All Volunteers Must Pre-Register by Friday, September 18
Volunteer registration is now open for the 31st Annual River Rally Clean-Up and Environmental Expo scheduled for Saturday, September 19, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. This year’s River Rally will be held at the Newhall Community Center (22421 Market Street), where volunteers will clean a portion of the Santa Clara riverbed east of Railroad Avenue.
The Santa Clara River, which runs through the Santa Clarita Valley, is one of the last natural, free-flowing river systems in Southern California. Its ample habitat supports a wide range of wildlife, including several fragile and endangered species. The annual River Rally event brings together approximately 1,200 volunteers yearly to help protect this important resource.
The River Rally is a perfect volunteer opportunity for individuals, families, clubs, scout troops and businesses to make a difference in the community. In addition to removing trash and debris from the riverbed, volunteers can sign up to help with logistics, including volunteer check-in, arts and crafts, glove distribution and line control. All interested volunteers, regardless of age, are required to pre-register online by visiting GreenSantaClarita.com by Friday, September 18.
All participants must wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing for picking up debris in the riverbed and are highly encouraged to wear sun protection such as sunscreen and a hat. Participants should plan to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, with the opportunity to visit an on-site water refill station, provided by SCV Water. Participants will receive a green, returnable bracelet during check-in, to be worn during the duration of the event. The bracelet must be returned in exchange for their giveaway item after time spent completing the riverbed cleanup.
Giveaways will be available to registered volunteers, while supplies last. In addition to a giveaway, volunteers can enjoy Starbucks coffee, a breakfast snack, FREE Italian Ice and more! Clean-up supplies such as gloves and trash bags will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own trash grabbers as well.
Volunteers are encouraged to walk or bike to the event, where a free bike valet service will be provided by Incycle. Alternatively, volunteers can ride the local bus transit system for FREE all day on September 19. A promotional code for a free transit day pass and instructions will be sent in your confirmation email before the event. Participants should also take advantage of the Environmental Expo to explore non-profits, community groups and organizations offering tips on preserving the City’s local watershed, pollution prevention, sustainability efforts, recycling and more. For safety reasons, pets are not allowed at this event.
For more information on the 31st Annual River Rally and Environmental Expo or to register, please visit GreenSantaClarita.com or call (661) 286-4098.
