (Cowichan River) is the heart of our valley and community. With everything the sta’lo’ gives to us, it's our turn to give back!
Our annual Cleanup helps to remove staggering amounts of garbage from more than 15-kilometres of the sta'lo' before fall rains can wash it downstream. It's an event that shows that: working together, we can make a big difference!
All are welcome, and with opportunities to walk, wade, roll, swim, and float, there’s a way for everyone to participate! No prior cleanup experience is necessary. All you need to join the effort is a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, sturdy footwear, and a little enthusiasm!
And after the Cleanup, join us for a free BBQ as a thank you for all your hard work—it’s the least we can do!
Stay tuned for more details about the Cleanup, including routes, what to wear, sponsors, and more!
Questions? ðŸ’Comment below or email us at rivercleanup@cowichanwatershedboard.ca!
Beavers are a familiar and charismatic animal found throughout most of Canada, including here in the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) Watershed. Their engineering of their dams and lodges has significant impacts on the ways that water moves through and is stored throughout our watersheds.
However, the broad-ranging influences that beavers have on the watersheds they call home are not always well understood, leading to significant discourse around whether beavers positively or negatively shape watersheds and the communities within them. Want to learn more? Mark your calendars! 📅
Monday, April 20th | 7-8:30pm | VIU Cowichan - Lecture Hall 140, 2011 University Way, Duncan | FREE