Hundreds of volunteers will head out to more than 20 locations along the American River in the Sacramento area this month for a major cleanup effort. The Great American River Clean-Up is organized by the American River Parkway Foundation, a nonprofit group focused on the conservation of a 23-mile stretch of the American River Parkway. The cleanup will be on Saturday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at around two dozen areas from the Nimbus Fish Hatchery to Discovery Park. In past years, cleanup efforts have helped remove thousands of pounds of litter and large items from along the American River Parkway, which receives around 5 million visitors annually, according to the foundation. See the full report.
The American River Parkway Foundation is hosting its 20th annual cycling event, American River Bike Fest slated for Saturday, September 9. This family-friendly community event encourages Sacramento area residents to get to know the Parkway through cycling the 23-mile trail, participating in one of the nature walking tours, visit with local vendors and businesses, or have a picnic in the park while enjoying the festivities. There will be multiple rest stops along the way, sponsored by local businesses- where riders can stop for services, information, and refreshments. There are multiple routes for participants to choose from, based on their experience level. See the full report.
Preventing harmful impacts of non-native plants and animals protects the biodiversity of California — home to more species than any other state in the union. California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW), Saturday, June 1, through Sunday, June 9, 2024, educates and calls for the public to take action to guard California’s natural resources, ecology and economy. CDFW Invasive Species Program scientist Daydre Roser urges all Californians to get involved as “invasive species reduce the biodiversity that is so important to our landscape.” See the full report.
Focus on zero carbon workforce development, STEM education, healthier environments and clean energy Twenty-nine local nonprofit organizations will benefit from more than $580,000 in funding from SMUD’s annual Shine program. The Shine program, now in its 7th year, is supporting nonprofit programs that engage communities across SMUD’s service area in an equitable transition to a clean energy future. Local nonprofit leaders gather to celebrate SMUD’s 7th Annual Shine Awards. This year’s projects will increase access to clean energy/STEM education and support environmental justice and equity, zero carbon workforce development, habitat restoration and increased tree canopy, energy efficiency and electrification for nonprofits, inclusive economic development, youth entrepreneur development and job readiness programs and trainings for under-resourced community members. See the full report.
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously yesterday to approve the American River Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP). The goal of the NRMP is to provide relevant and defensible information to the Parkway Managers so that they can make informed decisions for managing, maintaining and enhancing Parkway resources. In general, the NRMP provides a clear understanding of existing Parkway resources, the effects of disturbances such as flood, fire, invasive species and human impacts, as well as opportunities for protection and enhancements. “We are so excited to get to work implementing the American River Natural Resource Management Plan,” said Liz Bellas, Director of Regional Parks. “This plan includes 65 site-specific projects, and we expect to get started on 12 of them within the first 10 years, including establishing low-growing native vegetation under power lines in the Discovery, Woodlake, Cal Expo, and Watt areas of the Parkway; developing a conceptual naturalization plan for a stormwater runoff channel at Woodlake; developing a wildfire rehabilitation plan; and establishing a community science program.” See the full report.
