It’s time to get dirty and clean up the Santa Clara River on Saturday morning, when the City of Santa Clarita hosts  the 17th annual River Rally Clean-up and Environmental Expo from 8 to 11 a.m.

Everyone should meet at Wiley Canyon Road, adjacent to the bridge on Via Princessa Road in Valencia for this important annual event, which brings together thousands of volunteers to clean up our river, which runs through the heart of Santa Clarita, all the way  to the Pacific Ocean.

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Since 1994, thousands of River Rally volunteers have collected more than 339,000 pounds of trash and debris from the Santa Clara River, which is home to 14 endangered bird species, six endangered plant species, 57 archeological sites, and 12 historical landmarks.  Almost half of the Santa Clarita Valley’s water supply comes through the Santa Clara River.

“The Santa Clara River is a vital part of our community and a resource we need to protect and care for,” said Mayor Marsha McLean.  “River Rally is a great example of people coming together for a common cause that directly impacts the quality of life in our community.”

This year’s River Rally event will include a collaborative Santa Clara River clean-up and environmental expo with more than 20 vendors providing community members with valuable information on recycling, air quality, pollution prevention, water quality, open space preservation, and wildlife conservation. The first 1,200 volunteers will receive a commemorative giveaway.

The River Rally Clean-Up is an excellent volunteer opportunity for clubs, organizations, students, scout troops, and entire families to help preserve our local Santa Clara River’s natural beauty and variety of wildlife.  Volunteers of all ages are welcome.

Participating volunteers should wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, appropriate clothing for walking in the riverbed, and plenty of sunscreen.  Pets are not permitted on site during the River Rally Clean-up event.

Cyclists will also enjoy a free bike valet service, sponsored by Performance Cyclery which will be available next to the clean-up location on South Fork Trail for River Rally participants.

For more information on the 17th annual River Rally Clean-Up, visit GreenSantaClarita.com or call the event hotline at (661) 284-1415.