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Molly Peterson , our speaker today is the Community Outreach and Grants Manager at the American River Parkway Foundation. She grew up in a small mid-western town and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in French Literature and Language. For several years she worked overseas teaching English and then Montessori before moving to Sacramento. In her spare time, she pursues her passions, travel and eating, and spending time outdoors. She is passionate about the environment and having access to the American River Parkway is one of the reasons she calls Sacramento home. |
Molly's organization, The American River Park Foundation, is an important entity in the Sacramento Area. It's mission is to keep the American River and the trails and parkway clean of refuse so that we can enjoy this wonderful natural outdoor habitat. Their area encompasses 23 miles, meandering along the American River parkway. Their area is 4 times the area of the Golden Gate Park and 8 million people go through their area each year. There is a program helped by Rotary which allows 4-7th graders to connect with the parkway -2700 kids per year. Molly says that their organization hopes to develop a kinship with kids for the future. ARPF cleans out approximately 100,000 tons of trash yearly out of the River and it's environs. They pick up a lot of hazardous materials such as needles and batteries. They also clean out invasive plants. To combat the potential damage of fires, a group was formed that oversees the grazing of sheep and goats.which has helped to control brush and undergrowth within the area. There is a program offered along the 46 mile trails to adopt a mile for $1500 per year. An organization can monitor their mile and keep it clean. |
In the Q &A, the subject of the homeless who live along the river was addressed. She said there is a problem with fires, unpicked up debris, and crime in the area. Some recent ordinances by the Sacramento Board of Supervisors may help in dealing with the problem ( and it is a difficult problem). Our president for the day Dick Bauer said to Molly that in gratitude for her excellent informative lecture, the Carmichael Club is giving her our favorite gift - a book donated to the Carmichael Public Library (a subsidiary of the Sacramento Public Library. |
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Above (left) is ARPF's Molly Peterson and (right) Past President Dick Bauer