Volunteer at the 28th Annual River Rally Cleanup
By City Manager Ken Striplin
Each year, it is an incredible sight to see over a thousand Santa Clarita residents volunteer and devote their morning to enhancing the cleanliness and well-being of our City. This year marks the 28th Annual River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo, which has turned into a tradition for numerous families, neighborhoods and local organizations. This endeavor not only contributes to our local environment, but also provides an enjoyable and rewarding experience, as well as fostering new connections.
Registration is mandatory in order to take part in the River Rally Cleanup, which is coming up soon on Saturday, September 16 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. The event will take place at the Newhall Community Center (22421 Market Street), where there is easy access to the Santa Clara Riverbed.
Beyond being a valuable volunteering opportunity, the River Rally Cleanup holds great significance in preserving the riverbed. The Santa Clara River faces a notable challenge due to the debris entering through the surrounding storm drain system. The range of items cleaned up by our volunteers is astounding, from typical trash such as bottles, cans and plastic bags, to unexpected and more bulky items like shopping carts and even a basketball hoop.
To prepare for a morning filled with cleaning up the Santa Clara River, make sure to wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothes, as well as a hat and sunscreen to shield yourself from the heat. To make sure all volunteers are staying hydrated, a water refill station will be provided by SCV Water. Volunteers are urged to bring reusable water bottles from home to promote both hydration and waste reduction. Participants are also encouraged to make use of our extensive biking trails and cycle to the event. Incycle will also offer a free bicycle valet for the event’s duration, ensuring secure bike storage while volunteering.
Before or after your volunteer efforts, the Environmental Expo will be available inside the Newhall Community Center offering educational discussions and the opportunity to gain insight from multiple experts. Over two dozen booths will be on-site, featuring non-profits, community groups and governmental organizations, providing tips on conserving our local watershed, preventing pollution and recycling.
Our City volunteers are incredible and we hope to welcome back our regular participants as well as newcomers. The volunteer experience promises not only fulfillment, from contributing to keeping our riverbed clean, but also an engaging time with friends and family. Together, we can continue to positively impact the City by preserving the Santa Clara River and safeguarding its ecosystem for generations to come.
To learn more about the River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo and to pre-register, visit GreenSantaClarita.com. For inquiries regarding volunteer registration or volunteering within the City, reach out to volunteers@santaclarita.gov. We look forward to seeing you all at the 28th Annual River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
