By City Manager Ken Striplin
The City of Santa Clarita is gearing up for our most environmentally friendly event: The River Rally and Environmental Expo. Every year, over a thousand dedicated residents come together to make a difference by cleaning up the Santa Clara Riverbed. This beloved annual tradition not only helps preserve our local environment but also serves as a wonderful platform for community connections and engagement.
Volunteer registration is now open for the 29th Annual River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo. Scheduled for Saturday, September 21, the event will take place at the William S. Hart Pony Baseball and Softball Complex, located at 23780 Auto Center Court. Participants will assist in cleaning trash and debris from the Santa Clara River and explore the Environmental Expo, which includes informative booths, discussions and interactive activities.
The River Rally presents a valuable opportunity for our residents to engage with the community and contribute to the preservation of our riverbed’s health. The Santa Clara River faces significant challenges due to the influx of debris channeled through the surrounding storm drain system. As litter from streets washes into the riverbed, it impacts the river’s overall health. Past River Rally events have revealed some interesting items, from shopping carts and basketball hoops to the more common bottles and cans.
To participate in this year’s River Rally, all volunteers must pre-register. Volunteers are required to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring your hat to shield yourself from the sun, and a reusable water bottle is essential for staying hydrated throughout the day.
Get to the River Rally location using an eco-friendly option. Consider carpooling, walking, using public transit or cycling to the William S. Hart Pony Baseball and Softball Complex. Enjoy the scenic trails along the way and if you choose to cycle, take advantage of the free bike valet service provided by Incycle, which will ensure your bike is secure while you participate in the event.
Don’t forget to take a stroll through the Environmental Expo while at the River Rally and discover how to protect our community. Explore nearly two dozen booths featuring insights from non-profits, community organizations and government agencies, offering valuable information on safeguarding our local watershed, pollution prevention and recycling. As you discover these educational resources, be sure to pick up exclusive River Rally hats and water bottles while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the arts and crafts station designed for kids, providing a fun, hands-on experience.
Learn more about the Santa Clara River, the River Rally and your role in maintaining a clean and green Santa Clarita by visiting GreenSantaClarita.com. For any questions regarding volunteer registration or general volunteering inquiries, please reach out to volunteers@santaclarita.gov. Your commitment is invaluable and we are excited to welcome you to the 29th 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.
