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Rafting Program - A Labor of River Love
2009 Season Report
By Tyana Maddock
Tyana was hired by Friends of the River in 2005. She coordinates FOR’s River Quest program, which provides a whitewater teambuilding and environmental education experience for at-risk youth, as well as the Rafting Programwith 300 volunteer guides and activists. Tyana is an environmental
educator with extensive experience in wilderness training, outdoor education, and youth programs. She graduated fromCSU Chico with a B.S. in conservation biology and cultural ecology. She is an avid thespian and regularly performs in plays and street theater.
“Being involved with Friends of the River, simply put, is a hoot…the sheer fun and adventure of being on the river, contributing to important conservation work which helps protect our rivers, and the amazing community involvement contribute to what I consider a hugely important experience.” - Greg Martin, volunteer guide.
Greg echoes the sentiments of many who have been involved with FOR’s Rafting Program and have shared in the experience that makes caring for our rivers tangible and urgent—running the rivers that remain healthy and flowing. The Rafting Program is our key to sharing the magic and importance of the river with our beloved members, our underserved youth, and our generous volunteers.
This year, 1,057 FOR members, inner-city youth, and even key legislative staff joined us not only for an exciting boating trip, but also to learn about rivers, the challenges they face in California, and what it means to be a steward of them.Many took the opportunity to sit on the shore and write to their State Senator, asking them to favor water conservation and river stewardship over new inefficient dams. Seven hundred forty-seven handwritten letters for river protection and restoration have reached our legislators. Our elected representatives know that when they make decisions about the future of our vital waterways there are many river lovers watching!
This year, many river lovers explored four beautiful California waterways. Fifty-one outings took us to the Upper Sacramento, very close to the headwaters of this largest river in California; theMiddle Fork of the American, once threatened by the Auburn dam; South Fork of the American, the once home of theMaidu-Nissenan nation; and the King’s river, a jewel tucked into the hills east of Fresno. Our two annual “BBQ weekend” trips on the South Fork of the American offered a chance for members of the FOR community to reunite with one another and our home river, and to celebrate the playful way we go about this serious work that we do for the rivers.
Much of this work is done by our volunteers, who are the heart of FOR and the Rafting Program.Many spent countless hours this year, guiding the rafts and speaking for the rivers, as well as tabling at events, fixing gear, attending meetings, sharing skills with one another in guide trainings and conservation workshops, and so much more. And it is our members and rafting guests who, with their financial and political support, silently create the opportunity for us to do the work we do!
With this in mind, thank you to every guest and volunteer for sharing with us an experience that is integral to being a friend of the river: the power and grace of the element that shapes our landscapes, brings life to our wildernesses and cities alike, and gives us clarity and inspiration.
And thanks to each of you, again, for your part in preserving this experience—by being a member of Friends of the River, writing your letter on the river’s bank, or volunteering your time and energy to make it all possible. Please know that the part you play has given the Rafting Program the spirit and energy to continue to carry Friends of the River’s mission into the hearts of the public.
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