For Immediate Release
April 17, 2006

Contact: David Yearsley
707-763-7756
friends@friendsofthepetalumariver.org

Friends of the Petaluma River Launched to Celebrate and Conserve the Petaluma Watershed

New non-profit organization to work for the betterment of the Petaluma River by providing access, education and stewardship

Petaluma, CA– Friends of the Petaluma River , a new non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and conserving the Petaluma River , its wetlands and wildlife celebrated its official launch this month.

Founded and led by David Yearsley, a local conservationist and avid outdoorsman, Friends of The Petaluma River will work on the water and in the community to provide recreational activities, educational materials and conservation programs to benefit the river. Among the organization's goals are establishing a fulltime presence in the watershed, engaging in activities that will reduce or prevent pollution, pursuing educational activities, and establishment of a River Heritage Center.

“I saw a need for a community resource to connect people to the river,” said David Yearsley, Founder and Executive Director of the Friends of the Petaluma River . “In my role as Riverkeeper, when I addressed groups of people I usually asked how many had actually been out on the river. Usually few people raised their hands; often it was less than 10%. By getting folks out on the water to experience the estuary's many wonders, Friends of the Petaluma River hopes to foster understanding, appreciation, and protection of this natural treasure.”

Recent recipient of a $2000 grant from the Northern California Grassroots fund, the new non-profit has attracted wide spread support from people who want to see the Petaluma estuary flourish. Founding board members include Petaluma community leaders Grant Davis , John Shribbs , Andrew Packard , and Elizabeth Howland.

For the past eight years David Yearsley has been one of the regions leading advocates for the river. His accomplishments include serving as The Petaluma Riverkeeper, organizing river clean-ups, conducting educational tours, and advocating for protection of the Petaluma Estuary. In 2001 he helped form the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance, successfully campaigning to include constructed wetlands and environmental art as part of Petaluma 's new water treatment facility. Yearsley continues to work with diverse groups and agencies to promote understanding and foster improvement of the Petaluma Watershed.

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Founded in 2006, Friends of the Petaluma River is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to celebrating and conserving the Petaluma River , its wetlands and wildlife. More information, including how to become a member, planned programs and upcoming events can be found at www.friendsofthepetalumariver.org , via email at friends@friendsofthepetalumariver.org or by calling 707-763-7756