Nevada City, CA May 15, 2018 – Recognizing that it takes a community to keep the Yuba clean, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) and California State Parks are hosting a River Ambassador training on Wednesday, May 16, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at 313 Railroad Avenue, Suite 101 in Nevada City.

SYRCL and State Parks are seeking 40 trained volunteers to join the program for the 2018 summer season. At the training, potential volunteers will receive a comprehensive overview of the River Ambassador program including “Leave No Trace” principles and techniques for effective public outreach and education. River Ambassadors volunteer for 4-hour shifts, 3 to 5 weekends throughout the summer.

Thanks to its stunning emerald swimming holes and picturesque granite boulders, the South Yuba River is one of the most visited attractions in Nevada County. Each year, the river attracts an estimated 700,000+ visitors to the trails and sandy beaches of South Yuba River State Park. More visitors mean more coolers, more dog waste, more trash, and a greater risk of fire in the dry canyon.

To address these issues, every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day, River Ambassadors will be stationed at popular Yuba crossings, informing visitors about the area’s high potential for wildfires, the importance of recycling, and the harmful effects of glass, litter and dog waste to the river’s wildlife and ecosystem. This is the seventh season that SYRCL and State Parks have collaborated on this critical summer volunteer program.

Equipped with a smile, River Ambassadors model how to “Love the Yuba Like a Local” through education and friendly face-to-face social interactions. To become a part of the team, check out SYRCL’s pre-program training on Wednesday, May 16th, 2018. Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome. For more information, please visit www.yubariver.org or contact Siya Philips, Stewardship Coordinator at Siya@YubaRiver.org, 530-265-5961, ext. 212.

WHAT: SYRCL & California State Park’s River Ambassador Volunteer Training
WHEN: Wednesday, May 16, 5:30-8:30pm (New volunteers, please arrive early at 5pm with valid ID for paper work and refreshments.)
WHERE: 313 Railroad Ave, Suite #101, Nevada City, CA 95959

About SYRCL: The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL, pronounced “circle”) is the leading voice for the protection and restoration of the Yuba River watershed. Founded in 1983 through a rural, grassroots campaign to defend the South Yuba River from proposed hydropower dams, SYRCL has developed into a vibrant community organization with more than 3,500 members and volunteers based in Nevada City, CA. See: www.yubariver.org