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. 

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.

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.