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NEWSLETTER: August 2014
In this issue:
Pumpkins in the Park
Pumpkins in the Park, a fun, family friendly harvest fair with a strong environmental education component, is designed to promote awareness of the Guadalupe River Park and celebrate the fall season. Join us on Saturday, October 11 from 10 AM to 4 PM for a giant pumpkin patch, a costume parade, tons of free kid's activities, a children's concert and so much more. Click here to read more about the event. Interested sponsors or vendors can contact Phil at 408-298-7657.
Silver Lining to the Drought
California's watersheds have been plagued with invasive, non-native species, such as the large-mouthed bass that can out-compete native fish species for food, spawning habitat, and hiding places. They also prey on juvenile native fish. The silver lining is that non-native species have not adapted to drought conditions; when the water dries up, so do they. Our native anadromous (migrating) Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Trout have adapted to California's climate and drought over hundreds of thousands of years. During the warmest times of the year, adult salmon and trout are in the ocean waiting to return to their natal stream to spawn (lay eggs) in the fall or spring when water is more abundant. Much like a forest needs fire to regenerate, drought is actually an opportunity for these federally threatened species to re-establish themselves in the watershed. This is not to say that we don't need to conserve water! Here's some info from Santa Clara Valley Water District on how you can help: Rebates, Water Conservation
Girl Scouts
For their Silver Award project, Girl Scouts Emma and Anna created a video to raise awareness about the effects of litter on wildlife in the Guadalupe River. The video and accompanying photo books will complement our education programs and outreach efforts. Click here to watch the video.
Trail Update
Due to some PG&E gas line testing, the northern part of the trail will be closed from Tasman Drive to Gold Street from approximately the middle of August to late October or early November. Alternate street routes will be forthcoming.
Solar Tracker
Santa Clara University engineering students David and Nathan created this solar tracker to enhance our education programs. Besides being neat to look at, the system incorporates a water clock and drip system to follow the sun throughout the day and charges batteries to provide a mobile source of power. We are grateful for our continued partnership with SCU!
Volunteer Corner
A hearty thanks to all the volunteer groups that toiled to make GRPG a more beautiful place this past June:
California San Jose Mission
Cisco Systems - Community Relations
Google Inc.
Hands on Bay Area
HS2
Mission Bay
Morgan Autism Center
National Charity League
SanDisk Corporation
And that is only the groups! We also appreciate the scores of individuals who come out weekly to make a difference.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunties
Meet Board Member J.D. Norton
 J.D.'s love of the outdoors was fueled by summers fishing for Rainbow Trout and winters enjoying the ski resorts minutes from his childhood home in Salt Lake City. He attended the University of Utah where he studied Interpersonal Communications. J.D. has worked at eBay Inc. for 13 years and now leads their 42-team and 3,500 employee Global Green Team program. He is passionate about connecting people to one another and fostering a "love where you live" mentality. According to J.D., "This is partly why I am such a strong supporter and advocate for the Guadalupe River Park. It is a true gem within this great city and should be celebrated and known widely for everything it has to offer." He lives in Almaden Valley with his wife and two daughters and spends a lot of time in parks and commutes to work by bike. He also loves to play soccer, paints when time allows, and is a total music geek. We greatly appreciate J.D.'s thoughtful input and contagious enthusiasm!
Meet Volunteer Giovanni Ibarro
 Giovanni Ibarro, native to San Jose, has shared his last month of summer vacation volunteering with GRPC. Giovanni is a student at the University of Alabama and will be starting his final year of Business Market studies in the fall. With interests in nature and sports, Giovanni wanted to volunteer for an organization that not only included these two things but also helped improve the community. He felt GRPC was the perfect place to volunteer because parks are the perfect place for sports, nature, and community to come together. When Giovanni graduates next spring, he plans to move back to San Jose and to continue volunteering at GRPC. Thank you Giovanni - enjoy your senior year!
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