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Hello again river “Friendsâ€. Its summertime and the days are made for outdoors play. Below you will find some of our recent activities, opportunities to enjoy the river, and articles on the benefits of time spent in nature. I hope you will take time to enjoy our river the many wonders and adventures it offers.
“Friends” is featured on KPIX “Eye on the Bay”:
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KPIX’s Brian Hackney starts at the beginning |
I hope many of you had a chance to see Ch 5’s “Eye on the Bay†on May 18th. It featured Friends of the Petaluma River as “boat hosts†for the day and also included good information on the Petaluma estuary provided by the Bay Institute’s Mark Holms. In case you didn’t (or want to see it again) it is currently available online (click link to view video).
1st “Day on the Water” a great success:
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| Friends display at “Day on the Water” | Enthusiastic participants try a rowboat |
The Day was sunny, the setting was beautiful and River was calling. On June 2nd “Friendsâ€, as part of a coalition of boating groups known as PSC3 (Petaluma Small Craft Center Coalition), gave lessons and offered boat rides to the public in a variety of non-motorized watercraft at Foundry Wharf in Petaluma.
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| Young and Old alike. . . | . . .enjoy boating at “Day on the Water” |
Over a hundred folks of all ages, races, and genders; as well as several people with disabilities took advantage of this free day long event to test various types of boats and to appreciate the need for a Small Craft Center in Petaluma. It could make opportunities like this available to the public, boating clubs and visitors on a daily basis.
Next Nautical Mass is June 15th:
This month the 3rd Friday falls on the 15th and it will be time again to “gather at the River†for a free-form fun event. All non-motorized boaters are invited to join this no-host party to kick off the weekend (featuring boats rather that bicycles). We meet at 6:00 PM on the water near the Petaluma Marina and then proceed uptown to the turning basin, where this month’s participants can enjoy “Jazz on the Deckâ€. Individuals or groups are welcome to set their own itineraries but most folks stay for dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a twilight ride back down the river. Bring your own watercraft and safety equipment. Some boats may be available. For more information call “Friends†at 707 763-7756. (below are some photos from last year)
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| Red sails in the sunset | Dinner in town |
Ca. Dept of Fish & Game to study fish in the Petaluma Watershed:
The Ca. DFG has made plans to do a study of the Petaluma Watershed to assess and habitat conditions for Salmon and Steelhead Trout. “Friends†Dave Yearsley and Andy Rodgers hosted 3 DFG fisheries biologists and a scientist from NOAA for their first tour of the River in order to orient them to the complexities and nuances of our watershed. A second tour is planned for the upper watershed and then details of the various feeder creeks will be studied in order to evaluate habitat, measure populations, and improve conditions for these important fish species.
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California DFG biologists, NOAA scientists and “Friends” tour the river. From the left: Dan, Dave, Gail, Kit and Andy |
“Friend’s†wins a $5000 grant from No. Ca. Grassroots Fund:
On June 1st we were delighted to learn that Friends of the Petaluma River was once again selected to receive a general support grant from the No. Ca. Grassroots Fund. Last year we received $2000 seed money from this highly competitive fund ( fewer than 1/3 of the applicants are chosen) to help launch our organization. This year we were awarded the maximum allowed in recognition of our work and the excellent progress we made in our inaugural year.
Links to good reading:
On occasion we come across articles that might be of interest to our River Friends. The links below are some recent discoveries.
The first article, on how “Eco-therapy†treats depressionâ€, is submitted by Tiffany Renee:
“This article in the British publication “Medical News Today” describes the findings of two serious medical studies by the University of Essex that walking in the countryside, and other outdoor activities, reduces depression, while walking through shopping malls increases depression.”
Getting outdoors is good for your mental health! We all know that, but sometimes a scientific study that supports the theory is a helpful motivation to spend more time in nature.
The second article is from this week’s New York Times Magazine and speaks to the benefits of outdoor adventure for young people. Although titled “Boys gone Mild†it definitely applies to girls as well.
Finally and interesting piece concerning history and myths about Haystack Landing are contained in the book Sacred Sonoma: Sacred Sites and Alignments in Sonoma County, California (Revised and updated edition by Beth Winegarner).
I invite you to share articles, stories, and photographs with us. Please e-mail your submissions us!
Tell your friends about “Friendsâ€:
“The Petaluma River needs you as a “Friendâ€: That is the salutation sentence on a recent appeal letter our Board of Director’s mailed to a large group of local businesses and community leaders. These words were never truer. The River needs all of the friends it can get, as forces from many sides threaten its vitality and accessibility. Friends of the Petaluma River is a grassroots non-profit organization working hard on the River’s behalf. We depend on public financial support as our primary source of funding. Please consider renewing your membership now or making a generous donation. Help “Friends†promote stewardship of the Petaluma River. Tell the people you meet and do business with about our organization.
We hope to see you on the water and in the community
Dave Yearsley – Friends of the Petaluma River
Celebrate & Conserve
