Building for bats, freeing fish at River Work Day

Most children spend their Saturday mornings with cartoons and sugar-laden cereal, not putting up bat houses and releasing fish into the Carson River.

This Saturday, they will get the chance.

A group of organizations is sponsoring the Carson River Work Day from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The event is designed to help clean up the river habitat while providing fun and educational activities for families.

"We are doing it because it seems like a good weekend to get people involved. It's a good time to get kids involved in helping preserve the environment," said Javier Ramirez, citizen outreach coordinator for Carson City.

The cleanup will include removal of wood and debris from around the river, placement of bat houses and a fish release. There will also be water education, beaver protection and activities for children.

"Every time we have an opportunity to add an educational opportunity we try to take advantage of it," Ramirez said. "This allows the community to be proactive and help clean up the river that is so popular."

Volunteers will also be served breakfast and a lunch of Mexican fare, and children can take a whack at a piñata.

"We want people to come out and help, but mostly to come and have some fun," Ramirez said.

The event is being sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nevada Resources Conservation Service, Carson City, Western Nevada Resource and Conservation District, Carson Water Sub-conservancy District, Carson Valley Conservation District, Bureau of Land Management, River Wranglers, Washoe Tribe, Carson River Advisory Council, Clear Creek Watershed Council and Lil' Dreamers.

Participants are asked to dress for changing weather conditions. All necessary tools will be provided.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.

If you go

What: Carson River Work Day

When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Off Carson River Road at Sierra Vista (east of Lloyd's Bridge, turn right). The work site is upstream of the bridge and across the river from Carson River Park

Call: Javier Ramirez at 291-3428 for

information