San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust

The San Joaquin River Parkway Trust protects and restores the San Joaquin River, focusing on conservation, education, and recreation.

The organization’s primary goal is conservation. It has continued to partner with groups such as the San Joaquin River Conservancy, California Wildlife Conservation Board and the Trust for Public Land to maintain the parkway’s numerous offerings. Altogether, the wildlife habitats, river access points, farms and ranches, and recreational, historic and educational sites, make up 2,864 acres of land to be protected. Restoration activities include removing invasive species, reintroducing and strengthening native species, and more.

The trust’s educational opportunities are also manifold, with a special emphasis on children and youth. River Camp is a week-long day camp that has taught children the value of engaging with nature for more than a quarter-century. Camp activities include swimming, canoeing, and arts and crafts. River Camp programs are divided into age groups and are offered to kids ages 3 and a half through 12th grade. There are also several family-friendly weekend programs available, a three-month Youth Parkway Ambassadors program for high school students, and school field trip opportunities for grades K-12.

Recreational activities range from river tours to ropes courses to nature walks, and the calendar is always updated with upcoming events. Community members are encouraged to participate in the myriad of available events and volunteer at conservation projects as well.

• Facebook