Rafters will have the adventure of a lifetime. Photo courtesy of Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Join the Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture team for another memorable outdoor adventure when we invite the community along on a whitewater rafting excursion on the South Fork of the American River. This is the next in a series of outings funded by a grant from the California Department of Parks & Recreation as part of its Outdoor Equity program.

The adventure, which is in collaboration with H2O Adventures, a very experienced whitewater company, will take place on Saturday, July 13. The group will meet at 8 a.m. in Marysville at the Burrows Center for the Arts, 624 E St. The charter bus will transport the group to the put-in point on the American River off Highway 49.  This upper stretch of the South Fork provides an action packed ten mile stretch of class II and III rapids.

 While rafting is very exciting, it is also an opportunity to take in the scenic views of the American River. Photo courtesy of Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture

Before getting on the river, safety gear will be provided and there will be a safety talk by the guides to prepare everyone to paddle through rapids like Meat Grinder, Triple Threat, and Troublemaker Rapid (the largest class III rapid on the South Fork of the American River.) This trip typically lasts until about 12:30 p.m. and is a great and exciting way to spend the morning. The trip is recommended for beginners as well as more experienced rafters.

This trip is limited to 50 people. Participants must register in advance at yubasutterarts.org. The outing is free, but there is a $20 registration fee which will be fully refunded when checking in the morning of the event. Rafting fees, equipment, snacks and water are all provided at no cost to participants.

This is the second year of free, outdoor nature programs geared toward getting the community outside to enjoy guided adventures of various kinds. It is all made possible thanks to an Outdoor Equity Program Grant Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture received from the California State Parks & Recreation Department.  Why is access to the outdoors important? Nature is a public good that’s crucial for adults as well as children’s health and well-being. Scientists estimate that every $1 spent on creating and maintaining park trails can save almost $3 in health care alone. Additional studies show that access to parks and greenspace can increase children’s physical activity, reduce stress in children and improve academic performance.

Announcements about further outdoor art adventures will be made later this Summer. Be sure to pre-register for these programs at yubasutterarts.org or call 530-742-ARTS (2787). There will be an online trip preparation meeting prior to each outing.

 The rafting will take place on the South Fork of the American River. Photo courtesy of Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture