WHAT WE DO

We work to protect and preserve natural river ecosystems—through active conservation and education. Our organization is built upon three distinct areas of impact that work together to improve the rivers in our country.

CONSERVATION

We organize river cleanups and empower people to lead cleanup events in their own communities. In the past five years we've organized 161 river cleanups across the U.S. removing hundreds of thousands of pounds of trash.

Beyond picking up trash, our cleanups give people a chance to see first hand the problems rivers face today. Each one is also a testament that we, as humans, can do something TODAY that makes a positive impact on river health.

ACCESS

Our access program is dedicated to breaking down barriers and giving at-risk and underprivileged youth opportunities to connect with rivers through fun experiences like white water rafting and fishing. Because everyone deserves the chance to experience the joy, serenity, and healing that rivers provide.

We hope these experiences are healing and help them fall in love with rivers like we have. After all, we believe that when you love something, you will actively work to protect it…forever.

EDUCATION

Active protection for rivers starts with understanding them. We help distribute important information about river issues, river health, and river care, for those who float, paddle, swim, and fish them, or those who simply enjoy the role they play as a healthy, natural backdrop to our everyday lives. We also have a watershed education program we can teach in elementary and middle schools.

OUR STORY

We were born in Cataract Canyon, when founder, Sarah Nelson, discovered how a river trip can change the course of your entire life. Shortly after she returned she lost her dad to cancer, which only reinforced her belief that life is too short to not do what you love with meaning.

A few months later she reached out to co-founder Scott Coe with the idea to start a nonprofit organization that could make an immediate impact on river health, while inspiring communities to come together to protect the waterways they love most. Together, Protect Our Rivers was born. In the months and years to follow, a variety of other incredible individuals and companies have come on board to help us drive the organization into what it is today.

Join us on this incredible journey! We hope to see you on the river.