To become a River Monitor, we encourage you to attend our virtual orientation on Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 6–7pm, where we’ll cover what the river monitoring program. We will also offer a required field training day where volunteers can learn how to conduct river monitoring (may take place in early March, but remains COVID-dependent).
2020 marked the 20th anniversary of our River Monitoring program. Kicking off as it typically does in March with a committed group of volunteers who monitor 35 sites around the watershed, it abruptly transitioned to a solely staff-led venture. Covering the monthly work of more than 40 trained River Monitors is a time consuming task for just 2–3 people; however, dedicated SYRCL staff successfully completed the season. Details
Please join us in welcoming our new AmeriCorps team members: Andrea, Jesse & Asia! Look for them at upcoming outreach events and the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, January 17-21. Details
The vast majority of North America has been infested by zebra and quagga mussel. These mussels have profound impacts to aquatic ecosystems. SYRCL in partnership with Tahoe National Forest received a grant from the CA Department of Boating and Waterways to conduct a vulnerability assessment and develop a prevention plan for eight reservoirs. Details
SYRCL is seeking enthusiastic, conservation-minded people, willing to commit a year of service in the Sierra Nevada mountains of northern California, to protect the beautiful natural resources of the Yuba River watershed and to help build sustainable river communities. Deadline to apply is July 25. Details
This year, SYRCL was lucky to have three dedicated high school seniors intern with the River Science department. Dantes Zapata, Nåah Lifland, and Aiden Keller completed over 266 volunteer hours entering data, assisting with outreach, updating inventories, and spending some days in the field. Details
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released a draft Feasibility Report & Environmental Assessment for the Yuba River. This interim study, which is now out for public review and comment (through February 23), presents a variety of actions and alternatives for restoring the Yuba River. Yet, in its suite of suggestions, it discounts the removal of Englebright and Daguerre Point Dams as fish passage options for the Yuba. Details
Each spring, volunteers are trained to collect scientifically credible data for water quality parameters such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, conductivity and the presence of invasive and sensitive species for locations throughout the Yuba watershed. Thanks to the help of our diligent volunteers, data is collected each month from March to November, allowing SYRCL to monitor the health of the watershed over time. Details
SYRCL has been working with Cranmer Laboratories to perform the collection and testing of total coliform and E.coli bacteria at 5 popular swimming holes throughout the Yuba River Watershed. In addition to the grab samples for bacteria, basic water quality parameters are also measured including dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, air temperature, turbidity, and water temperature. The read more >>
Our restoration program is growing and that means we need more volunteers than ever before! We invite you to join us out in the watershed as citizen scientists to help our science staff implement several important projects. This summer our focus is on meadows. We are looking for volunteers who think cutting down trees is fun, who want to read more >>
