Delta Waterway Cleanups

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.

2025 Coastal Cleanup Day

Our 2025 fall cleanup event is scheduled to take place at Sherman Island on Saturday, September 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. as part of Coastal Cleanup Day. We will be co-hosting this cleanup with the Rio Vista Windsports Association.  

Event Details 

Help Rio Vista Windsports Association volunteers clean a 1.6-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. There will not be a physical building upon your arrival, but you can use this address for your GPS: 4466 West Sherman Island Road, Rio Vista CA. 

About Coastal Cleanup Day

Saturday, September 20, 2025, marks the 41st year of Coastal Cleanup Day. As part of the annual event, thousands of volunteers pick up trash from waterways, beaches, and lakes.

Visit the California Coastal Commission’s website to see an interactive map of Coastal Cleanup Day sites across the state.

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.

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.

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.