The places we value most are often the ones we choose to care for together. In Santa Clarita, our quality of life is shaped not only by the community we have built, but also by the natural environment we have a responsibility to protect. That commitment takes planning, investment and, most importantly, people willing to get involved. The River Rally is a reflection of that shared responsibility.
The Santa Clara River is more than just a waterway that runs through our valley. It is one of the last natural, free-flowing river systems in Southern California, providing critical habitat for wildlife, supporting our local ecosystem and helping replenish our groundwater supply. Protecting this vital resource is essential to preserving our local environment and quality of life for generations to come.
I invite you to join us on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8 to 11 a.m. for the city of Santa Clarita’s 31st Annual River Rally Clean-Up and Environmental Expo. Each year, hundreds of residents come together to help protect and preserve the Santa Clara River. For more than three decades, this event has demonstrated what can happen when neighbors work together toward a common goal.
Since the River Rally began in 1994, volunteers have removed more than 510,000 pounds of trash and debris from the riverbed. That’s more than half a million pounds of litter that would have otherwise remained in our local environment. Those impressive numbers aren’t the result of one organization or one department. They were made possible by thousands of residents who dedicated just a few hours to caring for the place we all call home.
Every bag of trash collected helps reduce pollution, protect wildlife and preserve one of Santa Clarita’s most important natural resources. It’s a simple reminder that when everyone does a small part, we can accomplish something truly significant together. You’ll see families volunteering alongside their children, Scout troops working together, local businesses giving back, students earning service hours and neighbors meeting neighbors. Everyone arrives with the same goal, and by the end of the morning, they’ve made a visible difference.
This year’s event begins at the Newhall Community Center (22421 Market St.), where volunteers will receive brief training from a biologist, then gather cleanup supplies before heading into designated sections of the riverbed. Once the cleanup concludes, participants are invited to enjoy the Environmental Expo, where local organizations, nonprofits and environmental partners will share information about water conservation, recycling, sustainability and protecting our watershed. It’s an opportunity to learn more about how each of us can make a positive impact throughout the year, not just during one morning in September.
Whether you’ve volunteered before or this would be your first River Rally, you’ll find the event welcoming and rewarding. The city provides gloves, bags and other cleanup supplies, so all you need to do is wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes and bring a reusable water bottle.
I encourage you to gather your family, invite your friends, organize your coworkers or bring your Scout troop and register today. Just a few hours of your time can help preserve the Santa Clara River and protect this natural resource for years to come.
To learn more or register for the 31st Annual River Rally Clean-Up and Environmental Expo, visit GreenSantaClarita.com.
Councilman Jason Gibbs is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at [email protected].
