Preserving the Santa Clara River and its tributary, the Newhall Creek has been a community effort since 1994, when the city of Santa Clarita held the first River Rally.

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This year, the 19th annual River River Rally Clean-up and Environmental Expo will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 8 to 11:00 a.m. at the Newhall Community Center on Market Street.

“River Rally is a great opportunity for clubs, organizations, students, scout troops and families to volunteer and help preserve the beauty of the Santa Clara River and the diverse wildlife that inhabit it,” said Mayor Bob Kellar. “Since 1994, volunteers have helped remove more than 377,000 pounds of trash from the riverbed and its tributaries as part of River Rally, and I know this year will be one of our best yet.”

All participating volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes, appropriate clothing for walking in the riverbed and plenty of sunscreen. Gloves, collection bags and refreshments will be provided to participants, and the first 1,400 volunteers will receive a commemorative giveaway.  

In addition to the River Rally Clean-up, an Environmental Expo will feature different ways individuals can help protect and preserve the environment.  Attendees can gather information about recycling, air quality, pollution prevention, water quality, open space preservation and wildlife conservation programs in Santa Clarita.  

River Rally Clean-up annually brings together thousands of Santa Clarita residents. Almost half of the Santa Clarita Valley’s water supply comes through the Santa Clara River, which is home to 14 endangered bird species, six endangered plant species, 57 archeological sites and 12 historical landmarks.

Organizations and community volunteers must pre-register in order to participate. Learn more and sign up on the GreenSantaClarita.com website or by calling the River Rally hotline at 661-284-1415. The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 13.

Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.

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Source: Santa Clarita News
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