The Annual Yuba River Cleanup: Strengthening Our Community, Protecting Our Home

Every September, hundreds of volunteers gather along the banks of the South Yuba River and throughout Nevada County for SYRCL’s Annual Yuba River Cleanup. For more than two decades, this day has become more than just an act of environmental stewardship — it has grown into one of the largest community events in our region, uniting neighbors, families, schools, businesses, and organizations under one shared purpose: to care for the Yuba. 

A Tradition Rooted in Community 

The Yuba River is at the heart of Nevada County. It’s where families swim in the summer, where hikers and rafters find adventure, and where generations have gathered to connect with nature and with one another. The Cleanup is our community’s way of giving back — ensuring the places we love remain clean, safe, and beautiful. 

Year after year, volunteers come from every corner of the county to pitch in. Parents and children pick up litter together. Students join their classmates for hands-on service. Local businesses form teams, turning the day into a chance for team-building while giving back to the watershed that sustains us all. It’s a visible reminder that when we work together, we can protect something bigger than ourselves. 

Why It Matters to Nevada County 

• Protecting What We Love: The Yuba River isn’t just a waterway — it’s a cultural and ecological lifeline. Keeping it clean protects our health, our local wildlife, and the quality of life that makes Nevada County so unique. 
• Strengthening Connections: In a rural community, events like the Cleanup bring people together across towns, backgrounds, and generations. Many volunteers say it’s one of the only times they see the whole community come together with such shared enthusiasm. 
• Building a Legacy: Each bag of trash collected is a gift to the next generation. By participating, families are teaching children the values of stewardship, responsibility, and respect for the natural world. 

More Than Just Cleanup 

The Annual Yuba River Cleanup is also a celebration. After the hard work is done, volunteers gather to share food, stories, and music. Friendships are forged, neighbors meet for the first time, and a collective sense of pride takes root. What begins as a morning of trash collection ends as a testament to the power of community. 

REMEMBER: THIS YEAR THE VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PARTY IS FROM 12:00 – 3:00 AT CONDON PARK IN GRASS VALLEY.

How You Can Join 

Event Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025 

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

Sites: Dozens of cleanup locations throughout the watershed 

Whether you’ve just moved here or your family has called Nevada County home for generations, the Cleanup is a chance to connect with your community, celebrate the Yuba, and help ensure our watershed remains vibrant for years to come. 

Can’t make it to the Cleanup but still want to support the effort?

Consider Sponsoring A Site — Choose your favorite Yuba location and support the 28th Annual Yuba River Cleanup on September 20, 2025.

Your gift will:

• Support volunteer coordination
• Remove trash and debris from beaches, trails, and riverbanks
• Protect wildlife and water quality