Nevada City, CA July 6, 2018 – Recognizing that it takes a community to keep the Yuba clean and safe, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) and California State Parks are hosting a River Ambassador training on Wednesday, July 11, from 5:00 to 8:30 pm at 313 Railroad Avenue, Suite 101 in Nevada City.
SYRCL and State Parks are seeking to train additional volunteers to join the program for the remaining of the 2018 summer season. At the training, potential volunteers will receive a comprehensive overview of the River Ambassador program including “Leave No Trace” principles and techniques for effective public outreach and education. River Ambassadors are requested to volunteer for just a few 4-hour shifts.
Thanks to its stunning emerald swimming holes and picturesque granite boulders, the South Yuba River is one of the most visited attractions in Nevada County. Each year, the river attracts an estimated 700,000+ visitors to the trails and sandy beaches of South Yuba River State Park. More visitors mean more coolers, more dog waste, more trash, and a greater risk of fire in the dry canyon.
To address these issues, every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day, River Ambassadors are stationed at popular Yuba crossings informing visitors about the area’s high potential for wildfires, the importance of recycling, and the harmful effects of glass, litter and dog waste to the river’s wildlife and ecosystem. This is the seventh season that SYRCL and State Parks have collaborated on this critical summer volunteer program.
Equipped with a smile, River Ambassadors model how to “Love the Yuba Like a Local” through friendly face-to-face social interactions, education, fun nature activities and safety information. Already this season, River Ambassadors have spoken with 4,483 river visitors. River Ambassadors are also trained to provide an emergency line of communication to State Parks when appropriate.
To become a part of the team, check out SYRCL’s mid-season training on Wednesday, July 11. Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome. For more information, please visit www.yubariver.org or contact Siya Philips, Stewardship Coordinator at Siya@YubaRiver.org, 530-265-5961, ext. 212.
WHAT: SYRCL & California State Park’s River Ambassador Volunteer Training WHEN: Wednesday, July 11, 5:00-8:30pm (New volunteers, please bring valid ID for paper work.) WHERE: 313 Railroad Ave, Suite #101, Nevada City, CA 95959
About SYRCL: The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL, pronounced “circle”) is the leading voice for the protection and restoration of the Yuba River watershed. Founded in 1983 through a rural, grassroots campaign to defend the South Yuba River from proposed hydropower dams, SYRCL has developed into a vibrant community organization with more than 3,500 members and volunteers based in Nevada City, CA. See: www.yubariver.org