Delta Waterway Cleanups

Approximately 80 percent of marine debris entering seas and oceans originates from land-based sources, making inland waterway cleanups a critical line of defense.

The Delta Conservancy helps organize and participates in cleanup events to educate and promote awareness of the importance of protecting and improving water quality in the Delta. The trash that flows into the Delta is a serious water pollution problem for both humans and wildlife. At the Delta Waterway Cleanups, volunteers actively participate in water stewardship practices by cleaning up trash and preventing it from reaching waterways and, ultimately, the ocean. 

2026 Spring Cleanup

Our 2026 spring cleanup event is scheduled to take place at Sherman Island on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. We will be co-hosting this cleanup with the Rio Vista Windsports Association.  

Register Here

Event Details 

Help Rio Vista Windsports Association volunteers clean a 1.5-mile stretch of the Sacramento River along the north side of Sherman Island.  

Report at 9 a.m. at “The Sign,” where leaders will provide an orientation, facilitate carpooling, and assign cleanup spots. Parking is difficult along the river, so volunteers are encouraged to carpool to their assigned spot. This site is not suitable for young children because of proximity to the road and rocky areas. 

Directions 

From south on West Sherman Island Road, take the left fork immediately southwest of the RV park and follow signs to park. You can use this address for your GPS, but there will not be a physical building upon your arrival: 4466 West Sherman Island Road, Rio Vista CA. 

Questions?

For more information on the cleanups or volunteering, contact Hope Miller at 916-612-8216 or by email at hope.miller@deltaconservancy.ca.gov.

What to bring to Delta Waterway Cleanups

  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Gloves
  • Sunscreen
  • A hat
  • Water
  • An extra layer, like a sweater or jacket in case it’s cold. Be prepared to be outside in potentially changing weather.

The Conservancy typically holds cleanups in the spring and in the fall. Sign up for our email list and connect with us on our social channels to learn about upcoming events.

Five children, some wearing gloves and some holding trash grabbers, smiling at the camera while standing on a pile of grey rocks in the middle of the green grass at the Waterway Cleanup.
A young girl wearing red sunglasses and blue gloves holding up an old plastic soda bottle toward the camera during a Waterway Cleanup.
A family with an adult man, adult woman, and two young boys who are wearing gloves and holding trash grabbers outside next to the "Delta Waterway Cleanup" banner.
An adult woman and a young boy near a creek using trash grabbers to place trash into a large orange plastic trash bag.
Six people, adults and children, standing outside next to a creek using trash grabbers to place trash into large orange plastic trash bags.
Two adult women and a young girl wearing gloves, moving a large old and damaged mattress in the grass at the Waterway Cleanup.