For Immediate Release
Contact: Jamie Manser, 520-270-3213, jmanser@watershedmg.org
Celebrating 42 Days of Flowing Rivers in Tucson! River Run Network: April Cleanup & Creek Walk: Arizona Gives Day, April 2
Watershed Management Group (WMG) is thrilled to report that – due to above average rainfall and snow pack – local rivers that historically flowed year round are realizing some of their former glory with 42 days of consecutive flow this spring!
Since February 15, the lower Tanque Verde and the upper Rillito Rivers have had a clear, shallow flow that is meandering through the river beds, as they did up until the mid-1900s – when both rivers were supported by groundwater.
This data comes from the work of WMG’s Flow365 community scientists who are part of the River Run Network. The Network, established in 2016, now has 1200 members across Tucson with the goal of restoring the heritage flow to Tucson’s rivers and streams. The River Run Network offers members opportunities to participate in conservation efforts and learn about restoration solutions through workshops, educational creek walks, and river clean-ups.
Upcoming opportunities include:
- River Cleanup along the Rillito on Saturday, April 6 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Creek Walk at Arroyo Elvira on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Creek Walk at Arroyo Atterbury on Saturday, May 11 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
More details about the events are available at Watershedmg.org/RRN-action.
Community members interested in supporting the river restoration effort can join WMG on Tuesday, April 2, for Arizona Gives Day – WMG’s biggest fundraising event of the year. Learn more about the campaign and how to get involved at Watershedmg.org or stop in at WMG’s AZ Gives Day event at the Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N Dodge Bvld, from 5:30–9 p.m.