The Santa Clara River is a part of the City of Santa Clarita in more ways than one. While providing a home to many species of plants and animals, the river also annually brings together thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to ridding it of trash and debris. 2010 marks the 16th year of the City’s River Rally Clean-up and Environmental Expo.
This event will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. It will take place in Canyon Country, behind the Soledad Shopping Center at 18386 Soledad Canyon Road. The river clean-up will involve removing trash from the Santa Clara River, one of the last natural, wild rivers in Southern California.
Since 1994, the City of Santa Clarita has hosted the annual River Rally Clean Up, which attracts thousands of Santa Clarita residents who volunteer and participate. To date, more than 294,000 pounds of trash and debris from the Santa Clarita River and its tributaries have been removed.
The City of Santa Clarita’s River Rally Clean-up is an excellent volunteer experience for clubs, organizations, students, scout troops, and entire families to help preserve our local Santa Clara River’s natural beauty and variety of wildlife. Volunteers of all ages are welcome
Participants will be provided gloves, collection bags, and refreshments. The first 1,200 volunteers will receive a commemorative giveaway. In addition to the river clean-up, an Environmental Expo will be held where visitors can learn about recycling, air quality, pollution prevention, water quality, open space preservation, and wildlife conservation. The Expo will feature more than twenty exhibitors and sponsors.
Don’t forget to ride your bike to River Rally. The Santa Clara River Trail runs right by the clean up location. Let us watch your bike while you participate. This free bike valet service will be provided courtesy of the City of Santa Clarita.
The Santa Clara River’s hundred miles of water runs straight through the heart of Santa Clarita, from Acton to the Pacific Ocean. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, the Santa Clara River is the largest river system in southern California that remains in a relatively natural state.
The river is home to several rare species, including the unarmored three spine stickleback and tidewater goby, both small fish. The estuary is also home to the western snowy plover and the least tern, both small birds, all federally listed as endangered species.
In total, fourteen bird species and six plant species residing in or near the river are listed as endangered or of special concern. It is important for us, as residents of Santa Clarita, to preserve the quality and well-being of the Santa Clara River to ensure a long and continued life for these endangered animals. In addition, the river contains 57 archeological sites and 12 historical landmarks that are additionally precious.
Pets are not permitted on site during the River Rally Clean-up event.
For more information on River Rally, go to www.greensantaclarita.com contact the City’s Environmental Services Division at 661-286-4098, or send e-mail to environment@santa-clarita.com.