World Rivers Day: Promoting River Stewardship

World Rivers Day is observed globally every year on the last Sunday in September. Rivers may make up only about 0.2 percent of all the fresh water worldwide but their importance is priceless. This day encourages citizens to get actively involved to ensure the future health of our rivers.

The 2015 World Rivers Day is on Sunday, September 27th.

Activities on World Rivers Day might include:

river/riverside cleanups
removal of invasive plant species
riparian habitat restoration
fish enhancement/habitat projects
interpretive river nature walks
low impact fishing demonstrations
water quality testing
dam decommissioning

Join a WRD event in your local area, or start one of your own.

Why Celebrate World Rivers Day?

Rivers everywhere are being impacted by a multitude of threats. It is up to all of us to help protect our precious freshwater resources. We get so many benefits and enjoyment from our rivers ... why not take some time to give back?

We enjoy rivers in many ways recreationally:

Hikers may filter their water from a river or enjoy the relaxing sounds of water rushing over some rapids.
Outdoor photographers love to put waterfalls in their viewfinders.
Boaters in canoes, kayaks, rafts, etc. travel the winding surfaces or our rivers for fun.
Fishing is a popular activity on many rivers.

Rivers are not only important for their recreational values but also for their natural values:

River corridors are an important wildlife habitat and sometimes they are the only unbroken natural habitat when rivers move through populated areas.
Rivers are important fisheries.
The tap water in your home may have originally came from a river.

How Backpackers Can Help Protect Rivers

Use biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from any water sources.
Camp at least 200 feet away from water sources to protect the fragile riparian area along the rivers edge from erosion.

If you're planning ahead... World Rivers Day 2013 is on Sunday, September 25, 2016.

Related Pages

National Public Lands Day

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