Happy spring to members of Trails for Creston Valley Society! After a winter’s rest, the Riverside Wilderness Park Committee is up and running again for the 2025 season. The main driveway into the park has been opened up again after a temporary closure while the snow melted and the frost thawed from the driveway — and it’s time for a spring cleanup soon!

You may have noticed that the resident beavers in the park have been busy felling cottonwood trees, and there are a lot of branches and logs to clean up before our lawn maintenance crew can start cutting the grass again. We are having a work bee at the park on Saturday April 26, starting at 10:00 am. There are new signposts to install, burdock plants to remove, wire beaver protectors to attach to cottonwood trees, litter to clean up, and new friends to meet!

As with any natural area, there are some potential park hazards to be aware of. The trunks of some large cottonwood trees have been partly chewed by beavers and these trees may fall unexpectedly, especially during windy conditions. Also, the Goat River’s water level is rising due to spring runoff and if it rises high enough, it can flood the parking area making it very muddy and it can undercut the banks of the river causing them to become unstable and slough off into the river. Please use caution while at the park.

Please consider joining us on April 26 to spend a few hours lending a hand at the park. As well, our steering committee for the park is always looking for new members. If you love spending time at Riverside Wilderness Park, we look forward to the chance to meet you on April 26!

Things to bring:

Pruners/loppers
Chainsaw (safe certified operators only)
Wire cutters
Work gloves
Lunch and water
(We will provide garbage bags and shovels)

Thank you!
Riverside Wilderness Park Committee