Education and Community Organizing in the Central Valley

As we advocate for the River, community engagement is key. When riverside communities feel connected to the River, it thrives. When we educate youth and multi-generational families, they come to understand how they have the power to protect their community and its resources. When residents are provided safe access and beautiful recreational spaces such as parks and a clean river, they are able to enjoy these spaces.

There is much evidence that demonstrates the relationship between urban green spaces, parks and public health and numerous studies have shown that there is significantly less public green space in low-income and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. For example, in Modesto, CA, people living in the Eastern part of the city are expected to live 5 years less than those who live in more affluent neighborhoods.

The relationship between communities in the Central Valley and the River are complex relating to many socio-economic factors Many live alongside the Tuolumne but feel no connection to it. Learning how to swim, fish, and ride a bike are not easily accessible life skills. Enjoying the greater outdoors takes a working car, gas and time which is not always possible.

As TRT broadened its mission during the 1990s and early 2000s, moving from safeguarding just the upper stretches of the River to preserving the health of the entire River system, we recognized the complexities surrounding accessibility to the River and the great outdoors. Today, we persist in our commitment to amplify the voices and address the needs of all riverside communities, ensuring their concerns are not just heard, but integrated into our conservation efforts

Our Central Valley team has taken on these challenges to bring communities in this region together and in connection with the River. Our multifaceted education programs are building the next generation of leaders who will grow up understanding the importance of caring for their community and its natural resources.

With schools severely lacking environmental literacy, our programs go into schools to help. Using a combination of classroom education and outdoor hands-on experiential learning, youth discover new life skills, develop their own leadership style, and learn how to advocate for environmental justice issues so that they can take action in their community.

Our programming creates access and opportunities for multi-generational families to learn how to fish, canoe and where to find safe access the River We make it possible for families to enjoy their parks and learn skills such as fixing their bikes and riding them along the park paths that line the Tuolumne. We work with the West Modesto community to support planning of new parks and access that will be part of the Tuolumne River Regional Park.

By making it possible to have equitable access to the outdoors, communities have the chance to combat social isolation, maintain physical and emotional health, establish healthy habits, and participate in stewardship activities that protect and restore the environment.

The importance of connecting riverside communities to the River cannot be overstated

When we collectively come together to support and enrich whole communities, they in turn are empowered to feel connected and steward their natural resources so that generations to come will be lifted up and provided the same if not more opportunities.

Key Accomplishments

TRT Launched the Riverside Neighborhoods Program in Modesto’s Airport Neighborhood to support engagement from a broader range of stakeholders.

In partnership with local leaders, TRT helped found Charlas Communitarias and the Airport Neighborhood Collaborative to create forums for residents to discuss neighborhood issues, identify solutions, and bring those solutions to their local elected officials.

TRT and our community partners led an initiative to improve lighting in the Airport Neighborhood to both improve neighborhood safety and reduce barriers to park access, which resulted in 40 new streetlights installed in areas leading to the park.

2010 2011 2012

TRT and our community partners improved sidewalks in the Airport Neighborhood, which improves pedestrian safety and access to the Tuolumne River Regional Park.

TRT kicked-off the Adopt-Our-River program to remove litter and trash in and along the River in Modesto.

TRT launched the Safe Routes to Parks initiative to improve access to river parks in the Airport Neighborhood.

2008 2018 2019 2022

TRT further developed our park equity work through establishing a Park Youth Committee and onboarding our first cohort of high-school students and young adult mentors.