The Petaluma River has a long and interesting history, and some new Friends who want to make that history better known.

{mp3remote}http://media.krcb.org/audio/nbr/3-2-09.mp3{/mp3remote}

David Yearsley is a co-founder and Executive Director of the Friends of the Petaluma River, which has the following mission and goals:

Mission: To promote stewardship of the Petaluma River. We work throughout its watershed; providing access opportunities, educational materials, and conservation programs. We also provide a voice for the River's inhabitants and resources in public affairs.

Goals: Access, Education, and Conservation

To establish a permanent presence in the watershed; becoming the first non-government organization to work fulltime for the betterment of the Petaluma River and its inhabitants
To pursue outreach and educational activities that will foster enthusiasm and commitment in the watershed for long term sustainable stewardship.
To monitor conditions and engage in activities that will reduce or prevent pollution and lessen other harmful impacts on the River and its wetlands.
To create a River Heritage Center as a community resource. A place to archive information, host events, administer programs, and coordinate river related activities

The Friends have also produced this promotional video explaining their organization and its plans:

[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzK8v6diRv0 300x300]

For people who want to get a close-up look at the Petaluma River, Dolphin Charters will again offer their 3 hr. River tours on April 5th, 6th, 11th & 12th aboard the Delphinus (seen at left). To learn more about them, visit Dolphin Charters’ website.