Diversity
The understanding that each individual is unique and recognizing individual differences.
Equity
Fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all. The identification and elimination of barriers that have prevented the full participation of marginalized groups.
Inclusion
The act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate.
Justice
The dismantling of systemic barriers which in turn supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Land Acknowledgement
The development of SYRCL’s Land Acknowledgement began with discussions between SYRCL, the community, and the Nisenan Tribe. The goal of this statement is to recognize the Indigenous land stewards of the Yuba River watershed and to counter the erasure of the Indigenous presence on the landscape.
If you would like to learn more about land acknowledgements, the Nisenan Tribe, and whose native land you are on check out the links below:
Yuba River Clean Up
Replace this caption & photo with field science or salmon expeditions
Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Programs
Wild and Scenic Film Festival
SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival inspires people and unites communities to heal the earth. We screen adventure and environmental films from all over the world that illustrate our planet’s beauty, the challenges facing it, and the work communities are doing to protect the environment.
Captions for Festival Films
75% of all festival films come with captions included as the new standard.
Amplification of voices often marginalized
Opportunities for Learning and Discussion
Creating a culture of inclusivity
Education
SYRCL provides education that aims to create life-long stewards of the Yuba River watershed and creates linkages between our River Education programs and other areas of our work. We strive to empower, engage, and collaborate with local youth and learning communities.
Salmon Expeditions program
Engages over 2,200 students, teachers, parents, and community members from Nevada, Yuba, and Sutter counties annually.
River Gear Loaner Program
Provides gear for students during Salmon Expeditions, increasing equity & access.
Wild & Scenic School Programs
Engages 4,000 students, teachers and parents annually.
High School Field Science Program
Earthwatch’s Girls in Science fellowship empowers teens to expand their interest in science and to build confidence through hands-on environmental research.
YOLO
Youth Outdoor Leadership Opportunity (YOLO) engages with local students in climate action and watershed restoration efforts.
High School Water Quality Education Program
Connects classroom curriculum on water quality and watersheds with a field excursion testing water quality of the Yuba River. Students then review how their data fit into SYRCL’s 25+ year database and present on a key takeaway of why and how the community can care for the Yuba watershed and water quality.
River Volunteers
SYRCL’s volunteer program invites people of all ages and abilities to help protect and restore the Yuba watershed. Whether it’s tracking water quality, writing letters to congress, or hauling trash out of the river, everyone can make a difference.
River Clean Up
The Yuba River Cleanup brings volunteers together to connect with the outdoors and each other. Hundreds of volunteers — from toddlers to retirees, families to fishing clubs — unite for one purpose: to care for the river that runs through the heart of our community.
River Monitoring Program
Since 2000, community-led river monitoring has put science in the hands of the people by removing barriers to participation in environmental science, contributing to a high-quality public database, and bringing people together around shared stewardship of our watershed. Explore the data HERE.
River Ambassador Program
Since 2022, the River Ambassadors Program has engaged with Spanish-speakers through Spanish signage and interactions with the program’s Bilingual River Captain. In 2025, SYRCL staff and volunteers spoke with 720 Spanish-speaking river-goers about safety and stewardship.
Watershed Science
SYRCL’s Watershed Science Department increases access to the Yuba through education programs, consultation with Tribes, and projects in disadvantaged communities.
Headwaters Collaboration
Engaging Tribal Partners and Federal Agencies in hands-on restoration in the Haskell Peak Meadows.
Lower Yuba Restoration
SYRCL collaborates with local schools to provide 1:1 mentorship and hands-on experience in salmonid habitat restoration monitoring.
North Yuba Forest Partnership
SYRCL is a key partner in the North Yuba Forest Partnership, supporting forest resilience treatments on the North Yuba that will directly benefit at-risk communities including Camptonville, Downieville, and Goodyears Bar.
Sierra Meadows Partnership
The SMP management board, of which SYRCL is a member, granted $1,000,000 in funding to Tribal-led, meadow related projects.
Partnered with the Washoe Tribe on developing trailhead signage at Van Norden Meadow
NYLRP Water Quality Monitoring
SYRCL works with local high school volunteers and AmeriCorps highlighting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice coming to life through field mentorship, access to opportunity, and collective care for our environment.
Advocacy
SYRCL advocates for equitable access to clean water, healthy rivers, and public lands for all who depend on the Yuba watershed. Our aim is to foster broad, diverse coalitions through inclusive policy advocacy, community education, and partnerships.
Advocated to Fund State Parks
to ensure access to nature, education, and recreation opportunities, and to restore proposed cuts to the Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Corps Program.
Advocated for clean water and hydropower reforms in Washington, D.C.
SYRCL works with national organizations to protect clean water for all.
SYRCL works with our state-level representatives to support community-focused solutions for our rivers
Advocated for Inclusivity and Equity in CA’s 30×30 Initiative
This initiative focuses on ensuring that conservation efforts provide equitable access to healthy rivers and public lands for every member of our community.
Joined with Tribes and community organizations to oppose the environmentally destructive Centennial Dam
The dam would have buried hundred of cultural sites and the last stretch of free-flowing river on the Bear River.
Community Advocacy for Rivers
DEIJ into the future
SYRCL is always seeking new ways to learn and grow. If you would like to participate, please consider joining SYRCL’s DEIJ Committee as a Community Member. If you have any feedback or would like to provide input, please email us at info@yubariver.org.
DEIJ Committee’s Community Members
Debra Weistar
“Access to nature is a fundamental human right. Serving on SYRCL’s Board of Directors made me more aware of issues such as systemic barriers to access wild places like the Yuba. That awareness gave rise to a deeper inquiry on equity in nature, and the realization that it was futile to protect or “save” wilderness areas without also working to remove the barriers to access. Serving on the DEIJ Committee is a way for me to challenge privilege, and work towards inclusion for all. “
Sarah Morgan & Angelly Figarella
Sarah and Angelly joined the DEIJ Committee to help create a bridge between the valuable work that SYRCL does and the Latino community in Western Nevada County.
“The Latino Family Outreach team, through the County Office of Education, is dedicated to supporting Latino and Hispanic community members and their children in achieving wellness and a sense of belonging. By offering responsive programs and services that promote healthy lifestyles, our team of Promotoras fosters a safe, welcoming, and trusted environment for all. Through collaboration with partners such as SYRCL and engagement in the outdoors, we create meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and well-being. “