- What We Do
- Trash Cleanup
Defending the Russian River
We actively protect the Russian River from pollution. The Clean Team has removed one and a half million tons of trash from the river and homeless encampments with over 200 participants.
From Creek to Coast
We Keep the Russian River Clean
What started in 2016 as the Clean River Alliance is now Russian Riverkeeper’s powerful Clean Team—uniting communities to fight pollution from Hopland in Mendocino County to the mouth of the river at Jenner, Sonoma County beaches, and tributary creeks throughout Santa Rosa plain. As trash flows from creeks to coastline, it threatens wildlife, pollutes beaches, and harms local businesses. And it ruins a day on the beach for residents and tourists that depend on clean water.
The Clean Team steps in, leading public cleanups across the Russian River watershed to protect the water, the wildlife, and the way of life we all cherish.
Looking back at 2024
Our Impact
Since our founding in 1993, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Russian River. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the strength of our partnerships, 2024 has been a year of remarkable achievements for Russian Riverkeeper.
423K
Pounds of Trash Removed
126
Tires Removed
59
Community Cleanups
2K
Volunteer Involvement Hours
We focus on 3 trash hot spots:
We help Sonoma County’s unhoused community live more safely and sanitarily by providing trash bags, gloves, and weekly pickup services—preventing waste from reaching the river and supporting human dignity.
As floods become more frequent, our Clean Team responds fast removing the wave of pollution that storms send downstream. In 2023–2024 alone, we intercepted dozens of tons of trash washed into the river by powerful atmospheric rivers.
Our cleanups connect people to the river and the impact they can make. In 2024, 600 volunteers joined us for our biggest event ever, removing 9.45 tons of trash and 114 tires in a single day across the watershed—from Ukiah to Monte Rio! For trash inquiries, contact us at: trash@russianriverkeeper.org.
How You Can Help