A community-led nonprofit in Yuma, Arizona

Cleaner river.
Stronger community.
Brighter future.

We're neighbors, students, anglers, and families restoring the Lower Colorado one stretch of riverbank at a time. Bring gloves — we'll bring the rest.

MAY 30 2026

Next cleanup · Saturday

Gateway Park Cleanup

🕖 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM 📍 Gateway Park, Yuma, AZ 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages welcome

We're meeting at the Ocean to Ocean Bridge for our biggest cleanup of the spring. Coffee, water, gloves, bags, and grabbers all provided — just bring closed-toe shoes and a willingness to get a little muddy.

2026 Season

Mark your calendar

Every cleanup runs on a Saturday morning. Pick one, pick them all — bring a friend either way.

May 30

Gateway Park Cleanup

7:00 AM · Gateway Park

Kickoff cleanup at the Ocean to Ocean Bridge — our flagship spring event.

RSVP →
Jun 27

Summer Cleanup

6:30 AM · Location TBA

Beat the heat — early start, plenty of water, breakfast on us.

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Jul 25

Mid-Summer Cleanup

6:00 AM · Location TBA

Yuma summer at its hottest — short shifts, shaded breaks, big impact.

RSVP →
Aug 29

Back-to-School Cleanup

6:00 AM · Location TBA

Family-friendly cleanup — bring the kids, volunteer hours signed for students.

RSVP →
Sep 26
End of year celebration

Season Finale & Celebration

8:00 AM cleanup · 11:00 AM celebration

One more cleanup, then food, awards, and a thank-you to every volunteer and partner who made this season possible.

RSVP →

Locations finalize about two weeks before each event — RSVP and we'll email you the meet-up spot, what to bring, and parking details.

Our mission

The Colorado River gave Yuma its name, its farms, and its history. We're here to give a little back.

Friends of the Lower Colorado is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit working with neighborhoods, schools, anglers, and local businesses to keep our river clean, our wildlife healthy, and our community connected to the water that defines us.

Our impact

What we've done together

0
Pounds of trash removed
Since our founding in 2021
0
Volunteers turned out
From all over Yuma County
0
Riverbank restored
From Laguna Dam to Morelos
0
Cleanups completed
And counting — join us

Our partners

None of this happens without them

These local businesses, agencies, and community organizations show up with sponsorship, supplies, volunteers, and heart. When you support them, you support the river.

And our supporting partners

Want your business here?

Partner with us. Sponsorships start at $250 and put your logo in front of hundreds of volunteers and the community we serve.

Become a partner

Our story

Started by a few neighbors. Powered by a whole region.

Friends of the Lower Colorado started in 2021 with a half-dozen folks, a couple of pickup trucks, and a Saturday morning at West Wetlands. We hauled out 400 pounds of trash before noon. By the next month, fifty people showed up. Today, hundreds of Yumans join us at events all year long.

We believe the river belongs to everyone — and so does the work of caring for it. Whether you can give an hour or a whole weekend, there's a place for you in this community.

Get involved

Volunteer

Show up once. Stay for the people.

Sign up and we'll email you the details for the next cleanup near you. No commitment — come to one, come to all twelve.

  • Free t-shirt after your second cleanup
  • Coffee, water, and breakfast on us
  • All gear provided
  • Volunteer hours signed for students

Sign up to volunteer

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