The Current
June 2022
Conservation

Stay safe on the San Joaquin River this summer
High water flows are expected in the San Joaquin River through at least August. The river might appear calm, but with higher flows, it is very cold and has a powerful current.

The San Joaquin River may look like a place to cool off when the temperature is high, but it is not safe for swimming, boating, or floating under current conditions.

For more information on how to be river-safe this summer please read the River Parkway Trust's recent press release.
Save the Date: June PRAC Meeting

Stay up to date on Measure P spending plans by attending the next Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission meeting on June 6, at 5:30 pm. During this meeting, the Commission will make recommendations for the Fiscal Year '23 City PARCS budget. These recommendations will be presented to City Council during the budget hearing process. PRAC meetings are held in person at Fresno City Hall or via Zoom.
Restoration really does work! 
The Trust’s restoration team has been working on invasive plant removal and treatments for many years. In the first photo taken in 2007, you can see that areas around our waterways were once an impenetrable forest of an invasive species called Sesbania punicea.

Sesbania punicea is an invasive plant that is poisonous to nearly all of our native wildlife, provides minimal habitat value, and its dense growth prohibited native plants from gaining ground. In the second photo taken 15 years later, we are now seeing a diverse array of beneficial native species where the Sesbania punicea once dominated.

Some of the native species you can see below are:
·       Narrow Leaf-Milkweed (which is a vital host plant for monarch butterflies)
·       Sandbar and Goodding's Willow (vital to riparian birds and other species)
·       Cottonwood Saplings
·       Mugwort (a species equally beneficial to humans and wildlife alike due to its medicinal qualities)

Invasive species management doesn't sound very exciting but it's a critical part of the work to restore habitat for local wildlife. Over time, this work has changed large swaths of the river corridor from silent monocultures to vibrant multi cultures that hum with life.
Education
Fall registration for the Outdoor Pre-K/ Kindergarten Program is OPEN!
The Spring session of the Young Explorers Enrichment Program was a blast! You won't want your little one to miss out this Fall!

The Program is open to youth ages 3.5 through those currently enrolled in Kindergarten as of the session start date. The Fall session runs for 15 weeks, and participants meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings. 

The Program is designed to supplement your child’s regular preschool or classroom learning through nature-based experiences. 

Our focus is on learning through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences using nature as the classroom; children are outside for the duration of each program day, and the environment is our teacher. The journey of each individual is unique, and activities and curriculum are based on the interests and curiosities of participants.


The Fall Session starts on August 30th!
Recreation
River Tours are back with a twist!
The River Parkway Trust invites you to join us for a calm water adventure in the morning or evening at Sycamore Island! These calm water trips are perfect for families or groups of friends. With a hike or nature walk included, you will get the FULL outdoor experience! Make sure to sign up today before the tours are full.
June Respite by the River:
Reading by Steven Church, Music by Bruce Honeyman
Thursday, June 16, 2022
The evening schedule is as follows: 

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Live dinner music by Bruce Honeyman, bring your dinner, lawn chair, or blanket 

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Reading by Steven Church with book sales and signing to follow
Three Perspectives Art Exhibit Reception
Friday, June 17, 2022, 6 pm- 8 pm
No charge to attend, pre-registration is required
Join the photographers as they travel together capturing the world’s beauty from three different perspectives. Newton Seiden, Joseph Hawkins, and Michael Goldring are friends and talented photographers who have taken many trips together but with styles so unique you won’t know they are standing in the same place.

During the reception, you'll enjoy appetizers by The Grazing Table Events with the artists. As well as live music by The Jazz Cru. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.
Blueberry U-Pick Season
May 15 - June 15
Friday – Monday, 8:30 am – 4 pm
Bring your friends and family to pick conventionally grown blueberries during the 2022 season through June 15th at Sumner Peck Ranch. With no advance registration required, you can fill your buckets to the brim, for just $3 per pound.