Protect Our Rivers

Protect Our Rivers works to empower and inspire individuals and communities to make a positive and immediate impact on river health so rivers are not destroyed by human impact, and they are passed forward for future generations. 

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we work to make a lasting impact on river health through active conservation, education, and access. We organize river cleanups across the U.S., and provide opportunities to get the next generation out on the water to fall in love with rivers like we have. 

Our organization is driven by the belief that everyone has the power to make a difference and that difference matters. Our programs connect people to rivers and empower them to take action, with the hope that our work will have a long-lasting impact on river health, and we can pass forward the resources and experiences rivers provide us all.

Our Impact 

Here are a few of the things we've accomplished since we started in February of 2021. 

• Breaking Down Barriers for Underprivileged Kids: This year we launched an access program designed to break down barriers and offer underprivileged and at-risk youth the chance to experience the power of rivers. The program combines hands-on educational activities with exciting experiences like fishing and rafting, giving participants the opportunity to both learn and enjoy rivers for the first time. This year, we not only developed the framework for the program, but also got 19 kids and 62 adults out on the river for the first time. We’re excited to scale this initiative in the coming years!
• 131 River Cleanups Across the U.S.: We planned and organized 131 river cleanup events across 22 rivers in seven states mobilizing over 10,000 volunteers and removing  250,500 pounds of trash from rivers and streams. In 2024 we expanded into two new states and had a record impact for our cleanup season. We also organized one of the biggest cleanups in the U.S.! 
• Protect Our Rivers Day: We established a new National Holiday thanks to the support of Governor Polis who proclaimed June 22nd as Protect Our Rivers Day. This day serves as a reminder that everyone has the power to make a difference protecting rivers for future generations to come.   
• Growing the Next Generation of River Protectors: This year, we engaged more kids in river cleanup events. We also organized a field trip for 100 fifth-grade students, providing them with hands-on environmental education and fostering a deeper connection to river conservation.
• We’ve empowered dozens of individuals and groups by providing the tools and resources needed for several groups to independently organize and run their own cleanup events. Some examples include: 
  • In partnership with Jack Johnson’s All At Once Community, we led a Nationwide DIY Cleanup Effort (The Better Together Cleanup Challenge). Over 1800 people participated across 17 states, removing 15,431 pounds of trash from our outdoor spaces and waterways.
  • We mentored middle school students to help them organize a river cleanup that engaged their local community (fellow students, Boy Scout Group, and neighborhood friends).
• Interactive Education: We launched several hands-on educational programs that helped educate thousands of people about watershed conservation, river ecosystem health, or human-caused problems like pollution. This year, we executed two new educational programs.

Testimonials

"There are many incredible river organizations working to support rivers. Protect Our Rivers stands out to me because of what they do and what they get other people to do. They get people into the river to pull trash out of the river. And, they give people a chance to connect with rivers and learn firsthand about the pollution and other problems each river is facing. No other organization gets people involved quite like they do."

- Sam Carter, Host of The River Radius Podcast 

“After spending years researching and studying the factors that put waterways in imminent danger, due to pollution caused by humans, I wanted to make an adamant effort in supporting an organization that supports the conservation of this vital resource. That's how I found Protect Our Rivers. I knew by signing up for a clean up I could be a part of something bigger than myself and actively create change. Protect our Rivers has created a community of incredible individuals who continue to promote the mission of making a lasting positive impact on river health. After my first clean-up and meeting the most wonderful human being, the founder, Sarah, I made the decision to invest in their organization because the work that they do is instrumental. If you want to make a difference this new year, I strongly encourage you to get involved with this incredible community, whether it's donating, volunteering, or even networking!”

Lexi, Active Volunteer