Summer is finally here and it’s a great time to get out on the River. Friends has several events planned to help you do that in the near future. We have also had a busy Month. Here is the latest River news:
Day on the River event happening May 31:
Join us for A Day on the River
Saturday, May 31st Foundry Wharf, 2nd & F St. 9am – 3 pm
Have you ever wanted to try out Rowing? Outrigger Canoeing? Kayaking? Other small craft? Here’s an opportunity to meet the members of PSC3 and get on the water! Height and age restrictions may apply to on-water activities.
Free to the Public
Sponsored by the PETALUMA SMALL CRAFT CENTER COALITION (PSC3). For more information and additional on the water opportunities and events visit the PSC3 website or call 707-293-3685
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| Day on the River 2007 |
A pair of participants try a double |
2nd Nautical Mass launches on May 30th:
For those who are unfamiliar with the Nautical Mass event it is a freeform flotilla (based on bicycling’s Critical Mass) for folks who want to get out on the River at the end of the week. It is held on the last Friday of the month for non-motorized watercraft and departs from the Petaluma Marina (781 Baywood Dr.) at 6PM. This month we will visit the Turning Basin for a summer tradition Jazz on the River with Peter Welker’s Sextet.
Visit one of the local restaurants for dinner or bring a picnic and join us on the lawn. The twilight row back to the marina is delightful after dinner. Remember to bring a light.
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| Trathen and Mary enjoy their first Nautical Mass |
Don, Sheryl and Jasmine are regular Mass participants |
For information or you if want to participate but don’t have a boat, e-mail or call Friends.
Marin Planning Commission OKs Redwood Landfill EIR:
In a setback for River aficionados and Landfill opponents, on May 5th the Marin Planning Commission recommended accepting the Final EIR as adequate and forwarded it to the Marin Department of Public Health (the lead enforcement agency) for final approval.
No Wetlands Landfill Expansion (NWLE) and the Green Coalition for Responsible Waste Management orchestrated a major campaign to place ads. hire experts, and fill the County chambers for the hearings on April 28th and May 5th. Friends of the Petaluma River has been a long time ally in the fight. We attended and testified at both sessions.
Many concessions have been won from the Landfill’s owners Waste Mgt. Inc. since the request to expand their permitted capacity was first introduced over 3 years ago.
Several newspaper articles and a film clip that Friends helped to produce to show the impacts of the dump on the River and its wildlife are also available. To get more information and find out what happens next visit the No Wetlands Expansion website.
Related links:
Pacific Sun Article, May 15th
Video of the Redwood Landfill from the water
Annual River Cleanup a great success:
Petaluma once again turned out en mass on May 3rd to help clean up the River. The annual event was ably organized again by the Petaluma River Cleanup Committee; this year led by Bob Caruso and assisted by a wonderful team of volunteers. Friends hosted many of the organizational meetings at our offices and supported the effort with other resources including a substantial cash donation. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this annual event a success. To see more pictures and get involved in next year’s cleanup visit the Petaluma River Cleanup website.
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| Mike scores with a River trophy |
Friends boat hauls a load of garbage for disposal |
You can also enjoy more cleanup photos by clicking here.
Special Event!
Aug. 10thMark your calendars; you won’t want to miss the Mayor’s Boat Ride 2008! This year it’s the kick off for the Petaluma River Fest, starting 10:00am at the Marina!
Volunteer! Friends of the Petaluma River needs your help:
Friends had its first volunteer meeting over Pizza on May 13th. We met with several enthusiastic folks and they brought some exciting ideas and willing energy. Now we want to build on this beginning and find more volunteers to focus on specific areas.
In order to optimize the use of our beautiful offices, staff our programs, plan our events and maximize our community outreach; volunteer expertise and energy is needed in the following areas.
• Administration: Grant writing, data entry, office systems, communications
• Events & Programs: Event planning and staffing, educational programs, outings
• Outreach & PR: design flyers & displays, , media connections, photography,
• Conservation work: Restoration and maintenance, water testing, site monitoring
• Community service: River Heritage Center, sporting heritage workshops, collect and archive River information, public speaking, volunteer coordination
We also welcome offers of other forms of help or donations of equipment and materials.
Please contact me at 707-763-7756 or talk to any of our Board members if you are interested in helping.
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We thank you and the River thanks you; Dave Yearsley and the Board of Directors
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Dave Yearsley, Friends of the Petaluma River
Celebrate & Conserve
