Guadalupe River Park Conservancy

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NEWSLETTER: July 2013

In this issue:

Window on the River Park
Education wrap up
We get by with a lot of help from our friends!
Historic Orchard Update
Fun in the Sun
Volunteer Corner

Window on the River Park

Many thanks to Adobe for hosting the event and to Mayor Reed, Councilmembers Liccardo and Oliverio, and Board of Supervisors President Ken Yeager for joining us. We greatly appreciate our event sponsors, who can be viewed here. Some photos can be seen here.

Education wrap up

The school year flew by; we served over 4,300 students this year in our environmental education field trips, after school and summer Boys & Girls Club programs, the Water Wizard Festival, special needs field trips and scout programs! We also offered 27 adult fitness and gardening workshops and classes and have plans for more this summer. The majority of our field trips and festivals this past year were made available for free to Title One schools thanks to the generous support from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Leo M. Shortino Family Foundation, and Michael Lee Foundation.

We get by with a lot of help from our friends!

Pictured are Greg Hernandez, who was working on bikes so the summer camp kids can hit the trails, and Don Snyder, David More and friends, who endured the heat to construct planter boxes that will be used to cultivate native plants for restoration projects and environmental education.

Historic Orchard Update

Recent harvest -- A total of 880 pounds of fruit (apricot-572, plum-308) was harvested recently and is destined for Sacred Heart Community Services.

Volunteer -- Enjoy an early summer evening while helping to preserve a portion of the old Santa Clara Valley when orchards stretched across the valley floor. At the end of the work we'll have free ice cream! Tuesday, July 30th, 5:30-7:30pm. To sign up, click here or call 408-298-7657 with any questions.

Fun in the Sun

As if the scorching temperatures weren't enough, we know it's summer because kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley are here for day camp!

Volunteer Corner

These friendly folks come from various missionaries in the area and have been coming out to volunteer consistently every week for the past few months. Many traveled from across the country to volunteer in the Bay Area and found their way to the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy! They played a major role in our Water Wizards setup and continue to support our many ongoing activities such as the Heritage Rose Garden, Historic Orchard, and native restoration zones! Keep up the good work guys!

Save the Date

Italian Family Festa
Aug 24th and 25th

Pumpkins in the Park
Saturday, October 12, 2013

Upcoming Events

Growing All-Star Plants Workshop

Saturday July 13th
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$10/members, $15/non-members
Age 18 and older

Join Master Gardener Marianne Mueller for a workshop on all-star plants to grow in your garden! Arboretum All-Star plants are easy to grow, easy to maintain, suited to our climate, low-water, attractive year-round, and beneficial for wildlife. Many plants in the collection are California native plants. Participants will learn about plants from each category (perennials, shrubs, vines, ground covers, trees), how to plant and maintain them, and tips for plant groupings. More info.

Family Workshop: Exploring the Historic Orchard

July 13th
10:00 -- 11:30 am
$15/members, $20/non-members for a family of four
$10/members, $20/non-members for one parent and child

Did you know that Santa Clara Valley was once called the Valley of the Hearts Delight? Join us for an exciting science and history workshop that will be fun for the whole family! We'll travel back in time to the days when San Jose was covered by orchards and explore the trees in our Historic Orchard to understand the seasonality of trees. Later we'll search for pollinators to find out how flowers turn into fruit. Everyone will get the chance to try fresh or dried fruit, depending on availability. More info.

Nature Inspired Yoga in the Park

Session 2: July 18th through August 8th
Thursdays 6:15 to 7:15 pm
$25/members, $30/non-members, $10 drop in

With warmer weather and longer evenings on the horizon, it's time once again for Yoga in the Park. Join us and our favorite yoga instructor Kristin Strellis for a gentle yoga class designed to improve your flexibility, balance and relaxation. All necessary equipment is provided. All you need to bring is yourself, dressed in comfortable clothing, and any stress or worries that have accumulated throughout the week to release outdoors in the beautiful Guadalupe Park. This class will be taught outside. More info.

Guadalupe River Park Tour

July 20th
10:00 -- 11:30 am
Free!!!

Wondering what's so special about the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens? Join Richard Tejeda for a free fun and informative tour of our park! While walking along the river trail we'll learn about the history of the park, the natural and man made wonders within it, the amazing flood control projects and the return of the California Golden Beaver! The walk will include visits to interpretive overlooks, public art and points of interest relating to wildlife. Participants will meet at the GRPC Visitor and Education Center, please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle. More info.

Bike Ride to Alviso

Sunday, August 4th
8:30 am to 12:30 pm
$10 members, $15 non-members

Been wanting check out the trail to Alviso but reluctant to go on your own? Join GRPC Executive Director Leslee Hamilton for a leisurely roundtrip ride to check out the trail's interpretive plazas and other destinations. Bring water, helmet and a sack lunch. More info.

Legacy Giving

Retirement accounts, which are subject to income tax, are good vehicles for charitable gifts. Charities aren't subject to income tax so your gift goes farther.