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The American River Parkway Foundation’s second largest clean-up of the year focused on eight locations along the American River Parkway   SACRAMENTO, Calif. – More than 400 volunteers removed over 13,450 pounds of trash and debris from the American River Parkway (Parkway) during the American River Parkway Foundation’s (Parkway Foundation) Spring Clean-Up on Saturday, April 23. That’s more than 33 pounds per volunteer.   Spring Clean-Up is the Parkway Foundation’s second largest clean-up of the year and took place at eight locations along the Parkway this year, including: Discovery Park, Northgate Parkway Access, Cal Expo Parkway Access, Northrop Parkway Access, Howe Avenue River Access, Watt Avenue River Access, River Bend Park and the Upper Sunrise Recreation Area. This is the first time the clean-up has been held since 2019.   “We love and appreciate our volunteers. These are families and involved community members that are giving up part of their Saturday to help us conserve the American River Parkway,” said Dianna Poggetto, Parkway Foundation Executive Director. “We would not be able to make the impact we do without their dedication.”   Some of the most interesting items found during the clean-up: The Sacramento Bee newspaper dispenser Unicycle Toy gun Plastic barrel Shopping carts Electric scooters   In addition to Spring Clean-Up, the Parkway Foundation hosts the Great American River Clean Up. This event takes place along all 23 miles of the Parkway and will be on September 17 this year. These large clean-ups are complemented by smaller group clean-ups the Parkway Foundation hosts year-round to form the Parkway Foundation’s Clean-Up Program. Last year, more than 138,000 pounds of trash were removed by Parkway Foundation volunteers through this program.   More details about Parkway Foundation programs can be found at www.ARPF.org/Programs   About the American River Parkway Foundation The American River Parkway Foundation (Parkway Foundation) is the only nonprofit organization focused on active conservation of all 23 miles of the American River Parkway (Parkway). Through managing programs like volunteer clean-ups, infrastructure improvements, trail maintenance, fire mitigation and education, the Parkway Foundation leads and inspires the community to conserve and nurture the Parkway as a unique, accessible resource for everyone to enjoy. Learn more at www.ARPF.org.   — ### — Continue Reading

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 18, 2022   American River Parkway Foundation Launches the #LoveTheParkway Campaign Campaign will highlight the benefits of the Parkway and how the community can play a role in its stewardship SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The American River Parkway Foundation (Parkway Foundation) announced today it launched the #LoveTheParkway Campaign (#LoveTheParkway) to engage the community in the stewardship of the American River Parkway (Parkway) and encourage the community to explore the Parkway and discover all of the benefits it has to offer. #LoveTheParkway will be woven into all aspects of the Parkway Foundation, including; social media, newsletter communications, education on trail etiquette, programs, advocacy and merchandise. “The #LoveTheParkway Campaign promotes the American River Parkway as an open resource for everyone to connect with nature right here in the middle of the urban core,” said Dianna Poggetto, the Parkway Foundation’s Executive Director. “There is no other park like it in the country and we want to ensure that visitors have a wonderful experience.” The community and visitors can get involved in #LoveTheParkway by including the hashtag in social media posts about the Parkway. They can also submit testimonials about what the Parkway means to them by emailing info@arpf.org or posting on social media using #LoveTheParkway. The Greater Sacramento Region and beyond can financially support the Parkway through donations to the Parkway Foundation and by buying merchandise. Proceeds are invested into Parkway Foundation programs that directly benefit the Parkway. Information can be found at www.ARPF.org. “The Parkway Foundation focuses on conservation of the Parkway through clean-ups, trail maintenance, infrastructure improvements, invasive plant removal, fire mitigation, education on trail etiquette, and outdoor education. We wouldn’t be able to complete our work without the tremendous support of our thousands of volunteers,” said Poggetto. The Parkway stretches 23 miles along the American River from the confluence with the Sacramento River up to Nimbus Dam. It is 4,800 acres in size and contains a diversity of habitats that are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, coyotes, bobcats, snakes and even the occasional mountain lion. The Parkway also serves as a source for recreation, which is why the Lower American River was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. Every year, 5-8 million people visit the Parkway to run, hike, cycle, ride horses, kayak, float, bird watch and more. “The Parkway is more than just a park. It’s everyone’s backyard. We appreciate the love the Sacramento region has for this urban jewel and are committed to its stewardship,” said Poggetto. About the American River Parkway Foundation The American River Parkway Foundation (Parkway Foundation) is the only nonprofit organization focused on conservation of all 23 miles of the American River Parkway (Parkway). Through managing programs like volunteer clean-ups, infrastructure improvements, trail maintenance, fire mitigation and education, the Parkway Foundation leads and inspires the community to conserve and nurture the Parkway as a unique, accessible resource for everyone to enjoy. Learn more at www.ARPF.org. — ### — Continue Reading

The American River Parkway is more than just another park. It’s everyone’s backyard. Stretching 23 miles from the Sacramento River to Hazel Avenue, the Parkway allows everyone to connect with nature without leaving the urban core. It’s the home to a variety of wildlife, flora and fauna, is made up of diverse habitats and provides multiple opportunities for recreation. There is no other park like it in the country. The American River Parkway Foundation launched the #LoveTheParkway Campaign to engage the community in the stewardship of this precious resource and encourage the community to get out and explore the Parkway. We will integrate the messaging into everything we do, including; social media, newsletter communications, education on trail etiquette, programs, advocacy and merchandise. This is a great opportunity for you to show your love for the Parkway as well.   We Want You to Get Involved Use #LoveTheParkway and follow us on social media. Whenever you post about the Parkway on social media, include #LoveTheParkway. We love to see how you’re using this resource and what it means to you. This will spread the love to the rest of the Sacramento community. Make sure you’re also following us on social media. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and LinkedIn. Share your stories about the Parkway. We want to collect stories from different users about their experiences on the Parkway and find out what the Parkway means to them. These stories will be shared on social media and in our newsletter. Share stories by posting on social media using #LoveTheParkway or by emailing them to info@arpf.org. Use these prompts to help develop your story: I love the Parkway because… The Parkway is special to me because… My favorite thing to do on the Parkway is… My favorite memory from the Parkway is… Donate to the American River Parkway Foundation. We will hold mini fundraising drives throughout the campaign that you can participate in. Keep an eye on social media for updates. If you don’t want to wait for a drive, you can donate online by clicking the donate button on the top of this web page. Donations support conservation of the Parkway through our programs. Buy our merchandise. We have t-shirts, mugs, hats and more for sale. Keep an eye on our channels for the latest. You can also click Shop in the top menu to see what other gear we have for you. We appreciate the love the Sacramento region has for this urban jewel and are committed to its stewardship. We look forward to demonstrating that promise through this campaign. Want more details about the #LoveTheParkway campaign? See the press release.   Stories Diana and Dave Hansen My family raised me to love the American River Parkway! I knew when I met a fellow river rat, it was meant to be! We grew up separately enjoying the parkway in many different ways, but after 14 years together, we found that rafting is our happy time. We like to put in at Continue Reading

Thank you to everyone who helped with the push of our local leaders to develop a plan for removing illegal campers from the American River Parkway by March 31, including the Sacramento Coalition to End Homelessness for adopting the timeline. This topic has gained momentum in our discussions with local stakeholders about how this ties into the larger issue of homelessness in Sacramento County and how we can work together to develop solutions. So far the American River Parkway Foundation has received a response from the County of Sacramento, but no plan. And the City of Sacramento has not responded. We’re not done yet. Even though the March 31 deadline has passed, this issue is too important to let go. We will continue to grow the Foundation’s Voice of the Parkway Coalition and rely on its members to support our messaging to local leaders. We are also increasing our work with nontraditional stakeholders along with local businesses and corporations to apply unified pressure on our local leaders. Our message remains that the County of Sacramento and City of Sacramento need to stop blaming each other and work together on this issue. If they don’t, it will only continue to worsen and our communities, businesses and local parks will pay the price. Continue Reading

Since the submission of our Demand Letter, the American River Parkway Foundation has had ongoing conversations with local leaders as well as regional stakeholders to discuss the larger issue of homelessness in Sacramento County, how it ties into illegal camping on the Parkway and how we can all push for solutions. The Foundation appreciates everyone who has taken the time to meet with us and to the Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness for adopting our March 31 deadline. The common theme we’ve heard in our discussions continues to be the inability of the County of Sacramento and City of Sacramento to work together on the largest issue affecting this region. Only with this cooperation can we develop a plan that removes illegal campers from the Parkway and into the services they need and deserve. We will continue to meet with local stakeholders and discuss our ongoing push for solutions together. Want to join us? Sign up for our Voice of the Parkway Coalition. Continue Reading