New items include grey all-cotton long sleeve T-shirts and long sleeve fleece jackets – each just $20 right now (while supplies last).

Click the River Emporium link just above in our site navigation to see our entire selection of book, poster, maps, and river wear. You can purchase online via PayPal or at the Friends office at 260H Water street (call ahead to 707-763-7756 to arrange in person pickup).

In addition they put on a display of traditional boat building Saturday by crafting a wooden “Tule Splitter” duck boat on site at Cavanaugh Landing Park. A big hit at the event was a motorized Tule Reed Boat that was created by artisan Charlie Kennard. He and his crew gave rides in it during the event. Photos of the event can be found at our Flickr page.

This ruling means that the new permits for expanding the dump, issued by the State last year, are negated and the EIR will begin a new public review process in Marin County. This is a major victory for a dedicated group of wetland and environmental advocates who have been opposing the dumps operating procedures and expansion plans for over 6 years. More information is in the attached Press Release.

Click to download the River Heritage Flyer.

Oct. 9th – Schedule of events:

• 9 AM on– Alma & grace Quan open for visits in turning basin.
• 9 AM on – Boat building (Tule Splitter) at Cavanaugh Landing Park
• 10 AM – 5 PM – Aquatic frivolity, impromptu dining, & heritage displays
• 5 – 7 PM – Benefit Bar B Q – Petaluma River Heritage Center
• 7 PM on – Music, song and campfire- Petaluma RHC

The second annual “Moonlit Fandango” was a smashing success; surpassing last year’s event in the number of people attending and the

Friends wants to warmly thank all of the people who contributed the evenings success including: the event organizing team, the many volunteer helpers, the generous auction item and in kind service providers, our corporate table sponsors, all of the attendees and last but not least Sid & Gigi Hendricks for once again hosting the event at their beautiful ranch. More details about the evening will be published soon in the Fall Tidings.

Bring a picnic dinner and share a wonderful evening learning about ancient tribal ways of living in harmony with nature, and how we can benefit from that knowledge today.

This event is for people of all ages so bring the family. Suggested donation $15 ea. – $30 family Hosted by Friends of the Petaluma River – Get directions to the River Heritage Center by clicking on the icon to the left.

In addition to this offering, Charter tours can be scheduled at your convenience for groups or individuals. They can focus on specific areas of interest such as bird watching or River history. they can also be used to celebrate special occasions or entertain visiting guests. Charters begin at $300. For more information or to make reservations call Friends at 707 763-7756.

21' Mako utility skiff

utility skiff, have been on loan to Friends for the past few years. The grant for $40,000, issued by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, will cover the cost of the two craft and one years worth of overhead and maintenance. This arrangement will benefit Friends of the Petaluma by adding the craft to their capitol inventory, funding necessary maintenance and allowing unrestricted future use. San Francisco Baykeeper will also benefit by liquidating the surplus watercraft, which were once part of their Deltakeeper fleet. Friends of the Petaluma River is delighted to receive this grant and thanks both the Rose Foundation and the S. F. Baykeeper for making it possible to permanently own both watercraft. A purchase celebration and boat naming ceremony will be held once the transfer is complete.

27' Crest touring barge

The two boats will continue to play a vital part in Friend’s mission of celebrating and conserving the Petaluma River. The 27’ touring barge will be used to give eco-tours beginning in June 2010. The Friday evening wine and cheese tours, departing from the downtown turning basin were a big hit with the public last year and can be booked by visiting Friends web site or calling 707 763-7756. Charters for groups, clubs, or individuals are also available. They begin at $300 and can be tailored to individual interests including bird watching, lunch cruises, and family gatherings. The 21’ Mako plays a vital role in Friend’s conservation programs; assisting in River clean-ups, monitoring environmental conditions, and transporting scientists and decision makers throughout the watershed.

Friends’ Year-end Celebration Party!

Sunday Dec 6th, 12 – 4pm

At the River Heritage Center (Steamer Landing Park)

6 Copeland St. –  near downtown Petaluma

Schedule of events:

12pm – A River Sutra – blessings for the River
12:15 –  Pot luck picnic lunch (finger food to share)
1:00 –    Music, singing & dancing
2:00 –    Celebration of Friends 2009 achievements
2:30 –    More music, singing and dancing
4:00 –    Pack it up

Join us for an afternoon of fun. Come by land or by water

Bring the whole family and see what Friends is doing to Celebrate and Conserve the Petaluma River

Friends of the Petaluma River

707 763-7756