Real work, done by hand, on a real river.
Six programs. One goal: a San Joaquin River the whole Valley can swim in, paddle on, and be proud of.
River & public property cleanups
Our signature events. Crews of volunteers work the channel, the banks, and surrounding public land — pulling out everything from bottles to shopping carts to entire abandoned camps. We've removed 8,444 tires so far and average 150 tires and 32 tons of trash every year.
- Gloves, grabbers, and bags provided — just bring water and sturdy shoes
- Family-friendly — youth groups and service clubs welcome
- We coordinate with public land owners and agencies
Canoe trips & hikes
The river protects itself when people fall in love with it. Our guided canoe trips and hikes introduce Central Valley families — many for the first time — to the water that runs through their own backyard.
- Canoes, paddles, and life vests provided
- No paddling experience required
- Sign the waiver once, paddle all season
Habitat restoration
We initiated several restoration projects along the San Joaquin — and we keep maintaining them season after season. Native plants take root, banks stabilize, and wildlife comes back.
Restoration days are quieter than cleanups: planting, watering, weeding, and watching a stretch of riverbank come back to life year over year.
Help a habitatTrail building
We're involved in constructing the San Joaquin River Trail — a 75-mile route from Lake Millerton to Reds Meadow in the high Sierra. We also helped build the Small Fry Trail at the Friant Fish Hatchery, an easy interpretive walk for young anglers and families.
- 75 miles planned, Lake Millerton → Reds Meadow
- Small Fry Trail at Friant Fish Hatchery — complete
- Hand tools, good company, and big views
Adopt-A-Park: River Bottom Park Trail
Through the Fresno City Adopt-A-Park program, River Tree helps maintain the River Bottom Park Trail — keeping it clean, safe, and open for walkers, runners, and families year-round.
It's steady, satisfying work with a visible payoff every single visit.
Adopt a SaturdayInvasive weed & graffiti removal
Invasive plants crowd out the natives that river wildlife depends on, and graffiti makes public spaces feel unsafe. We do targeted removal of both — small, focused workdays that make a big difference in how the river corridor looks and functions.
Lend a hand
Every one of them needs people.
Cleanup crew, paddler, planter, trail builder — there's a job with your name on it.