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| Message from our Education Director |
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Let's Get our Kids Outside
Many of us who are parents and grandparents remember spending a lot of time outdoors when we were young. My own story weaves through family camping trips, endless summer days playing in the yard, and splashing around in the Merced River where I grew up. Researchers tell us that it's these kinds of experiences, repeated over time, that create and maintain that important childhood connection with the natural world. Many of us who read this newsletter have that connection, and we have an assumption that this is the birthright of our kids as well. We also realize that the world has changed, and kids simply don't have the opportunity to spend time climbing trees, catching tadpoles, looking under rocks, following animals tracks, or digging in the dirt. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods calls this problem 'Nature-Deficit Disorder.' My guess is that you know intuitively what this means. If our children don't have that connection the the world around them, they are missing an important piece of their intellectual, emotional, and even spiritual development. The most effective way to overcome nature-deficit disorder is to get out to wild spaces with your kids and play together. Unstructured exploration in the company of people who have a love of nature is a sure fire recipe for continuing a legacy of environmental stewardship.
We at the River Parkway Trust can help, too. Our summer camps and canoeing programs offer several ways for kids to be outside and learn through play and exploration. Energetic, caring staff members welcome your kids to get squishy and dirty, reveling in a fantastic mix of zany fun and slow-paced down time. No kids of your own to send? Consider contributing to our scholarship fund so we can bring other deserving kids out for the best week of their summer.
Saundra Plett |
| River Quest: Bringing the River to the Classroom |
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| Katie Morgan, Watershed Program Associate, has spent the last several months bringing the San Joaquin River to local classrooms through the Trust's River Quest Program. The River Quest program is designed to prepare students who will participate in a field trip to the river. Katie made over 70 presentations to schools in the Clovis, Firebaugh, Fresno, Kingsburg, Madera, Sanger and Selma school districts.
Here is what some of the program's young participants had to say about their experience:
Thank you so much for teaching me, and the class, the many facts about the San Joaquin River. I learned so much about antlers, king snakes, beavers, and about the mural. I can't wait for the field trip.
Courtney-
Thank you for showing us the food chain. I would like to see a Red-tailed Hawk and I would like to see a lizard. And I learned the food chain is a very important thing.
Matthew-
I want to thank you for telling me about the San Joaquin River. I learned a lot.
John-
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| Summer Camp |
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Nature of Art Camp-Ages 7- 10
Science, Art and a Sleepover for Kids at the River Center
Kids get a chance to develop both their creative and scientific sides in The Nature of Art, a new week-long day camp featuring river animals and related art projects. An overnight stay at the River Center allows for some time to enjoy campfire, games and stories, observation of the creatures of the night (bats, owls, and frogs), and a little stargazing. Lively learning takes place during two days at the River Center, one day by the river's edge, and one overnight at the River Center. June 25-29, July 9-13, and August 6-10. Each session costs $185 ($175 for members). For more information call 433-3190 ext. 4# or visit our website www.riverparkway.org. This program is offered with the Fresno Metropolitan Museum, supported in part by a grant from the Community Enrichment Program administered by the Fresno Arts Council.
River Camp-Ages 1st through 8th grade
This popular program for 1st through 8th grades puts kids by the river all day. A dynamic, energetic staff leads a program of exploring wildlife habitats, playing games that teach environmental concepts, swimming, canoeing, and of course, the important business of relaxing and just having fun. 7th and 8th graders are treated to a down-river canoe trip as part of the program each week. Each week-long session costs $200 ($185 for members). Please call 433-3190 ext. 3# for available dates. Registration forms can be downloaded here.
Young Explorers-Ages 3 ½ - 6 Young children have a special need for unhurried time in a natural setting. At Young Explorers Camp your 3 ½ to 6 year old child can explore a pond, find beaver-chewed stumps, hike trails to look for signs of wildlife, and learn about the animals that make the river their home. Singing, arts & crafts, and plenty of hands-on activities are led by a special staff of folks who know young children well. Groups are limited to 20 children; parents and grandparents are welcome, but not required to stay and join the fun. Each session costs $90 ($80 for members). Please call 433-3190 ext. 3# for available dates. Registration forms can be downloaded here.
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| Jensen River Ranch Project |
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Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink! Our irrigation system is up and running at Jensen River Ranch thanks to the efforts of the California Conservation Corps. The water for the restoration project is coming directly from the river, so although it is "clean" in terms of water quality, it is not filtered to human drinking water standards. The resident critters don't seem to mind, and are very attracted to the irrigation basins around the new native plants on the site. Over the next few weeks, we will be installing plant cages to protect our young Sycamores, Elderberries, Lupine, and Roses from nibbling cottontails and ground-squirrels. The Jensen River Ranch Habitat Enhancement Project is designed to benefit wildlife as well as people, but for the first few years we'll be protecting the plants from our furry friends so that they have a chance to grow deep roots and strong trunks.
If you have any questions about the project or would like to volunteer, please contact Watershed Program Director Sharon Weaver at sweaver@riverparkway.org or 248-8480 ext. 105. The Jensen River Ranch Habitat Enhancement and Public Access Project is partly funded by the California River Parkways Program, and implemented in partnership with the San Joaquin River Conservancy, California Department of Water Resources, and City of Fresno Department of Parks and Recreation. |
| River Restoration |
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1.Restoration-Restore the San Joaquin River and its fishery between Friant Dam and the Merced River confluence.
2.Water Management-Reduce or avoid adverse water supply impacts to San Joaquin River water users.
Timeline
- Interim Flows by 2009
- Full Restoration Flows by 2014
- Introduction of Chinook salmon in the upper reaches
Implementing Agencies
• Department of Water Resources
• Department of Fish and Game
• California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA)
• Bureau of Reclamation
• Friant Water Users Authority
• Natural Resources Defense Council
Legislation Senator Diane Feinstein introduced legislation that would implement the Settlement to the Senate on January 4, 2007. The Bill is currently in committee review.
You Can Help Too!
Conserving water on a daily basis is a great way to support the river restoration efforts. Make sure you know the Fresno County watering schedule, so you're watering your yard on the right day. If we all water on the right days during the appropriate hours, we can save a lot of water. The watering schedule can be found here www.fresno.gov. Check those faucets, a leaky faucet dripping at a rate of one drop per second will waste 2,700 gallons of water a year. This website www.americanwater.com/49ways.htm has many tips for saving water.
For more information about the San Joaquin River settlement agreement and restoration effort visit this website http://www.usbr.gov/mp/SJRRP/index.html. |
| Parties for the Parkway |
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The warmth of a summer evening is the perfect reason to come out and "Party for the Parkway," plus you'll be helping us in our effort to create and protect the Parkway for everyone. Here are some parties that will offer you a night to remember.
Mall Art Revisited
Thursday, June 21, 2007 - 5:05 p.m.
Fresno Clock Tower
Newcomers as well as local history buffs and art lovers are invited to join a guided tour of the unique art of downtown Fresno as daringly envisioned and executed 40 years ago. Begin with whisky sours, appetizers and an insiders look at the first mall in America. Cap the informative evening with a delectable dinner prepared by Judy Brown and Club One. Guides for the evening are members of the Fresno Mall Art Committee: Robin Gay McCline and Frank Laury; and designers for the Fresno Mall mosaic art: Jean Ray Laury and Joyce Aiken.
Tickets: $83 ($75 for members).
Mediterraneo
Saturday, June 23, 2007 - 6:00 p.m.
Be among a privileged few to spend an evening in the Estrada's exquisite Spanish-style home which was showcased on the 2005 La Comida Guild Home Tour. Enjoy a scrumptious catered Italian dinner with specially selected wines. Located in the Clovis Monte Verdi Estates, the Estrada's dream home is modeled after the exclusive Casa Palmero at the Pebble Beach Golf Course. Colors of this magnificent home reflect the hues of the Italian palette while the style, innovations, furnishings and personal collections reflect the taste of the owners. It's sure to be a dazzling evening!
Tickets: $110 ($100 for members).
If you're more inclined toward morning fun, join us for Beading and Brunch.
Saturday, June 30, 2007 - 10:00 a.m.
Willow Lodge
Beaded accessories are in! Come learn basic beading techniques and leave with a bracelet and earrings you've created, as well as your own set of beading tools! Experienced teacher Rachel Roellke will guide you through the steps of this fun and creative process. But first, enjoy a fabulous champagne brunch in the beautiful, relaxing setting of Willow Lodge. Rachel's work will be on display, so you'll leave with plenty of ideas for future projects!
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| Volunteer Opportunities |
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The summer brings many new activities and programs into full swing. Here are some opportunities to volunteer with the Trust as we begin a season full of fun and adventure down by the San Joaquin River.
Information Booth
Do you enjoy talking about the San Joaquin River and the River Parkway? We always need volunteers to run information booths at community events. This is a special opportunity for you to talk to the public about the benefits of creating the San Joaquin River Parkway, and about what the Trust is doing to make it happen. Please contact Kathy Lustig at 248-8480 ext. 104 or klustig@riverparkway.org if you are interested.
Carwash Volunteers
Canoe season is here, and the Trust van will be in need of some TLC. We are looking for volunteers who can pick up the van at the River Center on Monday mornings, take it to a local carwash, where we will have an account set up, for an in-and-out cleaning, then return it to the River Center for another week of wet fun! Current CA driver's license is required. If this sounds appealing contact Sarah Cairns at 248-8480 ext. 107 or scairns@riverparkway.org.
Pancake Breakfast Volunteers
We will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast one weekend day a month at the River Center. We are looking for volunteers to help with the breakfast, beginning at 8:00 a.m. We'll need you for a few hours once a month. Morning is a beautiful time to be at the River Center, so let us know if you would like to help out. Please contact Sarah Cairns at 248-8480 ext. 107 or scairns@riverparkway.org.
Fruit for River Camp
We are looking for volunteers who can drive to Dinuba to pick up a fruit donation on various Mondays throughout the summer. You can commit to one fruit run or several. If you are interested please contact Saundra Plett at 433-3190 ext. 2# or splett@riverparkway.org.
We Need Cookies!
We need LOTS of cookies for River Camp! If you are willing to fire up your oven (or throw some in your shopping basket) we'd be most grateful. To sign up please call our Cookie Coordinator, Candy Barnes at 431-0450.
There are many ways to support the River Parkway Trust, and many different volunteer opportunities. If you don't see one here that works for you, be sure to visit our volunteer webpage for more opportunities. |
| Canoe Adventures |
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Take a journey by canoe down the San Joaquin River. Along  the way, enhance your knowledge of the cultural and natural history of this life-sustaining waterway. Knowledgeable and well-trained Parkway River Guides will lead you through a maze of river channels, show you the rich diversity of life along the river corridor, and let you experience the San Joaquin River as it was navigated by Native Americans and early valley explorers.
Guests must be at least ten years of age to paddle. An adult must accompany guests under age 16. All boating skill levels are welcome; all tours include canoeing equipment, instructions and park entrance fees.
Full Day
$50 per person, $45 for members
Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., May through October
Call for specific dates
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Black-crowned Night Herons, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Red-tailed Hawks. As you pass the Rank Island Reserve you will see a large egret and heron rookery and get a chance to take an up-close look at these amazing avian specimens.
Half Day
$30 per person, $25 for members
Friday evenings, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday mornings 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., May through October.
Call for specific dates.
Our most popular trip, this short paddle is a wonderful way to unwind after a long day. Feel your stress melt away as you enjoy a cool breeze on your face and the river rippling under your canoe.
Call Liliane Sidler for available trip dates and for more information 433-3190 ext. 3#. |
| Upcoming Events |
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Pancake Breakfast
Saturday June 16, 2007 at 8:00 a.m.
Cycle, walk, ride or jog to the River Center for a fun family pancake breakfast. The grill heats up at 8:00 a.m., and the last pancakes will be flipped around 10:30 a.m. Check out the birdhouses, enjoy a trail walk, and see the baby blackbirds that are nesting in the rafters of the River Center administration building. Meals are $5 per person and include pancakes, juice and sausage. Proceeds benefit River Parkway Trust education programs.
Respite by the River
Thursday June 21, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. FREE 
Need a break from everyday stress? Come soak in the renewal that only nature can bring by relaxing at Respite by the River. Bring your own picnic and listen to live dinner music from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This respite features Jim Ashford, who will read a story about an enchanted old T-Bird that takes its driver on a trip back in time to a Fresno of yesteryear. Respite is a great way to enjoy time near the San Joaquin River, a vital resource to our community. Don't miss it.
For more information call 433-3190 ext. 3#.
River Center Art Exhibit
Currently featured in our quarterly series of rotating fine art exhibits at the River Center are works by Erin Webster that explore the artist's relationship to the raven through the representational and abstract images in acrylic on wood, mixed media, and screen print. The exhibit ends on June 24, 2007. The River Center is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | |
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Thank you for your continued support of the River Parkway Trust. You are helping the Trust create and protect the Parkway for everyone.
Sarah Cairns
San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust |
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Sponsor a brick at the American Express Overlook on the Lewis S. Eaton Trail in Woodward Park and support our work to create and protect the 22-mile San Joaquin River Parkway, from Friant Dam to Highway 99. $125, one line; $150, two lines; $175, three lines. Phone us at (559) 248-8480 ext. 104 to place your order. |
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