RIVER GUARDIANS
While the Willamette River is currently in a healthier condition than it was during most of the 1900s, aquatic trash remains a prevalent issue throughout much of the river. At times, immense amounts of debris can be found building up along sections of our river and its banks.
For oven 20 years, Willamette Riverkeeper has been working to engage communities around the issue of aquatic trash and has been actively leading large-scale cleanup efforts throughout the basin. The exact form of the River Guardians program has changed throughout the years, but the connecting throughline has been a focus on solution-oriented and volunteer-driven work. We regularly work with partner organizations to bring volunteers out onto the river, manually collect large volumes of aquatic trash, and get dirty for good.
In 2024, Willamette Riverkeeper successfully petitioned the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to have the Willamette River listed as impaired for aquatic trash under the Clean Water Act – making it just the third river in the nation to receive this designation. This effort was successful due to years of data collection on River Guardian cleanups – in addition to actively improving our rivers, this program provides valuable information on aquatic trash pollution loads in the Willamette River. As we push the state to actively implement pollution-reducing measures (e.g., establishing a total maximum daily load under the Clean Water Act), it is imperative that we continue to collect data on trash in the Willamette River.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Monthly on-water cleanups currently occur in both Eugene (second Tuesday of each month) and Corvallis (third Tuesday of each month), with additional cleanups occurring sporadically throughout the lower watershed. Dates and registration for these cleanups can be found at our event calendar. For most on-water cleanups Willamette Riverkeeper provides participants an opportunity to reserve a seat in rafts or canoes, along with all cleanup and safety gear, including a PFD. Participants are also welcome to bring their own boat and gear.
We also regularly pair with small businesses or student groups to conduct private cleanup events. If you have a group looking to set up a volunteer day, please connect with our staff in your region:
Luke Stuntz, Upper Watershed (Eugene-Salem)
Theresa Tran, Lower Watershed (Salem-Portland)
