Future Guardians of the Santa Clara River

As we welcome the new school year, we’re diving headfirst into an exciting journey of environmental discovery. Imagine a day filled with laughter, learning and hands-on activities—all geared towards teaching our children how to become guardians of our precious Santa Clara River. As we prepare for the upcoming River Rally Cleanup Event, this is a great opportunity to empower our kids and families, with essential tips to make a splash in protecting water quality all year round.
Teaching children about caring for the Santa Clara River begins at home and can be integrated into daily routines, especially during our hot weather when pest control is crucial. Start by demonstrating the use of non-toxic methods to manage pests, emphasizing the importance of minimizing environmental impact. Using toxic chemicals inside your home to manage pests can result in harmful residues that may affect indoor air quality and pose health risks to residents, including children, pets and our river! Pesticides and other toxic substances can leave residues that eventually wash away through indoor and outdoor drainage systems. When these chemicals enter storm drains or surface runoff, they can travel into local waterways, including the Santa Clara River. Encourage your little ones to help keep kitchen counters and sinks clean to avoid attracting pests with food crumbs and spills. Teach the significance of storing pet food in tightly sealed containers and promptly cleaning up any leftovers to prevent indoor pest infestations. If ants or other pests do find their way inside, involve children in the cleanup process using soap and water or diluted vinegar solutions. By incorporating these practices into everyday life, children learn firsthand how their actions at home can positively impact the health and cleanliness of the Santa Clara River and its surrounding ecosystem.
Also, when considering the use of pesticides, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and environmental responsibility. Always read and adhere to the instructions provided on the pesticide packaging to ensure proper application and minimize unintended impacts. Opt for spot applications instead of spraying entire areas to target specific pest issues effectively. After applying pesticides, turn off the sprinkler system and refrain from spraying the treated area with a hose for at least 72 hours. Share with the little ones how this precaution helps prevent the chemicals from being washed into storm drains and ultimately reaching water bodies like the Santa Clara River, thereby safeguarding water quality and supporting a healthy ecosystem.
When spending time outdoors with your children, take that opportunity to educate them further on caring for the Santa Clara River, especially when walking your furry companions. Emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership by “Doing Your Doody” and promptly picking up after your pet using a dedicated waste bag. Ensure the bag is securely tied and dispose of it in a designated garbage container. Pet waste should never be disposed of in organics or recycling bins. Additionally, avoid washing pet waste down drains with hoses or sprinklers to prevent harmful bacteria from contaminating the storm drain system and ultimately reaching the Santa Clara River.
Lastly, for do-it-yourself automotive enthusiasts, it’s essential to prioritize the proper disposal of used motor oil and filters. Neglecting to dispose of these fluids correctly, such as leaving them in the street or pouring them down gutters, poses significant environmental risks by contaminating our storm drain system and groundwater. Thankfully, the City offers more than 20 certified collection centers where you can dispose of used motor oil and filters at no cost, ensuring they are handled and recycled responsibly. Similarly, other automotive fluids can be safely dropped off at upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events or at a S.A.F.E. Center for proper disposal. For a complete list of certified collection centers, please visit GreenSantaClarita.com/Trash-And-Recycling/Residential-Trash-And-Recycling/Hazardous-Waste/.
To celebrate learning these valuable tips for caring for the Santa Clara River as a family, join the community at the 29th Annual River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo. This event presents an opportunity for volunteers of all ages to participate in cleaning up a section of the Santa Clara River, renowned as one of Southern California’s few remaining natural, free-flowing river systems. Taking place on Saturday, September 21, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., this year’s event will be hosted at a new venue, the William S. Hart Pony Baseball and Softball Complex located at 23780 Auto Center Court. Pre-registration is mandatory and is currently open at SantaClaritaVolunteers.com. Let’s all do our part to protect the Santa Clara River and preserve our community’s environmental health for future generations.

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