We will begin with a tour of a Santa Clara River habitat restoration site near the historic Iron Horse Bridge, led by Heather Merenda, City of Santa Clarita, and Sandra Cattell of the Sierra Club. Come learn how the City of Santa Clarita is working with partners and the community on a comprehensive plan to remove invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) and restore the Santa Clara River (SCR) watershed. More on this project can be found here.

 The second tour stop will be at the Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve, 283 acres of degraded river channel and floodplain. You’ll hear from Santa Clara Conservancy’s Director, Shawn Kelly, and UC Santa Barbara Research Associate, Evan Hobson, about their efforts to restore the Reserve by creating a mosaic of wetland and riparian habitat types as well as public access to the river. This project is improving the site’s native habitat and hydrology for surface water retention and groundwater recharge, while providing wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities for the surrounding disadvantaged communities. For additional information on this project – click here.

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Also on the tour will be Watershed Coordinators, Lara Shellenbarger, Amanda Begley, and Lynn Rodriguez.

Tour Schedule

• 9:30AM – Begin Tour at Site 1

Santa Clara River Arundo Removal Project at Iron Horse Bridge Club

Led by: Heather Merenda, City of Santa Clarita, and Sandra Cattell, Sierra Club

Google Map: Site 1 Location & Parking

• 11:30AM to 12:00PM – Travel to Site 2

• 12:00PM – Lunch

Sandwich lunch hosted at Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve (Vegan/Non-Vegan options)

• 1:00PM – Tour of Site 2

Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve Wetland and Habitat Restoration

Led by: Shawn Kelly, Director, Santa Clara Conservancy and Evan Hobson, Research Associate, UC Santa Barbara

Google Map: Site 2 Location & Parking

• 3:00PM – Tour End

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Reminders: Please give yourself the appropriate drive time. The first tour will start promptly at 9:30PM. If only joining for the second tour, please meet at the Site 2 location (See Google Map here). Tours will consist of two stops with plenty of walking on sometimes uneven ground. Dress in layers and wear walking shoes. Only heavy rain cancels!