Truckee River Cleanup 2026 | Volunteer to Keep Northern Nevada's River Clean

Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful is calling on hundreds of volunteers to help protect one of Northern Nevada’s most important natural resources during the annual Truckee River Cleanup. Sarah Johns sits down with Chris Ewing, Communications and Development Director for Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB), to explain how volunteers can get involved in this massive community cleanup stretching along the Truckee River corridor.

The annual cleanup brings together approximately 750–1,000 volunteers across 20 sites, with projects ranging from trash removal and invasive weed removal to beautification projects and protecting trees from beaver damage. Volunteers receive the tools, gloves and safety equipment needed for their assigned project—and after three hours of hard work, participants are invited to a volunteer appreciation picnic.

Chris also explains why keeping trash and debris out of the Truckee River matters far beyond recreation. With the river supplying much of the area's drinking water, keeping the river corridor clean helps protect a resource Northern Nevada residents rely on every day.

🚨 Segment Highlights:

🌊 Truckee River Cleanup 2026

• Saturday, September 26 from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

• Approximately 20 cleanup sites along the river corridor

• Projects stretch from the Verdi area through Reno and Sparks

🙋 Hundreds of Volunteers Needed

• Approximately 750–1,000 volunteers help make the cleanup possible

• Volunteers are assigned to specific projects and locations

• Registration remains open as space is available

🧤 What Volunteers Can Expect

• Trash cleanup, invasive weed removal and beautification projects

• Tools, gloves and safety equipment are provided

• Arrive approximately 15 minutes before your assigned project

👟 How to Prepare

• Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes

• Bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, hat and sunglasses

• Dress for the weather—the cleanup happens rain or shine

🎉 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

• Participants are invited to a picnic after the cleanup

• Food, drinks and raffle prizes help celebrate volunteers

• A chance to come together after giving back to the community

💧 Why a Clean Truckee River Matters

• The Truckee River provides much of the area's drinking water

• Removing debris helps prevent trash from reaching the river

• A cleaner river benefits drinking water, recreation and wildlife

🌐 Volunteer & Learn More:

Visit: https://www.ktmb.org/

Truckee River Cleanup

Saturday, September 26, 2026

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

#TruckeeRiverCleanup #KeepTruckeeMeadowsBeautiful #2PlusYouNevada