The River Center grounds are open daily to the public. The historic ranch house is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-3pm.

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River Center

River Center Projects

PROGRAMS, WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES

The San Joaquin River has touched the people of the Central Valley in many ways through the ages. Reconnect your cultural, historical and natural ties to the river through programs, workshops and activities sponsored by the River Parkway Trust.

River Buddies Preschool Programs

One and one-half hour field trips for children ages 4, 5 and 6
Crafts, stories, puppets, lively learning
$3 per child - no charge for adults
Come as groups or individuals with an adult - reservations required.
Call (559) 248-8480 to schedule.

Flexible times are available for groups by appointment, including Saturdays. Individuals call to reserve a spot in scheduled programs.

Build a Birdhouse for River Center Education

Build a birdhouse for the 2006 "It's for the Birds!" birdhouse building contest. Birdhouses will be sold to benefit children's and adults' educational programs at the River Center. There's something for everyone in this eclectic mix of unique, handcrafted birdhouses. You can support lively learning about the river and take home an original piece of lawn art in return! Click the link above to download the entry form in PDF format.

RESPITE BY THE RIVER: Readings by Central Valley Authors

Reserve one day per month, May through October, to take a break from the rush of the city and bring a picnic dinner to the River Center. Bring the family to unwind with dinner on the lawn, then lose yourself in readings by Central Valley authors who write about the Valley and their sense of belonging to this land. Arrive early to eat before the readings, which begin at 7:00pm. Dessert is available after the readings at 8:00pm. Authors will sign and sell books. This series is made possible with a grant from the Harry C. Mitchell Trust.

2005 Author Schedule:

May 19	Dixie Salazar
June 9	Philip Levine
July 14	Franz Weinschenk
August 11	Dr. Jeri Echeverria
September 8	Bill Secrest Sr.
October 13	Jon Veinberg

CURRENT EXHIBIT AT THE RIVER CENTER

Streams of Migration

Latino people have brought color and life to the San Joaquin Valley since the early 1700s. A new display at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies, Streams of Migration, explores the history of Latinos in the area, from the time of the Spanish land grants to present day. From the 1700s on, Mexican immigrants, and later, Latinos from all over the Spanish-speaking world, came to the San Joaquin Valley to seek a better life by ranching, gold mining and working in the agricultural fields - but they all relied on one common lure - the life-giving force of the San Joaquin River. Streams of Migration opens May 14 from 11:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (with a special appearance by the Charros Unidos of Madera/Fresno at 5:00) and May 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display for one year. Call 248-8480 x 108 for more information.

NEW EXHIBIT: A Tribute to Enrique Lopez

A memorial exhibit of artwork by Enrique Lopez, local artist, art instructor, gallery curator and friend of the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust will be on display from September 2-December 23.