“Time and tide wait for no-one†as the saying goes. This is especially true on the “Petalooâ€. There is a lot happening in our bailiwick; here’s the latest:
Spartina research tour 2/2/07:
On Feb. 2nd six scientists and researchers from The Spartina Project, PRBO, and UC Davis joined us for a daylong overview of the Petaluma River and its tributaries. We had great weather and all of the attendees were impressed with the beauty and scope of our watershed.
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| Scientists aboard Friends Boat for daylong survey | suspect plants being collected |
Unfortunately suspected hybrid plants were found and samples were taken from several new locations. Plans for a more comprehensive survey and plans for an eradication program are now being developed.
For more background see previous issues of The Tidings & visit www.Spartina.org.
Picnic on 2/4/06 spawns a Coalition to monitor Pomo land issues:
A wonderful outing under clear skies produced some positive results on Super Bowl Sunday. A group of Petaluma Paddlers, Friends supporters, and neighboring land owners met for a picnic on the river to discuss stewardship and address some possible threats presented by the Dry Creek Band of Pomo’s local holdings.
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| Friends supporters attend picnic | Hosts Stewart Brand and Ryan Phelan |
As land owned by the tribe’s borders the Petaluma River, and has had recent permit issues concerning improper levee repairs, the assembled group of river supporters was concerned about the current situation and possible future developments.
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| A new vest for Stewart |
Friends has been asked to research current status and future government actions on the lands. We have also contacted the Pomo tribe and received a cordial reply from their tribal Chairman Harvey Hopkins.
He was receptive to an invitation join us for a boat trip in the near future, and we look forward to learning more about the Pomos and their plans while discussing ways to improve the stewardship of their property.
We would also like to again thank our hosts Ryan Phelan and Stewart Brand for their wonderful hospitality.
Petaluma River happenings on U-Tube and elsewhere:
1. “The Story of 2 Dumps†on u-tube highlights the threats posed by Redwood Landfill.
We thank Friends supporter Bruce Baum for creating and sending this video. Friends contributed many of the photos used in the film and continues to work with NWLE to inform the public about the threat the Landfill poses to our watershed.
2. “The launching of a barge†comes from new member and self described “river rat†Wess Nelson. It shows the launching of a recently completed steel barge into McNear Channel. Many of us who missed this dramatic event and are grateful to Wess for sending this clip…
3. Jack London on “Small Boat Sailing†is an article first published in 1912, and was brought to our attention by member Kathleen wood of Berkeley. In this colorful essay Jack writes about his early sailing experiences on Suisun Bay and the “San Antonio Estuaryâ€. If anybody has more information on this topic please let us know.
If you are aware of any other videos or articles pertaining to the Petaluma River we would love to see them. We are collecting information for our planned River Heritage center. Please send submissions to us.
Educational outreach:
On Jan.26th I visited the Mary Collins School combined 7th & 8th grade classes at the invitation of teacher Carrie Caudle, to speak and answer questions about the Petaluma River. The enthusiasm of the students and the quality of their questions impressed me deeply. A primary goal of Friends is to help rectify misunderstandings and lack of first hand knowledge about the Petaluma River, especially among young people. These students were very enthusiastic and appreciative. I received some great thank you letters with comments like:
“I was really interested and shocked by the decrease in marshes bordering the river. I couldn’t believe nobody did anything about it. I am also interested in the new water treatment plant. I’m glad that we have chosen an eco-friendly way of cleaning water. I can’t wait to taste the difference.†— Cecilia
“I liked how you taught us about not just what animals are there, but about what animals are endangered. You didn’t just talk about the animals, you told us about what was wrong with the ecosystem. I learned a whole bunch from what you were telling us.†— Bradley
“I know a lot more about the river than I did before. Every fact that you shared with us about the Petaluma River I know will come to be something that I will never forget.†— Tyler
The importance of engaging young people in outdoor interests can not be overemphasized. A recent article from The Economist Magazine reprinted in the SF Chronicle on Feb 8th & the Press Democrat’s Forum section on Feb 12th stated:
“Organizations like the Sierra Club have depended on what one expert calls ‘a transcendent experience in nature, usually at an early age’ to gain new membersâ€.
At Friends of the Petaluma River we look forward to working with more young people and adults alike to help supply access to our Wetlands Empire; hopefully triggering many “transcendent experiences†in the future.
Environmental updates:
The NW Pacific RR has removed tons of woody debris that were blocking the flow of San Antonio Creek into the Petaluma and restricting fish access. Friends of the Petaluma River reported this condition to authorities in the winter of 05-06.
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| Schultz slough trestle “before†| And with obstructions removed |
And thanks to an alert by paddler Ray Thompson and phone calls by Friends to proper authorities, We have helped the Ca. Dept. of Fish & Game contain a PCB spill in the Petaluma Marsh, at the old communications building (see Jan. Tidings)
Volunteer opportunity:
Casa Grande educator and Founding Board member John Shribbs needs help planting native grasses at Shollenberger Park this weekend. Dr. Shribbs writes:
I am planning on working at Shollenberger this Sunday 1:30-4:30 and again on Monday 9:30-12. We will be planting native ryegrass to replace nonnative Harding grass. Continuous rain cancels, mist does not. You can contact John at jshribbs@comcast.net or call 707 769-8961
We need a home:
Friends is in serious need of commercial space on or near the River to use as our headquarters. It needs to have space for an office and meeting room and fit our very limited budget. We will be happy to consider a temporary situation or “fixer upperâ€. If you or anyone you know has a space that might be available please e-mail me or call 707 763-7756.
Friends welcomes three new Board members:
In the past few months Friends of the Petaluma River Board of Directors has been blessed with the addition of 3 outstanding new members. Cari Pace-Koch a real estate broker and key supporter from Novato, Patrick Campbell a vintner and competitive kayaker from Glen Ellen, and Andy Rodgers a consulting geologist and longtime watershed activist from Penngrove were all recently elected. I am thrilled to have the wisdom and energy of these talented people guiding Friends.
If you are not a member yet please consider joining us now. We need your support.
We hope to see you on the water and in the community.
Dave Yearsley – Friends of the Petaluma River
Celebrate & Conserve
