ARTA guide Rick Byars, author of "The Stanislaus River Song"

Rick came to ARTA in 1974 and made a great mark as a terrific guide – and as an outstanding musician and song writer. Listening to him play his guitar and sing a wide range of songs was always a treat. In August 1974, he wrote The Stanislaus River Song which became an anthem in the Prop. 17 campaign to save the river – you can listen to a multi-image version of it here , and see these other links to the song text and audio.