Friends of the River

A river without friends is a river that won’t last.

This weekend, we gathered with new friends and old on the South Fork American River during our Rafting for the Resistance weekend.

Together, we paddled rapids, shared meals, swapped stories, and laughed. Protecting rivers starts with showing up. It starts with feeling cold water on a hot day, hearing stories around camp, and building a connection to the rivers that sustain us.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. The community that protects California’s rivers grows one river friend at a time. 🌊💙

🐟 What If Southern California Invested in Local Water Instead?

The Water Renaissance Plan estimates Southern California could generate:

💧 500,000 acre-feet through conservation and efficiency
💧 600,000–800,000 acre-feet through water recycling
💧 600,000 acre-feet through groundwater cleanup
💧 100,000 acre-feet through stormwater capture

Together, these solutions could provide 1.8–2 million acre-feet of water annually, while creating local jobs, improving reliability, and reducing pressure on rivers.

Southern California's water future doesn't have to come at the expense of our rivers.

The solutions already exist.

📖 Explore the Water Renaissance Plan: https://bit.ly/3Sfz0Ac

📢 📢 California Needs a Water Renaissance! 💧

For too long, California's water debates have focused on the same old ideas: bigger infrastructure, more diversions, and costly projects that put rivers at risk.

The new Water Renaissance Plan offers a different vision.

🤝 Developed by FOR and a coalition of environmental organizations, water experts, and community leaders, the plan outlines practical solutions that can provide reliable water supplies while protecting the rivers, fisheries, and ecosystems that California depends on.

Instead of spending billions on projects like the Delta Tunnel, we can invest in water recycling, stormwater capture, conservation, groundwater cleanup, and healthier rivers.

California doesn't have to choose between water reliability and environmental protection.

We can have both.

📖 Explore the Water Renaissance Plan: https://bit.ly/3Sfz0Ac

Photo of Middle McCloud Falls

🎓🌊 Join us in welcoming our newest river guides at Friends of the River! After completing our 10-Day Guide Activist Training, these dedicated advocates are ready to lead, educate, and protect California’s rivers for future generations. Their passion, hard work, and commitment to river conservation inspire us all.

Please help us congratulate our graduating guides as they take the next step in becoming powerful voices for our waterways! 💙

Safety first on the river. Today at Friends of the River’s Guide Activist Training, our guides practiced CPR and emergency response skills so every guest can feel confident, cared for, and safe on the water.

Great river trips start with preparation, teamwork, and guides who are ready when it matters most. 🌊 Thank you to Ian at Sierra Rescue International for facilitating our first aid course!

FOR’s Guide Activist Training School is underway this week with 10 new trainee guides joining our crew! 🌊🚣‍♀️ This week we’re learning to read water, guide guests, and advocate for the rivers we love.

Would you spend 10 days paddling the South Fork American River? 💪

A river without friends is a river that won’t last.

To our river friends in the Sacramento area—today is your chance to stand up for the rivers you love.

⏳ Big Day of Giving ends at midnight!

This 24-hour Sacramento community fundraising event only comes once a year, and your support right now helps protect California’s rivers from harmful projects and ensures they keep flowing for future generations.

Every gift counts in these final hours.

💙 Give before midnight ➡️ https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/organization/friendsoftheriver