Results from the 27th Annual California River Awards 

We’re still feeling the energy and inspiration from the 27th Annual California River Awards—and we’re so grateful you were part of it. Check out our fundraising results and photos from the event! 

From Rapids to Resistance: Inside FOR’s 2025 Guide Activist Training

In April of this year, more than 30 people gathered for 9 days on the banks of the South Fork American River for FOR’s 2025 Guide Activist Training—a program designed not just to teach river skills, but to build a powerful, connected community of river advocates. Read more...

Returning to the Stanislaus River

On May 3rd, more than 50 years after its founding, Friends of the River returned to the Stanislaus to help community groups highlight current restoration work on the Lower Stanislaus and build support for expanding efforts to improve fish habitat and overall river health. Read more...

We are excited to bring you this month’s Currents articles, which highlight key news about California's rivers, and what FOR is doing to protect them.

When in Doubt, Change the Rules

Governor Newsom’s revised state budget would remove barriers to fast-tracking the Delta Tunnel. For over half a century, California’s Governors have been fighting a persistent––and so far, uphill––battle to build new infrastructure to carry more water south, around or under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Read more.

FEDERAL WATCH: Little Fish, Big Subsidies, and Federal Cuts Harming Rivers

This month’s Federal Watch tracks shifting tides in Congress, endangered species protections, and federal agency staffing—revealing how decisions in D.C. ripple across California’s rivers. From fish protections on the chopping block, to subsidies for deadbeat dams, dive into the latest threats and under-the-radar developments.  Read more.

Vandalizing the federal government: some thoughts

The breathtaking dismantling of the federal government continues. The federal government is in chaos. Staff are being pushed to resign. Whole program areas that had been authorized by Congress are quietly slipping under the waves or being rendered ineffective. The nation that we thought we lived in is disappearing without notice or the consent of its citizens. Read more.

Delta Smelt. Credit: CA Dept. of Water Resources (DWR).

RIVER FAVORITES: Paddles, Pools, and Quiet Beauty on the South Yuba River

Just minutes from Nevada City, the South Fork Yuba between Edwards and Purdon Crossings is a hidden gem of granite gorges, crystal-clear water, and unforgettable river adventures. Whether you're paddling spring rapids or lounging on sun-warmed rocks in summer, it’s a place that always leaves a mark.… Read More.

Remembering David Nesmith “Chicken”

David Nesmith “Chicken”, a champion for San Francisco Bay waters and wetlands and California’s rivers, died on March 26, ending decades of dedicated activism balanced by time playing and mentoring others on the rivers of the Western United States. Barry Nelson gave a touching tribute to Chicken during the California River Awards. Read here...

Headwaters - Seeking River Stories

Friends of the River's Headwaters Magazine is a beautiful repository of articles about rivers and river recreation, opinion pieces, policy analysis, river news, art, photographs, and more. Right now, we are looking for stories about your favorite rivers, or favorite river experiences.

We also welcome submissions of articles that speak to the six areas in which we work for the protection of California's rivers: hydropower reform, saving and storing water, restoring flows, flood management, legal and regulatory protections, and inspiring citizen action. We also welcome submissions of visual art, creative writing, poetry, and photos that are centered around rivers and nature more broadly.

Not sure what to submit? Let's work together. More info here. Please email keiko@friendsoftheriver.org to discuss a submission.

Please consider a generous gift to help FOR fight the Triple Threat to Rivers. This will be a critical year to stop Sites Reservoir, the Delta Tunnel and the Voluntary Agreements.