Nevada City, CA — The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) invites the community to roll up their sleeves and take part in one of the region’s most beloved environmental traditions: the Annual Yuba River Cleanup. This year’s event is scheduled for September 20, 2025 from 9:00am to noon, and SYRCL is calling on volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to join in a powerful day of action, community building, and river stewardship.

Since 1997, more than 14,000 volunteers have participated in the Yuba River Cleanup, dedicating over 42,000 hours to removing 135+ tons of trash and recycling from the river and its tributaries. From picking up discarded glass and plastics to removing graffiti on river rocks, from removing tires to hauling out furniture, volunteers for the Cleanup have helped ensure the Yuba remains a vibrant, healthy waterway for generations to come.

“It’s so rewarding to pick up and pack out trash, knowing you’ve erased its potential hazards and left the river clean and pristine for all creatures great and small,” said longtime SYRCL volunteer Marlene Sharon.

SYRCL’s Annual Yuba River Cleanup goes beyond removing waste from the watershed; it’s also about connecting the community. From families working side-by-side to fishing clubs protecting their home waters, volunteers describe the day as deeply meaningful.

“Removing graffiti felt like a small but important way to help preserve the natural beauty of the river,” said Grace Hoben, a 2023 volunteer. “It was especially rewarding to meet others who share the same appreciation for the Yuba and its ecosystem. The scenery was incredible, and the day was both productive and enjoyable.”

SYRCL’s Executive Director, Aaron Zettler-Mann adds: “The way this community shows up for the Yuba is inspiring – the Cleanup is such a wonderful, direct, positive step we can take to care for this place that means so much to us all.”

Cleanup participants

Following the Cleanup, all volunteers are invited to celebrate their hard work at the Volunteer Appreciation Party, starting at noon on Saturday, September 20 at a new location: the BBQ Pavilion at Condon Park in Grass Valley. This festive gathering will feature a delicious BBQ lunch from Bill’s Chuckwagon, a lively beer garden, family-friendly games, and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. It’s a chance to relax, connect with fellow river stewards, and celebrate our collective impact made across the watershed. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to join the fun — because giving back to the river deserves a celebration!

Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned river advocate, the Yuba River Cleanup welcomes you. All necessary supplies will be provided and SYRCL staff will support volunteers throughout the day.

Event Details

  • Annual Yuba River Cleanup: September 20, 2025 from 9-noon at multiple cleanup sites across the Yuba River Watershed
  • Volunteer Appreciation Party: Condon Park from noon-3
  • Self-Guided Cleanups encouraged from September 21st to the 26th.
  • Register to Volunteer at www.yubariver.org/cleanup

Help protect your happy place. Join hundreds of others in making a big difference through a small act of care.