Effie Yeaw Nature Center and Preserve
The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is an award-winning environmental and cultural education center located within the beautiful American River Parkway in Carmichael, California. Enjoy the 100-acre nature preserve featuring interpretive trails that meander through the riparian woodlands along the American River. See deer, coyotes, migratory songbirds, raptors and wild turkeys as you explore the preserve's lush oak woodlands. In July, 2010, Sacramento County gave the responsibility for running the Nature Center over to the American River Natural History Association. American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) was founded on the premise that open space and contact with the natural world benefit the community and are essential to our quality of life. Endeavors to promote understanding of Sacramento's outdoor environment. In keeping with its mission of Bringing People to Nature and Nature to People, ARNHA publishes books exploring the natural and human history of the American River in the Sacramento region. Learn about books available for purchase online or at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center.

Soil Born Farms
Encouraging individuals to participate in a system of food production that promotes healthy living, nurtures the environment and brings people together to share the simple pleasures of living life in harmony with nature.

California Native Plant Society - Sacramento Valley Chapter
CNPS works to increase understanding and appreciation of California’s native plants and to conserve them and their natural habitats, through education, science, advocacy, horticulture and land stewardship.

Elderberry Farms Native Plant Nursery
Promotes awareness of the benefits of native plant habitat, encourages community involvement, and provides a source of locally grown native plants for restoration projects as well as home gardeners.

American River Parkway Volunteer Equestrian Trail Patrol
Serves as "the eyes and ears" in the protection of park property and resources.

Environmental Council of Sacramento
A coalition made up of a broad range of organizations and individuals who come together to create a united voice for local environmental concerns. Working to achieve regional and community sustainability and a healthy environment for existing and future residents.

350 Sacramento: Local Action for a Global Movement
350 Sacramento is an organization that supports local initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and works to engage with Sacramento area citizens and local community groups to help build a global climate movement.

Sacramento Tree Foundation
The Sacramento Tree Foundation is a community benefit organization working to build healthy, livable communities in the Sacramento region by growing the best urban forest in the nation.

Bushy Lake Restoration Project
The Cal Expo floodplain and Bushy Lake are owned by the California Exposition and State Fair but are managed by Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks through an agreement with Cal Expo consistent with the Parkway Plan and the Bushy Lake Preservation Act of 1976. The Bushy Lake Preservation Act designates the approximately 86-acre site as a State Nature Preserve, with the primary intent of preserving important vegetation and wildlife species and their supporting ecosystems.

River City Waterway Alliance
River City Waterway Alliance (RCWA) is an all-volunteer group strongly dedicated to cleaning, restoring and protecting the imperiled waterways of the Sacramento region. RCWA works in partnership with public agencies and community groups, raise awareness about environmental damage to our waterways, attract new volunteers, and advocate for policies that provide abatement and restoration measures to improve the long-term ecological health and sustainability of our creeks, streams, rivers and sloughs.

Preserve the American River
A group of community members who love the American River and work with other groups such as SARA, on projects dedicated to preserving the American River Parkway and maintaining and improving access for recreation, species diversity, along with preservation of historically relevant sites. The group's current focus is to preserve a floodplain and popular nature area along the lower American River that is threatened by a proposal to fill in and develop. The floodplain, part of the former Kassis property just downstream from Riverbend Park, protects neighborhoods in the event of a flood.

American River Bike Patrol
Bike patrollers work as American River Parkway trail ambassadors, providing trail directional advice, equipment insight and assistance, safety education & bike safety programs, assistance with events, first-aid services and serve as eyes and ears of the Parkway Rangers and other stakeholders on one of the country’s busiest and most scenic bikeways.

Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma
Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma (FOLFAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the state park cooperating association for the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA). FOLFAN's mission is to enhance education and recreation opportunities for the public and protect the wonders and resources of Lakes Folsom and Natoma.

Friends of Sutter's Landing Park
Friends of Sutter’s Landing (FOSL) was formed to advocate for the neighborhood stretch of the American River at Sutter's Landing Park. FOSL provides support and resources for ongoing environmental education work done by Friends of the River Banks. FOSL also holds weekly work parties at Sutter's Landing Park to remove invasive plants and restore native plantings.

Recommended Reading

Mornings on Fair Oaks Bridge
A blog by Janice Kelly: "I look forward to every morning sunrise on the Fair Oaks Bridge, and the American River Parkway on either side, to discover and celebrate the gifts of the outdoor world."

Protecting California Rivers and Beyond

American River Conservancy
Protects and enhances natural habitats where biodiversity can flourish; promotes, through environmental education, a broad ethic of stewardship.

California Whitewater Rafting
This site is intended as a resource for commercial and private rafters in California. Goal is to provide river information, stories, discussion, gear, flows, and other resources specifically for rafters.

Friends of the River
Dedicated to preserving, protecting, and restoring California's rivers, streams, and their watersheds.

International Rivers Network
Works to halt the construction of destructive river development projects and to promote sound river management options worldwide.

Protect American River Canyons
Dedicated to the preservation of the wilderness, recreational, cultural and historical values of the American river and it's canyons.

Sierra Nevada Alliance
Regional coalition of organizations working on environmental issues & community-building in the Sierra.

South Yuba River Citizens League
Community-based educational non-profit organization committed to the protection and preservation of the entire Yuba River watershed.

Whitewater Rafting in California
A resource for whitewater recreation in California.