SYRCL’s Summer of Stewardship with River Ambassadors

After just five weekends on the river, SYRCL’s phenomenal River Ambassador team has spoken with over 1,300 South Yuba River visitors about the polluting impacts of trash and dog waste, the dangers of broken glass, and the catastrophic potential of wildfire.

This dedicated group of 32 volunteers and three River Captains promote an ethic of responsible, non-polluting use of the river by speaking one-on-one with visitors at Bridgeport, 49, Purdon and Edwards crossings each weekend through August. In addition to providing information to visitors about threats to the Yuba, volunteers model good stewardship practices by picking up and cataloging the waste found on the beaches and trails. They have removed 3,769 pieces of trash and recycling to date!

Cigarette butts are the most littered item locally and globally. In addition to the fire danger posed by a carelessly flicked butt, cigarette filters are not biodegradable and contain toxic chemicals that pollute our waterways and harm wildlife. In an effort to raise awareness of this issue, River Ambassadors have been passing out small, pocket-sized tins to encourage smokers to pack out their cigarette trash. We have had an enthusiastic response so far! If you have an impressive collection of empty, pocket-sized tins (such as Altoid containers), please consider donating them so we can continue with this project.

Volunteer to Protect the Yuba

We are seeking more volunteers to join the River Ambassador team! Come learn more about the program and connect with fellow river lovers at our next volunteer training on Thursday, July 16 at 5pm. The fun and informative session will be led by SYRCL staff and our partners at State Parks. Volunteers will receive comprehensive training in the goals of the program, SYRCL’s mission and on-going projects, State Park policies, and how to best engage with folks on the river.

River Ambassador Training

When: Thursday, July 16 from 5:00pm – 8:30 pm

Where: 313 Railroad Ave Suite 101, Nevada City 95959

What: Receive an orientation to the program and comprehensive training from SYRCL and State Park staff on how to be a River Ambassador.

RSVP: To sign up for the training, please click here.

Volunteers are asked to commit 3-5 four-hour shifts over the course of the summer under the supervision of SYRCL’s River Captains. To view the current volunteer schedule, click here.

For more information on the River Ambassador program and how you can help, please contact Suzanne Calkins, SYRCL’s Stewardship Coordinator at (530)265-5961 ext. 212 or suzanne@syrcl.org.