At the heart of every healthy river and thriving community is a simple truth: volunteering matters, and together we make it happen. Sonoma County was recently ranked first statewide in volunteerism! According to a Corporation for National and Community Service report. 38.7% of local residents volunteer regularly, over 10% more than other California communities (VCSC, 2025). Additionally, the collective effort of volunteers across the US reaches comparable economic values of 52 million a year nationally (independentsector.org). These incredible efforts are sometimes overlooked, and the benefits are not fully recognized.

At Russian Riverkeeper, we rely on our volunteers who know the Russian River is more than just a beautiful place to swim, paddle, or relax—it’s the heart of our community. It provides drinking water, supports our local economy, and offers invaluable ecosystem services that sustain people and wildlife alike. From endangered coho salmon to playful river otters- countless species depend on a clean, healthy watershed to survive and thrive.

Volunteering in nature provides benefits that go far beyond helping the community and protecting the environment. Spending time outdoors reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and supports overall physical wellness through fresh air and movement. It also fosters a deep sense of life satisfaction, as volunteers feel a stronger connection to purpose and community. Research shows that giving back in this way can improve mental health by reducing feelings of isolation and boosting mood through social interaction and time in natural settings. The combination of physical activity, meaningful contribution, and connection to both people and place makes volunteering in nature a powerful way to enhance happiness, resilience, and overall well-being.

In a world of increasing human activities and pressures, the river cannot care for itself, making the work of volunteers at Russian Riverkeeper essential. Last year alone, Russian Riverkeeper’s Clean Team and community helpers removed over 423,083 pounds of trash from the river and its tributaries—everything from plastics and tires to hazardous waste. We’ve already completed 40 community-based cleanups this year and are confident we’ll break our record again with more than 52! That’s averaged at one community cleanup per week. If left unchecked, this debris harms wildlife, pollutes water, creates microplastics, and diminishes the river experience for everyone, so it’s important we grab it at the source.

This is where volunteers make the difference. By giving a few hours of your time, you directly help restore the river’s health, protect habitat, and keep our community thriving. Your impact is felt far beyond the riverbank—you help ensure future generations can enjoy a clean, safe, and vibrant river.

One of the most powerful ways to get involved is through our Annual Russian River Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, September 20th. This single day of action brings together hundreds of volunteers, community groups, and local businesses to tackle trash across the watershed. Last year alone, volunteers removed 28,000 pounds of garbage in just one day. Imagine what we can do together this year!

How to Get Involved:

  • Groups & Businesses: Contact me- Ariel Majorana, Community Engagement Manager at ariel@russianriverkeeper.org to set up a team.
  • Individuals & Families: Sign up at russianriverkeeper.org/rrwcu by September 17th.

Every volunteer gets a free t-shirt, and every piece of trash removed brings us closer to a cleaner, healthier river.

Join us on September 20th and at our cleanups throughout the year to be part of something big—because when we care for the river, we care for our community and ourselves.