Annual Yuba River Cleanup 2020
The South Yuba River has seen an unprecedented number of visitors this summer, leaving behind unsightly litter and garbage on beaches and trails. We are calling on our community to help “Protect Your Happy Place” by signing up for the South Yuba River Citizens League 23rd Annual Yuba River Cleanup September 16-27, 2020. Volunteer Registration will begin Monday Aug 3rd, 2020.
This Cleanup is part of the Coastal Cleanup Day which started in 1985 and is the largest volunteer event in the state. You, our volunteers are the most important part of this effort.
River Cleanup volunteers make a huge difference in the health of our watershed, over the past 20 years, we’ve removed more than 120 tons of garbage and recycling. Thanks to our entire community of river volunteers who helped make the 2019 Yuba River Cleanup a success. We removed more than 15 tons of trash and recycling from the Yuba and Bear watersheds with the help of 900 dedicated volunteers…and our work is far from over.
This summer due to shutdowns, crowds are flooding the Yuba River watershed to get some relief from the stress and heat of 2020. Beaches and trails are littered with shopping bags, straws, cigarette butts, bottles, glass, picnic trash and more. We are passionate about protecting the beautiful Yuba River and our river community. That’s why this year we will be hosting a different kind of river cleanup.
Keeping volunteers and the community safe from the spread of COVID-19 is our number one concern. Therefore, rather than one day of fun, this year’s cleanup will be spread across 12-days from September 16-27th. 2020. We will be adhering to social distancing guidelines with this cleanup model, protecting ourselves while we protect the Yuba River.
Beginning August 3rd, volunteers can register online for the cleanup, choose your cleanup site and choose a time to pick up trash between September 16-27th. Volunteers will be spread across 16+ sites over 12-days to minimize contact with visitors and volunteers. Only 5-10 volunteers allowed per cleanup site each shift. We need your help this year to bring garbage bags, masks and gloves to your cleanup spot. Pick up what trash and recycling you can, then report back to SYRCL what is left for the next volunteer shift.
To avoid large gatherings, the Volunteer Appreciation Party will be cancelled this year, however we will still be awarding winners for the Best of Trash or Treasure Contest. During the Cleanup keep on the lookout for unique trash that might give you a win! This year’s trash or treasure categories will be: Most Useful Find, Most Historical Find, Most Unusual Find and Most Fashionable Find.
Concerned with social distancing at the river? Stay close-to-home by registering to cleanup your local neighborhood or natural area near you.