Fall is an excellent time to see the Petaluma River in its autumn glory when the air is crisp & clear. Check out our recent activities and find some new opportunities to see the river yourself.
In the Community:
We have been very active on the water and in the community this past month. On September 29th Friends provided a “Water Taxi†service for Taste of Petaluma and gave tours of the Turning Basin to over 2 dozen people. On the next day, Sept 30th we hosted a display at the Petaluma Progressive Festival and talked to many interested attendees about the Petaluma River and the challenges it faces.
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| “Taste of Petaluma” participants enjoy a taxi ride | ‘Friends’ Board Chair Elizabeth Howland helps at the Progressive Fest |
“Friends†continues to give tours and talks to clubs, businesses, agencies, and individuals in an effort to inform a broad segment of the community about the Petaluma River and its unique resources. If you are interested in arranging a group tour or presentation please contact us at (707) 763-7756
On the Water:
Friends helped to launch a high school enrichment program that is new to Petaluma this year called “Tomorrow’s Leaders Todayâ€. It introduces high school students to the regions culture, resources, and industry by scheduling monthly day long field trips. Organized by Lynn King their first meeting was on Oct. 2nd and featured a tour of Jericho Dredging’s Petaluma plant lead by owner Mitch Lind plus a river trip from downtown Petaluma to Lakeville in a Sea Scout boat piloted by Skipper Barry Thorson. Commentary on river issues was provided by Friend’s Dave Yearsley and Port Sonoma’s J.T. Wick.
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| Jericho docks by night (photo by Jane Tise) | David talks to Tomorrow’s Leaders Today |
Invasive Spartina eradicated on Sept. 14th:
Under a grant from the Coastal Conversancy Friends teamed up with the Invasive Spartina Project (ISP) — www.Spartina.org — to locate and DNA test suspected hybrid alien cord grass of the Spartina alterniflora variety. We then acquired permits and land owner permissions to chemically treat this environmentally damaging plant. Finally we hired a professional contractor to spray an approved mixture of herbicide on all the known infestations. This work was facilitated and carried out with the help of our excellent volunteer team which includes Marshall Fitzgerald, Bob Caruso, Andy Rodgers, and Dr. John Shribbs.
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| Spartina Alterniflora at upstream barge docks | Spraying invasive Spartina at Shollenberger Park |
Tours, tours, tours:
There are some excellent opportunities to get out in the watershed:
Redwood Landfill
Friends of the Petaluma River. is offering tours of The Petaluma River and San Antonio Creek to help inform people about threats posed by this regional dump that is situated in the marsh on the Marin / Sonoma county line.
Tours available:
Oct. 25 – 26 1:30 – 4 PM
Oct. 30 – 31 2 – 4:30 PM
Donations to Friends of the Petaluma River gratefully accepted.
Tours usually take 2 – 3 hours and include a variety of possibilities depending on time and tide. Six passengers maximum per tour. If you would like to sign up please respond with your preferences, options, and contacts to David@FriendsofthePetalumaRiver.org. or 707 763-7756.
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For more information about the Redwood Landfill, visit No Wetlands Landfill Expansion.
Dolphin Tours:
on Nov 10th and 11th the converted fishing trawler Delphinus will be once again be giving narrated river tours with 2 trips each day. The boat departs
and returns to the Petaluma turning basin. The cost remains $35/per. Children need to be at least 8 years of age. Call 800-472-9942 or 510-527-9622 for more information.
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Celebration Time: Come On!
Friends is delighted with our new home at the Petaluma Marina overlooking the River. We want to share our joy and celebrate our past year’s accomplishments with everyone.
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Join us for a year end celebration and house warming for our new HQ.
November 13th (Tuesday) 4:30 to 6:30 PM
755 Baywood Dr. # 190, Petaluma, Ca.
Treats and surprises:
· View our fantastic new video about the Petaluma River & Friends activities
· Get the 2nd edition of our “Milestones and Memories†brochure
· Enjoy free refreshments while viewing river vistas
· Meet and greet other Friends and river aficionados
· Learn about our exciting plans and programs
Please renew your membership:
“Friendsâ€, as a grassroots organization, is largely funded by the direct support of our members. We are currently in need of money to meet our monthly operating costs and to provide important community programs. Help us work for the River. Please renew your membership now and make a generous donation to Friends.
Please renew your membership now.
If you are not a member yet, please consider joining Friends.
We hope to see you on the water and in the community
Dave Yearsley – Friends of the Petaluma River
Celebrate & Conserve
