If you’ve strolled the trails or beaches of Tyee Spit in the late morning or early afternoon over the past 15 years, chances are you’ve witnessed a quiet act of heroism in progress.
Three local seniors – 75-year-old Larry Jackson, 78-year-old Doug Anderson, and 87-year-old Mike Cross – have become a near-daily presence at the spit, devoting their time and energy to keeping one of Campbell River’s most cherished natural areas clean, safe, and beautiful.
These three remarkable men volunteer nearly 360 days a year, taking only the worst-weather days off – a mere handful annually. What began as one man’s mission has grown into a team effort rooted in friendship, community pride, and environmental stewardship.
When Larry Jackson retired to Campbell River in 2007, he often walked his dog Jessie at the spit. What he found deeply troubled him. “The spit was just a mess,” Larry recalled. “Broken glass, dog feces, dumped furniture, marine debris – you name it. My friend’s dog stepped on glass and needed $3,000 in vet care. That’s when I knew I had to do something.”
Armed with nothing but a pair of BBQ tongs, Jackson began cleaning up daily. Over time, he noticed something powerful: “As the area got cleaner, people stopped treating it like a dumping ground. The cleaner it was, the cleaner it stayed.”
In 2017, Anderson noticed Jackson’s dedication and gifted him a pair of garbage pinchers – and a friendship was born. The two began meeting daily to collect garbage (often 2–3 full bags) and also took on the task of removing Scotch broom, an invasive plant threatening the area. A few years later, Cross joined their efforts, and the trio became a force for good. They’ve also installed over 20 red ashtray cans to reduce cigarette litter throughout the spit.
In recognition of their extraordinary service, the trio were among the top winners of the 6th Annual Small Planet Cleanup Contest, with over 1,100 participants receiving over $10,000 in cash and prizes.
“These men are local legends,” said Tara Jordan of Small Planet Energy, which sponsors the contest. “Their quiet, consistent dedication is the kind of action that transforms communities.”
