Educated travelers understand that while small towns like Truckee and iconic natural resources like the Yuba are the lifeblood of the local community, there isn’t enough money or people to ensure future generations can enjoy them. You can help by following the Leave No Trace principles and being a responsible traveler. But if you want to go one step further and become a steward, here’s a few volunteer vacation ideas on how to make your trip a feel-good experience AND see some of our most cherished places up close.
Yuba River Clean-Up
After a summer of fun, you know the Yuba needs a little loving. For over 25 years, the South Yuba River Citizens League sets up a full week in September from Saturday to Saturday of self-guided river cleanup. And it all culminates with a community river cleanup on the last Saturday. For 2022, it starts on September 10th and runs through the 17th.
Truckee River Day
Being the only outlet for Lake Tahoe means A LOT of people enjoy the pristine waters which flow down to Reno and into Pyramid Lake. And so just like the Yuba, this ribbon of natural wonder needs some love as well. Every year in mid-October, thousands of nature-lovers show up with their gumboots, buckets, shovels, and smiles to take on restoration projects throughout the watershed. For 2022, the 27th annual Truckee River Day and Fair is on October 16th.
Can’t Make It?
There are still plenty of ways you can leave a positive footprint on our communities. This can be as simple as buying a Sustainable Truckee Gift Card. Or better yet, check out the Bear Yuba Land Trust, Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC), or Truckee’s Voluntourism page to see if there’s an event happening during your time in our region.
Regardless if you volunteer or not, we thank you for loving Nevada County like a local and doing your part to keeping it beautiful.
