Save the American River Association, Inc. (SARA)

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Save the American River Association, Inc. (SARA)

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Guardians of the American River and Parkway since 1961. These threats will continue to multiply as water supplies dwindle and our regional population increases.

We are a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization with a volunteer base of several hundred dedicated members and a Board of Directors who reflect the range of expertise required to protect and enhance the wildlife habitat, fishery, and recreational resources of the American River Parkway. The thousands of recreational users of the American River and the Parkway are often unaware of the many continuing threats to their enjoyment. Population growth will put an even greater burden on this unique urban habitat as visitors continue to rely on the parkway for their recreational and nature appreciation experiences. Further, the American River’s resources will become even more attractive to water purveyors, developers and property owners who wish to expand their own holdings contrary to the public interest. SARA’s central role is to anticipate these threats, and to coordinate informed actions to stop them. We urge you to join with us in protecting our priceless asset represented by the River and Parkway. SARA depends on its members and friends for the financial resources needed to carry out our mission.

10/15/2026

Save the American River Association stands with the California Native Plant Society and 500+ California leaders and environmental, community, and public health organizations in opposing Prop 45. Swipe through for 5 ways it would undercut one of California’s most important environmental laws, then vote No on Prop 45 this November.

10/08/2026

Prop 45 is a sweeping attack on California’s environmental protections. It could fast-track sprawl into fire-prone areas, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and other sensitive lands, along with polluting projects such as roads, warehouses, and data centers. It would weaken the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by limiting public input, consideration of less harmful alternatives, and court remedies when projects are approved unlawfully. These safeguards help communities protect public health, clean air and water, and wildlife. Vote "NO" on Prop 45.

10/06/2026

Come Celebrate Acorn Day Sat Oct 10th at the State Indian Museum!
Free to attend
Sat, Oct 10, 2026 - 10am to 4pm
State Indian Museum - 2618 K St, Sacramento, CA 95816

Join us at Acorn Day, Sat Oct 10th 10am – 4pm, at the State Indian Museum in Sacramento, CA. The season is changing, and acorns are beginning to ripen and fall. This is a fun free event, where you can learn how to turn acorns into a traditional food staple that’s been culturally significant for California Native peoples since time immemorial, learn about basket weaving, visit with exhibitors, and discover why oak trees are crucial to local ecosystems, and one of California's top keystone plant species!

FEATURED DEMONSTRATORS & GUESTS:
- Diana Almendariz (Maidu/Wintu) - Acorn processing and cooking
- Christina Almendariz (Maidu/Wintu/Hupa/Yurok) - Black Walnut TEK
- Ooti Maxine - Tule TEK demonstrations
- Sara Calvosa Olson (Karuk) - Author of Chími Nu’am: Native California Foodways for the Contemporary Kitchen
- Theresa LaRose (Pomo/Pitt River) - Elderberry TEK demonstrations
- Dixie Rogers (Karuk) - Basket weaving TEK
- Claudette Rogers (Karuk) - Basket weaving TEK

PARTICIPATING PARTNERS INCLUDE:
- Cache Creek Conservancy
- CalFire - Tribal Affairs
- California Department of Fish & Wildlife - Tribal Affairs
- Chaw'se Indian Grinding Rock SHP
- Effie Yeaw Nature Center
- Miridae Mobile Nursery
- Northern California Bats
- Redbud Resource Group
- Sacramento Valley California Native Plant Society
- Sacramento Valley Conservancy
- Save the American River Association
- SMUD
- Yolo Sol Collective

Food vendors include: Bigfoot Frybread and Hummingbird Sweets & Treats!

The season is changing, which means acorns will soon begin to ripen and fall. Join us for our annual Acorn Day on October 10th, from 10am to 4pm, to learn how to process these nutrient-rich nuts into a traditional food staple that has been culturally significant for California Native peoples since time immemorial.

In addition, visitors will also discover why oak trees are crucial to local ecosystems and their role as California’s top keystone plant species.

This FREE public event will be held outside of the State Indian Museum (SIM) and includes complimentary admission to both the SIM and Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP).

California State Parks is proud to host Acorn Day in partnership with our non-profit and Tribal partners: the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation, Midtown Second Saturday, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, and SMUD.

10/02/2026

How you can help:

1) Submit comments on the DEIR by October 16, 2026; sign and personalize using the sample comment letter. https://www.sarariverwatch.org/rio_americano_stadium_and_cell_tower_project_template

2) Attend the Board of Education hearing on November 17, 2026 to voice opposition to the proposed stadium.

3) Sign the petition to demonstrate community support for protecting the Lower American River and Parkway. https://www.sarariverwatch.org/rio_stadium_project

09/30/2026

Don't miss the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour this Thursday, October 1st, in Fair Oaks at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre⁠: 7991 California Avenue Fair Oaks, CA⁠

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating wild places and the people who protect them.

SARA is proud to sponsor this event! Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door.

We hope to see you there!

LAST CALL FOR TICKETS for the Best of the Fest experience during the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour this Thursday, October 1! 🎞️ This special screening features a curated collection of award-winning shorts films that highlight breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, human-powered adventure, environmental conservation, and inspiring stories of people making a positive impact around the globe. From stunning cinematography to powerful storytelling, this night celebrates the beauty of our planet while inspiring audiences to connect with and protect the natural world.

Get your tickets at http://fairoaksarts.vbotickets.com/event/wild_scenic_film_festival_on_tour/197372?utm_source=Meta!

📅 Thursday, October 1, 2026⁠
7:30 p.m. Screening Begins
⁠
📍 Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre⁠
7991 California Avenue Fair Oaks, CA⁠
⁠
🎟 All are welcomed
$5 Youth (15 & Under), Seniors (65+) & Veterans
$15 Adults
⁠

09/28/2026

Check out the latest edition of Inside Sacramento to learn about local naturalist, educator, and wildlife photographer, Guy Galante, and to learn more about Project Coyote, a national organization promoting compassionate coexistence between humans and carnivores.

Keeping Coyotes Wild
As the natural environment shrinks, wildlife seeks water, food and shelter in neighborhoods. But most coyotes are wary of humans.
“People think coyotes are going to attack them,” naturalist Guy Galante with Project Coyote says. “You are in much more danger of a domestic dog attack than a coyote.”
Coyotes can be encouraged to leave neighborhoods with hazing: Make eye contact. Yell. Wave your arms. Jump up and down. Blow a whistle. Bang a pot. Open and close an umbrella. Don’t stop until the coyote retreats.
More important tips:
• Walk dogs on short leashes.
• Keep cats indoors.
• Never feed wildlife.
• Don’t store or leave pet food outside.
• Clean around birdfeeders.
• Secure garbage cans and composting bins.
• Remove fallen fruit and nuts from the ground.
• Thin vegetation that can be used as a den.
• Install motion-activated lights and sprinklers.
• Add reflective mylar or rolling PVC on top of fences.
• Close off spaces under porches and sheds.
Call 311 to report coyotes who are sick or injured. Trapping and relocating wildlife without a permit is illegal in California.

09/27/2026

The San Juan Unified School District's (SJUSD) Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Rio Americano Sports and Events Stadium has been released. The publication of the DEIR starts a 45-day public review period, challenging everyone to review the document and submit written comments by October 16, 2026.

This is our time to speak up about the impacts that increasing the current 288-seat bleacher capacity to 2,575 seats (an almost 800% increase) will have on the American River and Parkway.

READ THE SAMPLE COMMENT LETTER: https://www.sarariverwatch.org/rio_americano_stadium_and_cell_tower_project_template

Learn more: https://icont.ac/51mPh

09/24/2026

Don't miss Acorn Day on Saturday, October 10! This FREE public event will be held outside of the State Indian Museum (SIM) and includes complimentary admission to both the SIM and Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP).

Address

8836 Greenback Lane, Suite C
Orangevale, CA
95662

Telephone

+19169364555

Website

http://www.sarariverwatch.org/

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