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| Parkway News
October 2007 |
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| Lost Lake Park |
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 Graffiti Removal at Lost Lake ParkOn October 17, a multi-organizational team, including the River Parkway Trust, gathered at Lost Lake Park to remove graffiti from the bedrock mortars. The bedrock mortars at Lost Lake Park give us our most visible and lasting Clues about the Native Americans along this stretch of the San Joaquin River. They are a special treasure in a public park, allowing visitors to come and imagine life as it was lived for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. Thanks to the work of Fresno County Parks, the City of Fresno Graffiti removal team and Fresno County Jail, the bedrock mortars were returned to their natural state. The Trust donated Elephant Snot, an environmentally safe graffiti removal product to the project. We'd like to thank all agencies involved for their efforts.
Lost Lake Master Plan
The Fresno County Public Works Department is in the process of creating a new master plan for Lost Lake Park. The County's goal is to "enhance the outdoor recreation and educational uses at Lost Lake Park to proactively respond to current issues and concerns as well as planned short and long-term growth in the area."
You still have the opportunity to share your vision for the property. Send all comments to CJaniel@co.fresno.ca.us. Your comments could make a major impact on the future of the Parkway.
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| Friant Cove Grand Opening |
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| Friday, Oct. 26 at 10:00 am
Please join the San Joaquin River Conservancy and its partners at the grand opening of Friant Cove. Located at the northwest corner of Road 206 and Friant Road, in the community of Friant, Friant Cove features a public canoe launch, fishing, and a Park-&-Ride.
Friant Cove was constructed by the San Joaquin River Conservancy with 2000 Parks bond funds administered by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, Caltrans and federal highway funds, and a grant from the California Department of Boating and Waterways. The park will be managed by California Department of Parks and Recreation, Millerton State Recreation Area.
For more information call the San Joaquin River Conservancy at (559) 253-7324. |
| Jensen River Ranch Update |
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On October 13 we had a very special volunteer group from the Fresno Interdenominational
Refugee Ministries, a local community based organization that serves new Americans. We were able to complete an entire planting cell at Jensen in a few hours, and then we enjoyed some time near the San Joaquin River. The Volunteers and Trust staff enjoyed the opportunity to work with and learn about one another. A special thank you goes out to our River Stewards volunteers who have come out to each Jensen River Ranch workday throughout the month of October.
To date we have planted 1,000 acorns, trees and shrubs, but we still have many plants that need to go into the ground. We are pleased to announce that we will have volunteers from the American Conservation Experience (ACE) working at Jensen River Ranch through mid-November. ACE is a non-profit conservation corps dedicated to providing both American and international volunteers challenging outdoor projects throughout the Western United States.
Our last fall planting workday will be on November 3. We will meet at the River Center at 8:00 am, and then travel to the site together. If you are interested in joining the Trust and ACE volunteers for the last Jensen River Ranch workday of the season, please contact Carrie Tuell at (559) 248-8480 ext. 111 or ctuell@riverparkway.org.
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| Bilingual Canoe Program |
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Our 2007 pilot bilingual Spanish-English Canoe Internship  Program culminated on Sunday, Oct. 21, with a final canoe tour from Owl Hollow to Fort Washington Beach. The tour, conducted in both Spanish and English, was blessed with beautiful sunny weather and lots of happy smiles and enthusiasm from program participants and guests alike. Interns Jasmin Rangel, Rebecca Rangel, and Jackie Aldern, completed the 5-week pilot program, which included academic sessions ranging from the cultural and natural history of the San Joaquin River, to learning practical information on how to canoe and conduct a safe, fun, educational canoe tour. The program was created with help and advice from our friends in the Hispanic community, including Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Sr. Eligio Nava, who is an avid canoe recreationalist. "Muchas Gracias" to all of those who supported and helped to grow this new project! We look forward to working with our bilingual intern graduates on special projects in the future, and presenting another bilingual canoe internship program at the beginning of our next canoe season. |
| Volunteer Opportunities |
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River Volunteers Needed
We are looking for energetic volunteers who love sharing the outdoors with people of all ages. All programs take place at or near the San Joaquin River in Fresno and Madera Counties.
River Docents
Join a team that works with teachers to lead school children on field trips to the river. Training and materials provided, with a minimum commitment of 2 days each month. Call Saundra Plett at (559) 433-3190 ext. 2#.
River Buddies Preschool Program Leaders
The River Center on Old Friant Road is host to preschool class field trips. Volunteers lead activities for small groups of children. Training and materials provided. Call Barb Ruiz at (559) 433-3190 ext. 4#.
Weekend Nature Walk Docents
Share your love of the natural world with groups of up to 20 people on weekend nature walks in nearby river bottom lands. Training provided. Call Mary Aldern at (559) 433-3190 ext. 5#.
Join the Fix-it Squad
Would you enjoy fixing things in and around our beautiful historic Ranch House, Welcome Center, Old Barn and Carriage House? If so, our "Fix-it Squad" is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. The squad will meet periodically for workdays at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies. For more information and to sign up please call George Folsom at (559) 486-5222. |
| Fall Nature Walks |
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 Our fall nature walk season has already begun and we think this will be the best season yet. On a guided nature walk you'll enjoy spectacular views and experience Parkway properties not usually open to the public. Join us for as many walks as you can, but be sure to call for reservations, as space is limited and different walks will have different meeting locations. Nature walks are free for River Parkway Trust members and children under 6, all others $2 - $5. 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Fall Nature Walk Schedule
November 3 and 17 - Proctor/Broadwell/Cobb $2
November 10 - A rare tour of Rank Island $5
December 1 - Sycamore Island and River Restoration $2
December 8 - Camp Pashayan Walkabout and Paddle $5
December 15 - Proctor/Broadwell/Cobb $2
All nature walks require reservations, as space is limited. Please call (559) 433-3190 ext. 3#
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| Need a Meeting Space? |
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Rent the River Center Conference Room 
We are currently taking reservations for the East Fresno Rotary Conference Room inside the historic River Center ranch house. The conference room is furnished with a long handsome table as well as excellent audiovisual equipment. This room is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and is perfect for breakfasts, luncheons, and meetings. The room can accommodate 18 people. The cost is $400 for up to 3 hours and $100 each hour thereafter. To make a reservation for your next meeting call (559) 433-3190 ext. 3#.
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| Holiday Activities |
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It's not too early to start thinking about the holiday season. Here are a few activities to make your season bright.
Holiday Cheer
Sunday, December 2, 2007 
10:00 am to 3:00 pm. FREE!
Holiday Cheer is our special gift to our Parkway friends and the community. This year you'll enjoy live holiday music, free cookies, hot chocolate, cider and coffee. There will be delicious homemade holiday goodies for purchase and holiday crafts for kids ($5 per child). Don't miss out on the opportunity to purchase holiday gifts from the River Store . Preview the special Holiday gifts on Saturday, December 1 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information call (559) 248-8480 ext. 100.
Holiday Tea Party Time (Party for the Parkway #81)
Tuesday, December 18, 2007--2:00 pm
Come experience the sights and sounds of Christmas. Bring a special friend to this Christmas Tea Open House. You'll delight in English teas, gourmet coffees and homemade goodies galore. Every room in the house sparkles with theme trees decorated with unique holiday ornaments from around the world. Write your own wish on a star to place on a tree of Christmas wishes and take home a gift of delicious homemade jam or jelly. Reservations required, please (559) 248-8476 or visit www.riverparkway.org. | |
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Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to create and protect the Parkway for everyone.
Sincerely,
Sarah Cairns
San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust |
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You can support our efforts to establish and maintain trails and provide a welcome rest stop for trail users by sponsoring a bench along the San Joaquin River Parkway. For your generous contribution of $5,000, we'll place a bench, along with a granite marker that carries your message, on the Lewis S. Eaton Trail or the Tom MacMichael Sr. Trail. For information please contact Kathy Lustig , Development Director, at (559) 248-8480 ext. 104 or via e-mail klustig@riverparkway.org.
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