Nevada City, CA — The South Yuba River Citizens League invites the public to State of the Yuba 2026 on Wednesday, April 15, at the Miners Foundry Cultural Center in Nevada City. The open house begins at 5:30 PM, with the speaking program starting at 6:30 PM. This family-friendly event will also feature fun, educational activities for kids.
Since 2013, this free annual event reports on the success of SYRCL’s ongoing restoration, advocacy, education, and outreach projects. This year, the event also celebrates the 25th anniversary of the South Yuba River’s Wild & Scenic designation and addresses recent challenges, including the accident at New Colgate Powerhouse.
Twenty-five years ago, the South Yuba River was guaranteed protection under California’s Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. The designation, which protects 39 miles of the river from dams and destructive development, resulted from nearly two decades of grassroots organizing by community members who believed that people can save a river. SYRCL’s State of the Yuba 2026 will celebrate this milestone and the community that made it possible while examining the ongoing work required to keep the river wild, scenic, and resilient.
Additionally at State of the Yuba, SYRCL staff will be addressing the penstock failure at Yuba County Water Agency’s New Colgate Powerhouse and present findings from ongoing monitoring efforts, discuss recovery progress, and explain what this event means for long-term watershed health.
SYRCL will also be presenting awards recognizing the people and organizations that make watershed protection possible:
- Volunteer of the Year
- Sponsor of the Year
- Partner of the Year
- Environmentalist of the Year Scholarship Award Winner
Attendees will have opportunities during the open house to interact directly with SYRCL staff and ask questions about programs from restoration projects to volunteer opportunities. SYRCL’s State of the Yuba 2026 is a family-friendly event welcoming community members of all ages. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Event Details:
- What: SYRCL’s State of the Yuba 2026
- When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
- Where: Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring Street, Nevada City
- Time: Open House 5:30 PM | Speaking Program 6:30 PM
- Cost: Free and open to the public
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 over 3,500 members and volunteers based in Nevada City, CA. See: www.yubariver.org