The fifth season of River Camp Firebaugh will wrap up next week. This summer hundreds of children from Firebaugh, Mendota, Madera, and the surrounding rural communities had the chance to enjoy a week down by the San Joaquin River. Every camper that participated in the program received a scholarship. 

River Camp Firebaugh was made possible through the generous support of individuals and local businesses. We'd like to extend a special thank you to our presenting sponsors Olam International and Educational Employees Credit Union.  

If you've visited the San Joaquin River in the last two weeks, you may have noticed a much stronger current and more water in the channel. According to the Friant Dam daily operations report, the river is currently flowing at 1,200 cubic feet per second (cfs). The average summer time flow is 200-250 cfs. 

The San Joaquin River is a great resource for cooling off when the temperature is high. It's important to consider your safety when planning to visit the river. Here are some tips for staying safe on the San Joaquin. 

One of the most essential ways to prevent water related accidents and injuries is to wear a personal flotation device or life-jacket. We require life-jackets on all Trust kayak and canoe tours. 

• Enjoy your time at the river with a buddy, never swim alone. 
   
• Watch out for the dangerous "too's" - too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, or too much strenuous activity.  
   
• Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices. 
   
• Know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies. 

For safety reasons all Trust kayak and canoe river tours will be cancelled until the flows decrease. Check our website here for up to date information. 

The next River Stewards volunteer workday will be held on Saturday, August 6, from 9:00 am to noon. We'll be removing invasive plant species at Spano River Ranch in preparation for the upcoming planting season. This workday is perfect for individuals and groups. Click here for more information. 

Upcoming River Stewards Workdays 

September 17 - The Great Sierra River Cleanup *More info coming soon

 Click here for more information about the River Stewards program. 

The next Respite by the River will be held on Thursday, August 11, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The evening will feature local author Liz Scheid, with music by The Gilly Girls. 

Liz Scheid is the author of The Shape of Blue. She received her MFA (poetry) from California State University, Fresno, where she worked as an Editorial Assistant for The Normal School. Her work has appeared in many literary magazines, including The Rumpus, Rattle, and Sou'Wester. She currently teaches at California State University, Fresno, and is a Visiting Writer at University of Texas at El Paso.

The Gilly Girls

The Gilly Girls Band consists of four sisters-two sets of twins, Savannah and Morgan, age 12 and Hailey and Jillian age 9. They enjoy playing bluegrass, southern gospel and old-time string band music.  Savannah sings and plays mandolin and fiddle. Morgan sings, yodels, and also plays mandolin and bass. Hailey sings, plays mandolin and guitar. Jillian sings and plays mandolin and banjo. They are quickly developing a unique style all their own.

Evening Schedule

6:00 pm - Bring your picnic dinner and lawn chair, and enjoy live music

7:00 pm - Reading by Liz Scheid

8:00 pm - Book sales and signing

Click here for more information about Respite by the River.