The Current
December 2021
The River Center and River Parkway Trust office will be closed for the holidays on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.
Conservation

San Joaquin River Restoration Program Resumes Restoration Flows
In case you missed it, "The Restoration Administrator for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program has announced the resumption of Restoration Flows on the San Joaquin River.

"Starting November 22, releases from Friant Dam will increase and gradually result in higher flows downstream of Gravelly Ford. Many sections of the San Joaquin River are currently dry and will become rewetted and flowing over the next few weeks to months.

After months of low flows due to drought, it may be tempting to underestimate the power of the river and the effects of cold water. The public is encouraged to monitor flow conditions if recreating on or near the San Joaquin River as releases from Friant Dam and storm runoff may raise river levels quickly. Please use caution.

Friant Dam releases of 230 to 300 CFS over the summer have maintained Chinook salmon habitat and spawning conditions in the section of river between Friant Dam and Highway 99. Fisheries scientists have so far found 32 redds (fish nests with eggs) below Friant Dam and juvenile salmon fry have just begun to emerge from those redds. 2021 marks the sixth consecutive year of successful salmon spawning below Friant Dam."
Gardening Angels Day
Saturday, December 11, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join us for a morning in River Center's gardens. Gardening Angels is a fun opportunity to spend time with experienced gardeners while enjoying a peaceful morning in the outdoors.
River Stewards Day
Saturday, December 18, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
We need your help to fight the spread of invasive species! Invasive plants such as scarlet wisteria harm the local ecosystem, block recreation access and crowd out important native tree species that provide habitat for native wildlife. This invasive plant removal volunteer day is at Sycamore Island from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Volunteers will have free access to Sycamore Island during and after the event. Ages 10 and up are welcome to attend.
Save the date for the December PARCS meeting.
This meeting is hybrid, in-person, and electronically. You are invited to attend in person at Fresno City Hall in the Council Chambers or join the Zoom meeting.

Commission agenda and other supporting documents are posted on the City of Fresno website.
Education
NEW! Young Explorers Pre-K and K Enrichment Program

The River Parkway Trust is excited to announce the launch of our school year Young Explorers Pre-K and K Enrichment Program in the spring of 2022!

This program is an extension of our Young Explorers summer program, focusing on learning through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences using nature as our classroom. It is designed to supplement your child's regular classroom or preschool learning environment with a nature-based experience. Curriculum and activities are STEM, emergent play, and inquiry-based to promote inner-directed learning and foster a healthy sense of self.

The Young Explorers Enrichment Program is open to youth ages 3.5 through those currently enrolled in Kindergarten as of the session start date. Each session lasts six weeks, and participants meet Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during that session.
Recreation
Family Friendly December Nature Walk
Saturday, December 18 - 9:00 am at Owl Hollow
We invite you to come out and explore the wild and wonderful natural world of the San Joaquin River Parkway.  Along the way, you'll hear bird songs, the sounds of the river and breeze, and feel a sense of peace and respite that time spent in nature can provide.
Saturday Morning Bald Eagle Canoe Tours
Photo by George Folsom
Join us for a morning of guided canoeing and Bald Eagle observations at Millerton Lake! Perfect for first-time paddlers and novice birders, you will learn basic paddling skills and practice your observation skills on this four-hour tour.

December Tour Dates:
Saturday, December 11 - 8:30 am
Saturday, December 18 - 8:30 am

Space is limited, reserve your space today!
New Year's with the Eagles Walk
Join us on Saturday, January 1 at 9 am to celebrate the new year with a morning observing the migrating bald eagles. Each winter, eagles overwinter along the shores of Millerton Reservoir. Join us for a free, easy 2-mile hike to view these magnificent birds.
Holiday Shopping at the River Center!
The River Store is fully stocked with the perfect gifts for the nature enthusiast in your life!
With items for children and adults, there is sure to be a perfect gift for everyone on your list. And you can feel great knowing your purchase supports the River Parkway Trust.

The River Store is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am - 3 pm at the River Center. (11605 Old Friant Road, Fresno, CA 93730)
Give the gift of River Tours or River Camp!
Surprise the special child in your life by sending them to camp. Or give your friend the experience of kayaking down the river with a River Tours certificate!