The Santa Clara River is the largest river system in Southern California that remains in a relatively natural state, and in an effort to preserve this resource, the City of Santa Clarita will host the 19^th annual River Rally Clean-up and Environmental Expo on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  The event will take place at the Newhall Community Center, located at 22421 Market Street.  The river clean-up will involve removing trash from Newhall Creek, which is a tributary of the river running straight through the heart of Santa Clarita, from Acton to the Pacific Ocean. 

Organizations and community volunteers must pre-register in order to participate via theGreenSantaClarita.com website or by calling the River Rally hotline at (661) 284-1415.  The deadline to sign-up and participate is Friday, September 13, 2013. 

            “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 be held featuring 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 is an important annual event, bringing 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. 

For more information on the 19^th annual River Rally and Environmental Expo or to complete the required pre-registration forms, call the River Rally hotline at (661) 284-1415 or visit GreenSantaClarita.com.