photo: Friends of the Petaluma River — Clearing the River of Debris of All Shapes & Sizes
Friends of the Petaluma River hosts the 21st annual Spring Petaluma River Cleanup on Saturday, May 2nd at the Petaluma Marina. The event begins at 9am and runs until 2pm with a BBQ for volunteers at noon that includes live music, free refreshments, giveaways, and activities.
This event annually removes about two tons of trash and debris from the Petaluma River and its creeks and streams. We expect over 100 people to attend to volunteer to clean different segments of the watershed, including those that adjoin their own neighborhoods and businesses. Several businesses and groups have stepped forward to lead teams including Petaluma Poultry, World Centric, and AMEC.
This year's cleanup promises to make a huge impact on water quality and environmental health as there are a large number of sites that have been reported with high levels of dumped garbage and the remains of homeless encampments. The rising incidence of individuals living along the Petaluma River has created a larger need for our community to protect this sensitive habitat.
McDowell teacher Genie Praetzel lead a cleanup on E. Washington Creek with her students on Earth Day as part of their involvement with the Watershed Classroom program of Friends of the Petaluma River. "It is so exciting and inspiring working with Petaluma's children to clean up our watershed. They have such a fresh and no nonsense perspective. If something's broken, fix it. If animals are endangered, we need to take care to protect them. If our river is becoming polluted, we need to clean it up. This year the over arching essential question in our classroom has been, "what can you do to make a difference?" My students have embraced this challenge in every way."
Friends is working with World Centric to make sure its BBQ is zero-waste, using all compostable materials from a wide selection of locally-made products. Sponsors for this event include Whole Foods Market, Clover Stornetta, World Centric, Camelbak, Petaluma Coffee & Tea, Petaluma Stand Up Paddleboard, and Clavey Paddlesports.
Friends of the Petaluma River is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to celebrate and conserve the Petaluma Watershed. Friends is working to raise funds to kick-start a campaign to renovate the David Yearsley River Heritage Center, a turn-of-the-century livery stable that serves as an educational center on the River.
Activities at the River Heritage Center include a free Boating at the Barn program that runs every Sunday from 10am to 1pm, educational and nature-connection programs like our Green Heron Nature Camp, boat-building and our Watershed Classroom with over 700 students participating in Petaluma City Schools.
For more information on how to get involved email friends@friendsofthepetalumariver.org
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