We’re excited to announce the second episode of “Discover the Parkway” is now available to watch on our YouTube channel. “Discover the Parkway” is a new four-part TV series about the American River Parkway. The first episode explores the creation of the Sacramento region and the American River Parkway and features local celebrities like Karl Bly, the renown treasure hunter of American River Lost & Found, photographer Lewis Kemper, and more. The second episode explores a few of our events and programs, including the American River Burger Battle, Run the Parkway, and Parkway CONNECT featuring Hooked on Fishing and Single Mom Strong. This series was made possible in partnership with John Christensen of Sacramento Media Center and funded by the Sacramento Metro Cable Commission. Watch episode 2 on YouTube here.
We’re excited to announce the first episode of “Discover the Parkway” is now available to watch on our YouTube channel. “Discover the Parkway” is a new four-part TV series about the American River Parkway. The first episode explores the creation of the Sacramento region and the American River Parkway and features local celebrities like Karl Bly, the renown treasure hunter of American River Lost & Found, photographer Lewis Kemper, and more! This series was made possible in partnership with John Christensen of Sacramento Media Center and funded by the Sacramento Metro Cable Commission. Watch episode 1 on YouTube here.
What if we told you only about 10% of Sacramento County residents recognize the Parkway as a connected 23-mile resource? In this episode of The NonProfit Podcast Network, host Jeff Holden sits down with Dianna Poggetto, Executive Director of the American River Parkway Foundation, to talk about what it really takes to protect 4,800 acres of open space that sit just minutes from our homes. The two cover: The 15,000+ volunteer hours that keep the Parkway clean and accessible What happens when 88,000 cubic feet per second of water roars through the river Why the Parkway is first and foremost a flood conveyance zone How Title I students are experiencing the river for the first time The Afghan families, cyclists, runners, artists, and seniors who all share this space Two major community events: Summer Solstice and the American River Burger Battle Why growing awareness beyond that 10% is critical for the Parkway’s future What struck host Jeff Holden the most is Diana’s phrase: “The Parkway isn’t just a ‘sense of place.’ It’s a sense of space.” It’s free. It’s accessible. And it unites Sacramento across cities, cultures, and generations. If you care about open space, equity in access to nature, volunteerism, or simply protecting what makes Sacramento special — this conversation is for you. Listen to the full podcast here.
Thinking about volunteering at Spring Clean-Up this April? It’s the perfect way to show your appreciation for the American River Parkway during Earth Month! Join us on Saturday, April 18th from 9 am to 12 pm to remove trash, pull invasive plants, and beautify the American River Parkway. If all that’s not enough to convince you, we chatted with Carol Metz, a longtime Mile Steward and a Spring Clean-Up Site Co-Captain, who shared why volunteering on the Parkway is more than just the typical volunteer experience. “Everyone should get involved! You get way more out of volunteering than you give,” Carol told the ARPF. “The American River Parkway is one of the greatest natural resources Sacramento has, so to be part of conserving it is special. I never regret the time I spend out here. It reminds me of what’s really important.” For the last twenty years, Carol has volunteered as a Mile Steward with the ARPF. In the last few years, she’s served as a Spring Clean-Up Site Co-Captain with Trish Caldwell, Adele Kruger, and Erin Drinkwater at the Sunrise Recreation Area. “I couldn’t imagine volunteering without Trish, Adele, and Erin. They make it so much fun. Through volunteering, you meet so many people with the same mindset as you who want to conserve this natural resource,” Carol shared. “There are so many benefits to the community taking responsibility of conserving the Parkway. Spending time out on the Parkway, you get to see those benefits in action. Spring Clean-Up especially brings out schools, families, and individuals who all want to do their part. It’s neat to see.” Carol’s love for the Parkway first began when she was a child. As Carmichael locals, her family spent weekends running, biking, and fishing along the American River. When Carol became a teacher with the San Juan School District, she found a new passion for introducing the next generation to the Parkway. “I was a teacher for twenty-five years, and I loved using the Parkway as a teaching tool. So many of our students didn’t know they had access to this natural resource in their own backyard. The field trips started as clean-ups and then afterward we would study the ecosystem, wildlife, water ways, and more. The students really loved it,” Carol said. “Every day, we’re filled with sensory overload that doesn’t highlight the natural beauty around us. But when you’re on the Parkway, it clears your head and makes you appreciate the peacefulness of being in nature.” It was also while out on the Parkway that Carol fell in love, meeting her husband while biking along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail. “I was doing a ride with some friends and noticed a man biking solo. We asked him to join us, and now we’re married,” Carol laughed. “We spend a lot of time riding our bikes together. The trail is a great place to get to know people.” Whether you’re looking to get to know new friends or your future partner, the… Continue reading Volunteer at Spring Clean-Up with Carol Metz
Thinking about volunteering with the American River Parkway Foundation in 2026? Each month, we’re highlighting one of our many volunteers to show you why that might just be the best idea you’ll have all year. First up is Erin Drinkwater, who’s volunteered as a Mile Steward for the last five years. “I love the American River Parkway because it is a true gem in the Sacramento area that brings people together through nature, recreation, and shared stewardship,” Erin tells the ARPF. “It’s a place where community is built, whether you’re walking the trails, volunteering, or simply enjoying the river. It creates a strong sense of connection and belonging.” Erin has served as a Volunteer Mile Steward for five years, but she first got involved with the ARPF because of her sister and fellow Mile Steward, Annie, who regularly invited Erin to river clean-ups. After ten years of volunteering alongside her sister, Erin decided to become a Mile Steward herself. Today, she hosts her own clean-up events and volunteers at the ARPF’s Spring Clean-Up and Great American River Clean-Up (GARCU). “I continue to volunteer to set an example for my five-year-old daughter,” Erin says before reminiscing on some of her favorite volunteer memories. “During GARCU 2024, I served as the captain at Sailor Bar. The entire Bella Vista Wrestling team, along with their coaches, showed up to volunteer. I remember feeling overwhelmed at first, but the group was incredible, which quickly made the experience both easy and fun. High school students are always enjoyable to host, but when you bring together a team of athletes, you truly get to see teamwork in action.” Erin’s passion for volunteering began in college when she took a Recreation/Leisure Studies class. Part of the class requirement was a trash pick-up field trip. “I was pleasantly surprised by how much I bonded with my classmates,” Erin says. This sense of connection and community is something Erin continues to find as a volunteer with the ARPF. “At last year’s Spring Clean-Up, I was teamed with Trish, Carol, and Adele, three women I had never met before. I honestly can’t remember a time when I had more fun volunteering. They were welcoming, respectful, kind, funny, and open to my ideas and help. The four of us worked seamlessly together. I learned so much that day, not just about the work, but from those three women themselves. Meeting such incredible people through volunteering and feeling that sense of belonging is truly special.” When asked what Erin would tell someone who’s thinking about volunteering, she doesn’t hesitate: “Don’t wait, act now. The only thing you’ll regret is not doing it sooner. It’s a great way to meet new people, build connections, and simply get outside to enjoy the fresh air. Volunteering lets you see the impact of your efforts firsthand and leaves you feeling good about the difference you’re making.” The American River Parkway Foundation depends on the support of thousands of volunteers and hundreds of businesses and organizations annually… Continue reading Volunteer as a Mile Steward with Erin Drinkwater
