For this month’s Walk & Talk program we celebrate one of our most precious local resources: The Petaluma Watershed. Local environmentalists, Neal Fishman & Maxene Spellman, will lead a “Watershed Walking Tour” of the River Park at 10:00am. Special guests from Petaluma Wetlands Alliance and Friends of the Petaluma River will share hands-on activities designed to teach humans of all ages about the broader Petaluma River ecosystem and all of the plants and animals that call it home.
The program is FREE and in-formal.
When: The First Saturday of every month from 9:30AM - 11:00AM
Parking: The entrance to Petaluma River Park is located at 300 Copeland Street, off of D Street, between Petaluma Boulevard and Lakeville.
Schedule:
9:30am - 11:00am - Drop-in activities
9:30am - Optional walk with Petaluma River Park docent about the Park project
10:00am - Watershed Walking Tour with Neal Fishman & Maxene Spellman
Who are Neal & Maxene?
Maxene Spellman, a committed and passionate environmentalist, retired to Petaluma eleven years ago after a long career in planning. A master’s degree in urban planning from San Diego State University, launched her career. Maxene joined the State Coastal Conservancy, after working on San Diego County’s Local Coastal Program and reviewing Housing Elements at the State Department of Housing and Community Development. At the Conservancy she was the Sonoma County coordinator under the San Francisco Bay Area Program. Maxene collaborated with the County of Sonoma, County cities, Sonoma Land Trust, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District as well as several nonprofit organizations, including Friends of the Petaluma River, on grants for acquisition, restoration and public access projects. Since moving to Petaluma she served on the Board of the Sonoma/Petaluma State Historic Parks Association and more recently ran the effort to pass Measure M for Parks. She is happy to be able now to serve on the FOPR Board to contribute to its goals, especially focusing on enhanced access and restoration of the Petaluma River Watershed.
Neal Fishman was raised on a ranch in Penngrove. BS Conservation, UC Berkeley. Worked 32 years as project manager, legislative coordinator, and Deputy Executive Officer for the Coastal Conservancy. Drafted legislation creating the California Coastal Trail. Instrumental in creating the San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy, and several statewide conservation bond acts. Served as chief consultant to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. Serves on board of Sonoma Land Trust. Married to Maxene Spellman. They have two children.
More About our First Saturday Walk & Talk Program
On the first Saturday of every month we invite you to join us for a guided group Walk & Talk at the River Park. Each month we’ll have a different theme with special guest speakers, activities, or treats. If you would like, we invite you to stick around after the program to talk with PRPF team members about the River Park project and to share your ideas for the Park!
All ages of well behaved humans and dogs on leash are welcome. Things to bring: comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and water.