News & Press
Climate Change and the Future of Water in the Russian River Watershed
Climate change is reshaping the Russian River Watershed, our State, and our planet right before our eyes. Once-predictable patterns of […]
- Advocacy
- Environmental Justice
- Water Conservation
Climate Change and the Future of Water in the Russian River Watershed
Climate change is reshaping the Russian River Watershed, our State, and our planet right before our eyes. Once-predictable patterns of […]
- Events
- Trash Cleanup
- Volunteer
39th Annual Russian River Watershed Cleanup: 13 Tons of Trash Removed by 520 Volunteers!
On Saturday, September 20th, 2025, the Russian Riverkeeper community came together for our […]
- Hanson
Update: Floodplain Restoration Reaches Key Milestone
It’s been a busy time for the Russian River (Hanson) Floodplain Restoration Project since Supervisors approved the Project Use Permit […]
- Advocacy
- Climate Change
Understanding the 2025 Biological Opinion: What’s Changing and What’s Still at Stake
NOAA Fisheries recently released a new, no-jeopardy Biological Opinion (BO) governing operations on the Russian River, Dry Creek, and related […]
- Events
- Trash Cleanup
- Volunteer
Be Part of Something Big: Volunteering is the key to a happier & healthier life
At the heart of every healthy river and thriving community is a simple truth: volunteering matters, and together we make […]
- Advocacy
- Education
- Environmental Justice
Protecting the Russian River Watershed
Understanding Biological Opinions and Their Role in Protecting the Russian River Watershed The Russian River Watershed, spanning Sonoma and Mendocino […]
- Advocacy
Potter Valley Project and the Need to Move Forward
Left Congressman Huffman, Janet Pauli (Inland Water & Power), Andy Mejia (Lytton Tribal Chair), Shebesta (US Army Corps Commander) Today, […]
- Advocacy
Sonoma County Well Ordinance FAQ
Dear Supporter, We wanted to take a moment to update you on the latest developments in the ongoing Sonoma County […]
- Advocacy
Well Permitting Updates in Sonoma County
This past Friday, February 7th, the Court denied the County’s attempt to get a new trial to re-try our case. […]
- Spotlight
Riverkeeper Board Transitions for 2025
After an incredibly successful ten-year run as President of the Riverkeeper Board of Directors, Ed Burdett is passing the baton […]
- Advocacy
A Call for Stronger Action on Vineyard Runoff: Protecting Our Waterways
Last month, the Regional Water Board heard the most recent proposal for regulating polluted runoff stemming from vineyard properties within […]
- Events
- Trash Cleanup
Join Us this month for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: Let’s Make a Difference Together!
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honor Dr. King’s legacy by stepping up to serve your community. Volunteerism is more […]
- Climate Change
- Environmental Justice
Rain Connects Everything to Our River
When it rains, every house, parking lot, building and street becomes directly connected to our river. Whether you live twenty […]
- Advocacy
- Environmental Justice
Protecting Against Clean Water Rollbacks
Since 1993, Russian Riverkeeper has worked tirelessly to restore and protect our watershed environment for the benefit of present and […]
- Advocacy
Vineyard Permitting in Sonoma County
The North Coast Regional Water Board recently released their proposed permit to regulate non-point source pollutants (e.g., sediment and pesticides) […]
- Donors
Maximize Your Impact with Appreciated Assets
Donors Michael and Janet Verlander share how donating appreciated assets can amplify your support for Russian Riverkeeper while providing significant […]
- Donors
- Spotlight
Russian Riverkeeper Evolving for the Future
Over the last 24 years, Russian Riverkeeper has grown from a single staff member to a paid staff of 14. […]
- Spotlight
- Volunteer
Aaron Boice Finds His Tribe with Russian Riverkeeper
Volunteer Spotlight: Aaron Boice on Finding His Tribe with Russian Riverkeeper For Aaron Boice, his journey with Russian Riverkeeper began […]
- Climate Change
- Environmental Justice
Clearing the Clutter: Tackling Bulky and Hazardous Waste in Sonoma County
October is Zero Waste Month, and Russian Riverkeeper is raising awareness on trash disposal in Sonoma County, focusing on items […]
- Education
October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month: Make a Lasting Impact
Did you know that October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month? It’s the perfect time to think about how you […]
- Advocacy
Advocacy Updates! What’s next after our big water win!
COURT FINDS SONOMA COUNTY VIOLATED ITS PUBLIC TRUST AND CEQA RESPONSIBILITIES AND ORDERS THE COUNTY TO PROTECT ITS WATERWAYS FROM […]
- Donors
- Spotlight
Larry Laba
Larry Laba’s connection to the Russian River runs deep, both professionally and personally. As the founder of SOAR Inflatables, Larry […]
- Events
- Trash Cleanup
RRK 38th Annual Watershed Cleanup Was a Success!
It was another great year for the 38th annual Russian River Watershed Cleanup! On September 21, 2024, 420 enthusiastic volunteers […]
- Restoration
Busy Summer for Arundo Removal
Just in time for the height of fire season Riverkeeper Restoration program staff and the amazing workers from Resilience Works […]
- Press
Big Water Win For Russian Riverkeeper
Court finds Sonoma County violated its public trust and CEQA responsibilities and orders the county to protect its waterways from excessive groundwater pumping.
- Trash Cleanup
Meet the Clean Team
If you don’t know us yet, or the work we do we’d love to introduce ourselves! The Russian Riverkeeper Clean […]
- Advocacy
- Environmental Justice
The Hidden Threat in Our Tires
Vehicle tires are a vital component of modern transportation, but they carry an invisible threat to our environment, particularly to […]
- Donors
- Spotlight
Karen Kline
At 85 years young, Karen’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, friendship, and community engagement. A devoted […]
- Press
- Trash Cleanup
Russian River Keeper Clean Camp Program Gets County Funds
We are grateful to Supervisor Lynda Hopkins who along with Supervisor Gore submitted a $85,000 budget request to fund the […]
- Spotlight
The Legacy of L Martin “Marty” Griffin
The coastal areas of Marin and Sonoma would not be what they are today if it wasn’t for the efforts […]
Russian River Keeper Clean Camp Program Gets County Funds
We are grateful to Supervisor Lynda Hopkins who along with Supervisor Gore submitted a $85,000 budget request to fund the […]
Go to the River, it’s good for you!
As we write this it’s still very much spring with river temperatures in the 60’s, but according to all forecasts, […]
Turning Water Quality Issues into Climate Change Solutions
As the rain continues to fall around us, we must start looking forward to new and creative solutions to prepare […]
A Changing Potter Valley Project: Part II
Questions about the Potter Valley Project and how it will impact the Russian River have increased over the last few […]
Car Easy Gives Back to Russian Riverkeeper
The minivan my kids grew up riding in experienced extensive use, from spilled sippy cups to being the vehicle for […]
Sustainable Vineyard Practices Help Protect the Russian River
Sediment impairment is a major environmental issue affecting waterways worldwide, and the Russian River is included. As we discussed in […]
How Your Tire Tread May Cause Harm to the Russian River
A newly discovered pollutant found in vehicle tire tread wear particles on our roads is creating great concern because it […]
Where the Potter Valley Project Stands Today: Part I
Over the last several months, there were ongoing discussions around PG&E’s plans for the Eel River dams, Potter Valley Project […]
- Advocacy
A Silent Threat to the Russian River’s Freshwater & Salmon
Excess Sediment: A Silent Threat to Freshwater Quality and Salmon Species The Russian River Watershed is known for its stunning […]
Russian Riverkeeper Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Celebrating 30 Years of: Advocacy, Restoration, River Cleanups & Community Engagement! For the past 30 years, Russian Riverkeeper has fought […]
- Hanson
Hanson Floodplain Restoration Milestone!
2024 Update! Hanson Floodplain Restoration Project News The Hanson Russian River Floodplain Restoration Project near Windsor received a big boost […]
- Climate Change
- Restoration
Great Progress on Arundo Removal!
Thanks to your support, we have made great progress removing arundo donax along the Russian River. Since August 1st we’ve […]
- Advocacy
Vineyard Permitting in Sonoma County Protects Our Waterways
The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is currently working to draft a Waste Discharge permit for vineyard properties. […]
THIRTY YEARS OF PROGRESS
In 1993, the Russian River was deemed to be in peril. Thus began the birth of Russian Riverkeeper, the champion […]
Arundo Removal Project Receives Matching Grant!
2024 Update! Arundo Removal is in Full Swing for Summer With the help of the Resilience Force crew, we have […]
Remembering Paul Dolan
Paul Dolan: Industry Pioneer, Mentor, and Family Focused Photo courtesy of the Dolan family. Everyone at Russian Riverkeeper sends our […]
Supreme Court Limits Protection for Wetlands
Last week the US Supreme Court issued a ruling in the Sackett vs EPA case that limited federal protections of […]
- Advocacy
- Environmental Justice
- Fire & Flood Recovery
Arundo Removal Updates!
Arundo Update- June 2023 Here’s the latest update on Riverkeeper’s ongoing Healdsburg Arundo Removal Project: Our crews and volunteer groups […]
- Advocacy
- Environmental Justice
RRK Challenges Sonoma County Well Ordinance
Russian Riverkeeper (RRK) and our state association, California Coastkeeper Alliance, recently filed a challenge to the Sonoma County Well Ordinance […]
Tips on Visiting the Russian River This Summer!
It’s going to be a great year on the river, get out and enjoy it! After a great rainy season, […]
- Advocacy
- Events
Earth Month Was a Great Success Thanks to You!
It’s been a great Earth Month this last April and at Russian Riverkeeper! We’ve been keeping busy to make the […]
- Advocacy
Our Natural Resources Are at Risk!
Click here to see the previous update! The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors completed their vote to pass the proposed […]
Our River Is Back! What Does This Actually Mean?
Spring is one of our favorite times of year on the river. The trees and vegetation are greening up and […]
- Advocacy
Taking Action Against Unregulated Ground Water Pumping
Join us in ensuring our public trust resources are protected from unrestricted groundwater pumping! Russian Riverkeeper is continuing hard to […]
- Advocacy
- Climate Change
- Environmental Justice
- Events
Russian Riverkeeper Celebrates Earth Month
Earth Day is an annual event that is celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness and appreciation for our planet’s […]
- Press
Press Feature!
Thank you so much KindTravler for supporting our mission and to the 7×7 team for the incredible feature! Click the […]
- Advocacy
- Water Conservation
Why You Should Care About the Public Trust Doctrine
- Restoration
2023 Priorities
Help us meet our goals! Click here to donate.
Post Flood Support
The welcome rains in January came with a deluge of trash swept into the river by the forces of nature. […]
How to Conserve Your Water All Year Round
Here are just some of the good reasons to stick with our conservation habit: Let’s keep water where it is, […]
2022 Look Back!
2022 Lookback
- Education
- Events
Steelhead Festival Returns- February 11, 2023!
We are very excited to participate again in the 14th annual Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival. This event is an excellent […]
- Advocacy
- Climate Change
- Environmental Justice
State and Local Water Assistance Programs
Access to water is recognized as a human right yet 2 million U.S. citizens and over 2 billion worldwide still […]
Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite
This past October we sent our amazing staff Attorney, Jaime Neary, to the 31st annual Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite […]
Clean Water Act 50: PFAS Results
In our June newsletter, we discussed water quality testing our staff participated in through Waterkeeper Alliance to learn whether we […]
- Climate Change
- Environmental Justice
Seasonal Changes Impacts On Our River!
Autumn is Among Us! With the days getting shorter and temperatures getting colder, we begin to see seasonal changes on […]
Mes de la Herencia Hispana, el Nuevo Cuadro de Mando Latino y Reuniones Locales
¡El mes pasado del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre fue el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana! California […]
Staff Day Along the Russian River
We took a fun staff day along our wonderful Russian River this month after our annual fundraiser event, Rippin’ River […]
- Advocacy
- Education
Hispanic Heritage Month, the New Latino Scorecard and Local Gatherings
Español This past month from September 15th until October 15th was National Hispanic Heritage Month! California and Sonoma County have […]
- Advocacy
- Climate Change
- Education
Groundwater Pumping Goes Unchecked In Sonoma County
It is time for accountability when it comes to our groundwater resources. Groundwater pumping is going unchecked in Sonoma County. […]
- Trash Cleanup
- Volunteer
The 36th Annual Russian River Watershed Cleanup
The 36th Annual Russian River Watershed Cleanup: That’s A Wrap! Our annual watershed-wide event on Saturday, September 17th […]
- Climate Change
- Education
Hanson Floodplain Restoration Project Update!
The Hanson Floodplain Restoration Project is in the final planning stretch and very close to submitting permit applications to the […]
- Advocacy
- Press
- River Flow
Press Release: Sonoma County Groundwater August 9, 2022 Sonoma County is Wrestling with State Groundwater Well Permitting Requirements in the […]
- Education
Russian Riverkeeper visits Mike Hauser Academy
Earlier this summer the Education program reached out once again to a group of students in the Mike Hauser Academy […]
- Trash Cleanup
Russian Riverkeeper Clean Camp and Education Program
In 2016, Chris Brokate with Clean River Alliance started engaging with the unhoused in our community to encourage them to […]
- Advocacy
- Water Conservation
Voluntary Water Sharing Agreements
To date, our watershed has largely been plagued by colossal sized gaps in the available data our water managers have […]
- Trash Cleanup
The 36th Annual Russian River Watershed Cleanup
Russian Riverkeeper is pleased to announce the 36th annual Russian River Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, September 17th, 2022! This event is […]
- Education
Water Quality Exploration with YES! River Students
This past month, Russian Riverkeeper staff visited the Sonoma County Regional Parks program Youth Exploring Sonoma, YES River! The program […]
- River Flow
Harmful Algal Blooms Predicted for Early Return
If you haven’t been to the River yet this summer, it probably won’t be long before you join the River […]
- Restoration
Bird Rescue and Release at Hanson Floodplain Site
On a recent Saturday we were treated to a very different activity at the Hanson floodplain restoration project site, releasing […]
- Press
Waterkeeper Alliance Conference Kicks Off
This year’s annual Waterkeeper Alliance conference took place in Washington D.C. where Russian Riverkeeper staff was able to attend and […]
- River Flow
Sampling for Potential Pollution on the Russian River
Waterkeeper Alliance has recently organized a comprehensive PFAS contamination survey of watersheds in the U.S., and they asked all Waterkeeper […]
- Press
Russian Riverkeeper Honored!
This year, the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership recognized Russian Riverkeeper with the Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence Award at […]
Russian Riverkeeper Honored!
This year, the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership recognized Russian Riverkeeper with the Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence Award at […]
- Environmental Justice
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage is Russian River Heritage
May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage month in Sonoma County and across the United States. May became Asian […]
- Fire & Flood Recovery
- Restoration
Fighting Invasive Species and Fire
The numerous recent fires along the Russian River in Healdsburg present a very significant hazard to the city and its […]
- Advocacy
- Water Conservation
First-ever Well Water Fees Proposed
The Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency is currently looking at a variety of fee structures that would allow them […]
- Environmental Justice
Landback Movement
The Russian River watershed lies on the unceded territory of Pomo, Miwok, and Wappo Native Americans. The Pomo Landback movement […]
- Advocacy
Clean Water Act 50th Anniversary
Fifty years ago, US waters were severely contaminated by sewage, trash, oil, and toxic industrial pollution. The Russian River was […]
- Fire & Flood Recovery
Fire Recovery Update
The Walbridge Fire, which burned more than 55,000 acres in the hills West of Healdsburg in Fall of 2020, had […]
- Restoration
Starr Creek Restoration
This early “false spring” created beautiful working conditions for our field team who were out weeding invasive plants and nurturing small emerging […]
- Environmental Justice
Black History Month
February is Black History month on the Russian River. This important time underscores the need to recognize and honor Black […]
- Education
- Restoration
Windsor Creek Restoration Project
During the wet months, Windsor Creek flows nearly 9 miles from the hills northwest of Windsor. Seasonal creeks and streams […]
- Environmental Justice
New Report Highlights Growing Disparities
The Russian River Watershed is called home for over half a million people who depend on the river for enjoyment, […]
- Press
- Trash Cleanup
Russian Riverkeeper Announces Carol Shumate as Clean Team Director
Russian Riverkeeper is pleased to announce Carol Shumate as Clean Team director, where she will continue to oversee clean camp […]
- Education
Sustainable Water Management Research Project
Russian Riverkeeper is happy to have been selected by University of Arizona PhD student Behshad Mohajer to support interdisciplinary research […]
- Advocacy
- Water Conservation
2022 Drought Emergency Regulations
As rain falls outside our windows and the nights get chilly, it can become easy to forget that we are […]
Redistricting: Preserve the North Coast
Redistricting is the once-a-decade process of redrawing the political boundaries for elective offices after the U.S. Census. Following the 2020 […]
- Advocacy
- Climate Change
Riverkeeper Don McEnhill Honored
Riverkeeper Don McEnhill awarded Sonoma County Environmentalist of the Year 2021 by the Sonoma County Conservation Council. Public celebration on […]
- River Flow
Watch & Learn More About Russian Riverkeeper
The well-known phrase “Go with the flow” takes on a different and more vital meaning when it comes to the […]
- Trash Cleanup
2021 Russian River Watershed Cleanup Day
We’re still celebrating the success of the 35th Anniversary of Russian River Watershed Cleanup Day. It was great to gather […]
- Advocacy
New Advocacy Internship Available
If you are or know a student currently in law school and are interested in learning more about our work […]
- River Flow
Potter Valley Project Update
The Potter Valley Project, which diverts water from the Eel to the Russian River, was on track to be taken […]
- Advocacy
- Climate Change
- Water Conservation
Time to Act
Good or bad, a lot of historic moments have been happening lately. The current one being the state of water […]
- Advocacy
- Environmental Justice
Can we Protect Nature by Giving it Rights?
Rights of Nature is is a growing international movement that recognizes natural systems not simply as resources for humans to […]
- Trash Cleanup
Russian Riverkeeper Clean Team Program Director Chris Brokate Announces Retirement
After removing 1.5M pounds of trash, Chris Brokate is moving on to his well-deserved semi-retirement in real estate in Ecuador. […]
- Advocacy
- River Flow
- Water Conservation
No Time – or Water – to Waste
The “new normal” is a phrase we have heard a lot since COVID lockdowns started over a year ago. Now […]
- Volunteer
- Water Conservation
Water Conservation Tips
Our last newsletter shared the tough news that drought is, once again, looming in our watershed. One supporter sent us […]
- Fire & Flood Recovery
Walbridge & Glass Fire Recovery Efforts
After the Walbridge and Glass Fires devastated our community last year, we quickly assembled a skilled 5-person crew to help […]
- Advocacy
- River Flow
- Water Conservation
Tough News: Drought is Looming
The looming 2021 drought could be the worst yet, and serves as a textbook example of the urgent need for […]
- Environmental Justice
Black History Month Events
February marks the start of Black History Month, a federally recognized celebration of the contributions African Americans have made to […]
- Advocacy
Looking Forward to 2021
Goodbye 2020, hello 2021! Feels so good to say that even if really it is just another day, in another […]
Social Justice is Environmental Justice
2020 was a transformational year for all of us and exposed great inequities in our country and in our watershed. […]
- Advocacy
2020 in Review
Finally, 2020 is almost over and what a year it has been. The effects of COVID-19 have reached far and […]
- Fire & Flood Recovery
Walbridge Fire Recovery
Sonoma County is conducting a watershed assessment of potential impacts from the Walbridge Fire focusing on erosion, landslides, road culverts, […]
- Fire & Flood Recovery
Fire Recovery & Watershed Restoration
After a wildfire, there are several impacts to our watershed and natural resources such as erosion and debris flows and […]
- Water Conservation
Water Conservation Challenge
#SaveIt Challenge Here in California, we all know that we need to make water conservation a way of life. Using […]
- Restoration
Hanson Restoration Update
This month, we worked with Clear Heart Drilling and Luhdorff Scalmanini Consulting Engineers to install new groundwater monitoring wells so […]
- Restoration
Riverkeeper Stewardship Park
If you want to wander among native trees and grasses, watch birds or gaze at the river, Riverkeeper Stewardship Park […]
- Education
- Restoration
- Volunteer
Harry and Maggie Wetzel Native Plant Garden
Harry and Maggie Wetzel Native Plant Garden On May 26th, 2012 the Wetzel Native Plant Garden public park held its […]
- Environmental Justice
Environmentalists for Black Lives Matter
Russian Riverkeeper grieves with our Nation over the murder of George Floyd. Systemic racism impacts all aspects of our society, including […]
- Trash Cleanup
Russian Riverkeeper Clean Team Program Launch
Russian Riverkeeper is happy to announce its new program, Russian Riverkeeper Clean Team. The program will tackle trash from Ukiah […]
- Fire & Flood Recovery
Fire Recovery & Watershed Protection
After a wildfire, there are several impacts to our watershed and natural resources such as erosion and debris flows and […]
- Climate Change
Loss of Natural Floodplain
“A Watershed View of Problems and Opportunities for the Russian River” by Don McEnhill, Russian Riverkeeper for Sonoma Gazette. January 2017 […]