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.

Cleanups in 2024

The next Delta Waterway Cleanup event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. as part of Coastal Cleanup Day. We will be co-hosting a cleanup at Sherman Island in coordination with the Rio Vista Windsurfing Association and Sherman Island Kiteboarding Organization (RVWA-SIKO).

Register for the Sherman Island Cleanup

Registration is encouraged but not required.

Sherman Island Event Details

The arms and hands of two volunteers wearing green rubber gloves collecting trash into a clear plastic trash bag along the waterline during the Creek Clean Up.

Help Rio Vista Windsurfing Association and Sherman Island Kiteboarding Organization volunteers clean a 1.6-mile stretch of the Sacramento River along the north side of Sherman Island.

Report at 9:00 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.

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.

About Coastal Cleanup Day

Saturday, September 21, 2024 marks the 40th anniversary 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.

Additional Delta-area Coastal Cleanup Day Opportunities

Other Delta-area cleanups include Sandy Beach/Rio Vista, various sites in the Stockton area, and the Broderick Boat Ramp in West Sacramento:

Sandy Beach/Rio Vista cleanup information:

  • Where: 2333 Beach Dr, Rio Vista CA 94571
  • When: 9 am. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 21
  • How to register: In person, day of event
  • Organization: Solano County Parks
  • Website: solanocounty.com/parks
  • What to bring: Reusable supplies
  • Organizer: Marissa Medders (MAMedders@solanocounty.com, 707-374-2097)

San Joaquin County cleanup information:

Broderick Boat Ramp

  • Where: 151 Co Road 136, West Sacramento, CA 95605
  • When: 9 am. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 21
  • How to register: Information will be posted to Facebook and volunteers who want to register in advance can email viviana.dazo@yolocounty.gov
  • Organization: Rotary Club of West Sacramento
  • Website: Facebook
  • What to bring: Closed-toe shoes
  • Organizer: Supervisor Villegas, District 1 (916-375-6443)
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.