The River Parkway Trust has adapted our traditional River Field Trip program to a new virtual format. More than 70 local classrooms have participated in the new Virtual River Field Trip program during the last three months.

With the beautiful River Center landscapes in the background, students learned about the local river ecosystems through engaging pre-recorded and live presentations. The River Parkway Trust has created content for 1st through 4th grades, and we are working on expanding the program to local 5th and 6th-grade classrooms.

Spring dates will be available soon. Click here for more information.

Over the last three years, the River Parkway Trust has worked to implement the third phase of habitat enhancement at Jensen River Ranch. In partnership with the San Joaquin River Conservancy, Trust staff, volunteers, and conservation corps members installed an irrigation system and replanted 20-acres with native trees, grasses, and shrubs.

The project was designed to provide habitat for listed species including Swainson's hawk and valley elderberry longhorn beetle. In 2019, a pair of Swainson's hawks nested approximately 1/2 a mile away from the project site. The River Parkway Trust set out to achieve a 75% plant survival rate. The Trust's project manager Jake Salimbene reports that a recent plant survey of the project shows a 90% survival rate. This remarkable survival rate was achieved through appropriate plant caging, mulching to suppress weeds, irrigation maintenance, and seasonal mowing.

The River Parkway Trust works to implement habitat enhancement projects that will become self-sustaining within a 3 to 4-year timeframe. Phase 3 of habitat enhancement at Jensen River Ranch will be complete in March 2021.

Next time you take a walk on the Eaton Trail or down on the Jensen River Ranch property, be sure to take a look at the healthy plants that are providing habitat for wildlife.

Annual passes for the 2021 season at Sycamore Island are now available for purchase online. An annual pass makes a great holiday gift for the angler, wildlife watcher, cyclist, or hiker in your life. Click on the button to purchase an annual pass today.

For more information about the property, visit our Sycamore Island webpage or follow us on Facebook.

Are you still looking for the perfect gift for someone on your holiday list? We have great news, the River Store is now available online. Finish up your holiday shopping from the comfort of your own home at https://store.riverparkway.org.

The online River Store features Margaret Hudson sculptures, books, garden items, and River Parkway Trust apparel.

All purchases made on the site before Friday's at 12:00 pm will be available for pickup on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

We're also offering special hours during the week of Christmas for last-minute gifts. Online order pick-up will be available on Wednesday, December 23 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Orders must be placed by 10:00 am on 12/23.

Please contact Bryna De Fede at bdefede@riverparkway.org or call 559-248-8480 if you have any questions about the online River Store.

The River Parkway Trust would like to thank the East Fresno Rotary Club for supporting the installation of a new bike maintenance station at the River Center. The Bike Fix-It station includes a heavy-duty air pump and a variety of basic tools for common bike maintenance needs.

The new station is located near the River Center segment of the Lewis S. Eaton Trail, approximately 1/4 mile from the trail entrance gate at Friant Road.

Hundreds of cyclists visit the River Center annually. We are so grateful to East Fresno Rotary for supporting this project to help our two-wheeled visitors make repairs to keep the ride going.

For more information about East Fresno Rotary click here.

Thank you to everyone who has made a year-end contribution to the River Parkway Trust. You are helping the Trust continue to adapt to our changing environment and ensure the future of our core programs in conservation, education, and recreation.

If you haven't made a year-end contribution, please consider donating right away. Your gift will impact the open space landscapes where people are getting outside to care for their well-being. Your gift will also support the programs and services that keep people of all ages connected to the wild world of the San Joaquin River Parkway.

If you have any questions about making a year-end contribution, please contact Sarah Parkes, Development Director, at sparkes@riverparkway.org, or by calling 559-248-8480 ext. 107.