River Monitoring
Since 2020, volunteers have been the heart of this program, helping protect the Yuba River through hands-on, community-powered science. The data collected through this program has played a vital role in safeguarding and restoring our rivers, shaping conservation efforts that truly make a difference. Our volunteer River Monitors are a part of a legacy of stewardship, connection, and care for the Yuba River.
What is River Monitoring?
SYRCL’s River Monitoring Program is an award-winning model of a community-powered effort to monitor and assess water quality conditions throughout the Yuba River watershed. The program is similar to nationwide Waterkeeper programs that have contributed to the protection and restoration of waterways for healthy wildlife, safe recreation, and reliable water supplies. With the help of the Yuba River community, SYRCL has been able to build and maintain a program that is unique in its scope and dedication.
Volunteers form the backbone of the program, visiting their assigned sites each month to collect water quality data and document their observations in the field. In addition to routinely measuring many water quality parameters (water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and conductivity) of sites throughout the watershed, volunteers monitor for the presence of sensitive and invasive species, and occasionally test for bacteria, nutrients, and toxic metals. The program is based on the scientifically credible Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP) by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Data is collected each year from March to November, allowing SYRCL to monitor the health of the watershed over time.
To access river monitoring data, interpretive charts, site maps, and other information useful for watershed assessment, visit the Yuba River Water Quality Database.
How to Get Involved:
River Monitoring Volunteer
We are searching for dedicated, river loving volunteers for SYRCL River Monitor Team! Being a river monitor consists of taking one morning on the second Saturday of each month (or Friday if you prefer) to visit your river site(s) and collect the water quality parameters listed above. This is a very special way to connect to the environments that bring us so much joy, to further explore the beautiful Yuba, and to sustain the good health of the watershed!
Rapid Response Team
For current river monitors who are looking for more responsibility, try out the Rapid Response Team! Members of the Rapid Response Team will have the opportunity to assist SYRCL’s River Monitoring Coordinator with storm event sampling, high flow fish sampling, and become on-call monthly monitors. This is a great opportunity for seasoned volunteers who are hoping to learn more about the variety of projects SYRCL works on year-round!
Yuba Watershed River Monitoring Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total time commitment?
Monitoring occurs in the morning (before noon) on the second Saturday and preceding Friday of each month, starting in March and ending in November. That is just 9 mornings out of the year! Total number of hours may depend on where your site is located/ travel time, but volunteers can have a say in their preferred site.
Who can become a river monitor?
We welcome anyone to become a river monitor! People of all ages and experiences are the perfect fit for this program. SYRCL provides an initial orientation and field training sessions to all new volunteers each year, so no experience is necessary. All equipment is provided. Please do note that many of the monitoring sites require walking on rocks and wet, slippery, unstable ground, sometimes for long distances.
What if I want to volunteer but am not excited about field work?
If you are interested in volunteering but are interested in more office-based work, we have many opportunities for you! Office duties might include packing field bags, data entry, running turbidity samples, cleaning glassware, etc. Please reach out to our River Monitoring Coordinator with any questions about other opportunities.
What if I don’t want to volunteer alone?
While volunteering alone is always an option, we do encourage volunteers to partner together to collect their data. All volunteers are welcome to bring family members or friends along with them when they are monitoring as well!
What is the benefit of volunteering as a river monitor?
Not only are you able to explore beautiful sections of the Yuba River, but you can build your skills in field science, data collection, and stewardship as well as become part of an inspiring community!
Resources
Explore the links below to learn more about being a river monitor, read through documents used in river monitoring, and discover SYRCL’s future goals and plans for the program.
Day in the Life of a River Monitor Video Diary: Watch as Ralph Henson, goes about his morning as a river monitor on the Yuba. He explains various water quality testing and data collection techniques that you may use as a river monitor.
2026 New River Monitor Orientation: For new river monitors and those just wanting a refresher, check out this slide deck to learn about the responsibilities of a river monitor and the science behind water quality data collection.
Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP): The River Monitoring Program is based on the scientifically credible Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP) created by the Regional Water Quality Control Board to ensure proper data collection and compliance.
River Monitoring Plan for the Yuba River Watershed: SYRCL’s River Monitoring Plan documents and justifies the need for water quality protection and remediation efforts through targeted data collection efforts. Read this document to understand more about the work we have done and our goals moving forward!
Volunteer Appreciation
We are so grateful to all of the volunteers, past and present, who have donated their precious time to care for the Yuba! We are so lucky to be a part of a community that wants to be involved in investigating the issues that impact their home watershed.
