Friends of the Petaluma River is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to celebrating and conserving the Petaluma River, its wetlands, and wildlife.
Our mission: To promote stewardship of the Petaluma River. We work throughout its watershed; providing access opportunities, educational materials, and conservation programs. We also provide a voice for the River’s inhabitants and resources in public affairs.
Our Goals: Access, Education, and Conservation
- To establish a permanent presence in the watershed; becoming the first non-government organization to work fulltime for the betterment of the Petaluma River . and its inhabitants
- To pursue outreach and educational activities that will foster enthusiasm and commitment in the watershed for long term sustainable stewardship.
- To monitor conditions and engage in activities that will reduce or prevent pollution and lessen other harmful impacts on the River and its wetlands.
- To create a River Heritage Center as a community resource. A place to archive information, host events, administer programs, and coordinate river related activities.
Friends of the Petaluma River Staff:
David Yearsley; Executive Director
In 2006 David founded Friends of the Petaluma River to promote appreciation and stewardship and of the River and its tidal wetlands. Prior to founding Friends David was the Petaluma Riverkeeper from 1998 to 2005. In conjunction with his Riverkeeper work he was founding chairman of Petaluma Wetlands Alliance from 2001-03; which successfully promoted constructed wetlands as part of Petaluma’s new waste water treatment & recycling facility. In 2004-05 he led Friends of Tolay’s successful grassroots campaign for the acquisition of Tolay Lake Regional Park, preserving a pristine 1,800 acre valley adjacent to Petaluma River. David and his wife Elizabeth live in Petaluma and have 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren.
Carolyn Dixon; Administrative Assistant
Carolyn has been a Sonoma County Resident since 1957. She co-founded Sonoma County Wetland Watch in 1989 and served five years on the Sonoma County Vernal Pools Task Force, appointed by Congressman Frank Riggs. She worked 8 years for the Sonoma Land Trust and 15 years as a Natural Resource Specialist for the City of Santa Rosa. She served 4 years on the Sonoma County Fish and Wildlife Commission and taught soil conservation in Nicaragua with Seeds of Learning.
