VOLUNTEER NEWS
January 2020
Annual Rose Pruning Party  
Saturday, January 11, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Michael Harman, Fresno Master Gardener, will again offer instruction and supervision. Join us to learn how to properly prune roses during dormancy. Bring clippers and gloves (leather is best in mean roses) if you have them. Some tools and gloves will be available. 

A hearty soup will be served after rose pruning.

We hope to see you for this fun workday. Your help in maintaining the lovely River Center grounds is greatly appreciated! 

For more information please contact Sarah Parkes at 559-248-8480 ext. 107 or by email at [email protected] .
River Center Docent Orientation
Saturday, January 18, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Are you interested in our local natural or cultural history? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Are you looking for a new opportunity to become involved in the community? The River Center Docent program may be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. 

We're hosting a River Center Docent program orientation on Saturday, January 18. This activity will be hosted by Lead Docent, Ellen Hemink. You'll enjoy stories about the early history of Riverview Ranch and Ellen will give you a special tour of the restored 1890s Ranch House. We'll provide an overview of the River Center Docent volunteer opportunities in the Ranch House or River Store. This orientation is designed to give you a deeper understanding of River Center Docent program to see if it is a good fit for you. 

Our wonderful team of River Center Docents help keep the River Center open for public enjoyment on weekends. We'd love to have you join the fun. 

Please contact Sarah Parkes at [email protected] or 559-248-8480 ext. 107 if you have any questions or need any additional information. 
Parking Volunteers Needed For Sycamore Island 10K/5K Race
Sunday, January 26, 6:30 am - 8:00 am
The 4th Annual Sycamore Island 10k/5k race will be held on Sunday, January 26. We are recruiting volunteers to help manage parking for the race.

Volunteers will help direct traffic, manage the parking area, and provide basic info for race participants. All parking volunteers will be required to wear a reflective safety vest.

This race helps introduce residents to the wonders found at Sycamore Island. Your support as a volunteer will help make the race a success. 

For more information contact Sarah Parkes at [email protected] or 559-248-8480 ext. 107.
Education Docent Training - 1st through 5th-grade field trips
Monday, January 27, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us run our River Field Trip Education Programs. If you’re interested in bringing youth together with nature by becoming an Education Docent, join us at this training to learn more about our upcoming field trip programs!

This training introduces Education Docents to the various educational programs offered by the River Parkway Trust and prepares them to lead field trips at the River Center and Lost Lake Park. Field trips are typically 1 st -5 th  grades, and take place between 9 am- 1 pm on weekdays.

Topics will include:
  • Brief program overview and orientation
  • Leading a field trip and group management
  • Demonstrations of field trip activities
  • How to set up a field trip
  • Leading a nature walk

Please dress appropriately and be prepared to spend the morning outdoors. Light snacks will be provided.


Contact the Trust's Program Director Molly Schnur-Salimbene at 559-248-8480 ext. 104 or [email protected] for more information. 
We have a variety of opportunities for helpful people with time to contribute. Check our website for other ways to get involved.