Category: News

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

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.