Unfortunately canceled because of rain forecast…

On this next Saturday, April 9 (“Second Saturday”), the UU mile of the American River Parkway can benefit from some TLC by our crew. The very high waters have receded from the flooded areas and our sustained stretch of beautiful weather has encouraged much activity on the Parkway, so there should be plenty for us to do. As usual, we’ll meet and I’ll have trash bags for you between 8:45-9:00 AM in the parking lot at the west end of Northrop Avenue, next to the levee, near Panera off Howe Avenue. If this will be your first time to assist, I’ll get your contact info and brief you on our cleanup activity. We’ll clean up trash from the Parkway until 10:30 and rejoin at that time at the foot of the levee stairway for a quick photo of the results of our work. Coffee and conversation afterwards at Panera can add to the fun!

I’ve just learned that we’ll be helped out during the period of our cleanup by some of the members of “Runnin’ For Rhett” (http://www.runninforrhett.org/) which is a non-profit organization founded in memory of a young fellow who succumbed to cerebral palsy at a very early age. This group, which trains on Saturdays from out of our Northrop Avenue location, inspires youth and adults to “move into life” by encouraging and supporting fitness activities.

And… since last we met, there’s been a project to reduce invasive plant species on our mile. Jordan Powell, the Volunteer Coordinator for the American River Parkway Foundation led a crew of about 35 intrepid volunteers from SMUD, PG&E, and the Public Defender’s Office in the laudable task of rooting out blackberry, milk thistle, and other invasive plants. Jordan gave me a tour of the worksite including an area that still needs attention. If you’re up for a task that involves long sleeves and gloves, and would prefer that to picking up trash, some of us can attack the stand of milk thistle that Jordan is contemplating in the photo below. Those who take this on will be forgiven for later bragging about it…

Linda was playing the piano in the background as I wrote this piece. Her contemplative music only further enhances my appreciation and many thanks to you for the good things you do.

Dave

Invasive Milk Thistle On The UU Mile of the Parkway