Work, play and learn.  Combine these three things and get a rewarding experience like happened at the Santa Clara River Coastal Clean Up day event.  After 2 hours of investing sweat equity, a special program was held for volunteers about the value of the natural environment. 

Candice Meneghin, CalTrout conservation manager and site co-captain explained the Santa Clara River as a whole, for example that the steelhead trout migrate from the estuary through the cleanup property and into the headwaters for reproduction.  She noted that the river has some impassable  manmade structures and these must be removed if the steelhead are to survive.

 Amy Davis, Nature Conservancy natural guide, took the group on a loop walk to see what lives in the riparian (stream-side) area.  She pointed out native plants such as black walnut and sycamore.  And picked out bits of non-native but edible mustard to taste.  Everyone learned about Arundo donax, giant reed, the most noxious invasive plant in the riparian zone, which takes over native habitat.

 Last but not least was the fun ‘Most Unusual Thing Found’ contest.  Of the many entries, what place do you think this one came in?  You guessed it, one of the winners.