This annual event has removed more than 140 tons from the Santa Clara river.

The City of Santa Clarita will host the 15th annual River Rally Clean-Up and Environmental Expo on Saturday, September 12th from 8 to11 a.m.

Volunteers will meet at City’s Newhall Community Center to clean up the area of the Santa Clara river bed located adjacent to the Center.

The annual River Rally Clean Up is designed to bring the Santa Clarita community together to clean up the local Santa Clara River, which runs straight through the heart of Santa Clarita to the Pacific Ocean.

The event will feature a collaborative River Clean-Up and Environmental Expo, which will provide community members with valuable information on recycling, air quality, pollution prevention, water quality, open space preservation, and wildlife conservation.

The River Rally Clean-up is also an excellent volunteer experience for clubs, organizations, students, scout troops, and entire families to help preserve precious local natural resources.

“In total, 14 bird and six plant species residing in or near the Santa Clara river are listed as ‘endangered’ or of ‘special concern,'” said Mayor Pro-Tem Laurene Weste. “The River Rally Clean-Up is a great way for Santa Clarita residents to work together to preserve the Santa Clara River and learn how to ensure continued life for the area’s endangered specie and the environment as a whole.”

The Santa Clara River is the largest river system in southern California that remains in a relatively natural state. It is home to several rare species of fish and birds and contains 57 archeological sites and twelve precious historical landmarks.

The River Rally event provides an opportunity for community members to work to help actively preserve the river’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Participants at the 2009 River Rally Clean-Up will be provided with gloves, collection bags, and refreshments and the first 1,200 volunteers will receive a commemorative giveaway.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear sunscreen, sturdy closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing for walking in the riverbed. Pets will not be permitted during the River Rally Clean-Up.

The City of Santa Clarita began hosting the River Rally Clean-Up in 1994. The event attracts thousands of community members annually and, to date, the participants helped to remove more than 285,000 pounds of trash and debris from the Santa Clarita River and its tributaries.

The Newhall Community Center is located at 22421 Market Street.

Pre-registration is not required for the 2009 River Rally Clean-Up, but is available by clicking here.