Connecting Source to Sea

through adventure, conservation, and education

Rivers for Change is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit made up of passionate river enthusiasts dedicated to changing the way people think about and interact with water. Through adventure, conservation and education, we work to connect individuals and communities to rivers and promote source to sea literacy.

Get Involved

Rivers for Change relies on volunteers to run our organization. We are always looking for new ways to unite people to rivers through shared experiences, stories, and media.

Source to Sea Connections

Source to Sea Grants

We support river lovers who want to share the importance of learning and engaging with rivers from source to sea.

Source to Sea Support

We are source to sea experts. For over 13 years our team has paddled, consulted, advised, and supported over 22 source to sea projects in various capacities. If you’re interested in undertaking a source to sea, or have already completed one and would like to join our growing Source to Sea Network please fill out the form below!

What is Source to Sea

What’s all this talk about source to sea?

We are all connected through drops of water. Understanding the source of water in our lives and where it goes is integral to a holistic knowledge about our interconnectedness and interdependence. Learn more about what this phrase means, and how you can become source to sea literate!

Upcoming Events

Join us at one of our events throughout the year or help out behind the scenes.

View All Events

Support Rivers for Change

Rivers for Change is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible. EIN #37-1654861

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riversforchange

We are stoked to announce another one of our 2023

We are stoked to announce another one of our 2023 grantees, Jess Wiegandt!
Jess is a filmmaker and outdoor educator based in the Southeast and she is passionate about river conservation and community engagement. Her project, "A River Called Home" is a film that follows the journey of Jess and three other women who paddled the James River in Virginia, studying its water quality along the way. Jess and her team worked with a high school biology class to engage youth within the watershed, and she will pair experiential lesson plans with the film to further impact K-12 education surrounding watersheds and pollution.
Give Jess a follow and head to the link in her bio to learn more and support her incredible work!
#sourcetosea
#expedition
#riverexpedition
#nonprofit
#education
#riversforchange
#conservation
#salmon
#salmonsourcetosea
#rivertrip
#rivertripplanning
#grandsalmon
#rivers
#river
#boating
#boatingcommunity
#2023RFCgrantee
Photo #1: @jesswiegandt working on a film on the Patuxent River in Maryland, which aired on PBS in 2022.
Photo #2: @jesswiegandt killing it on the Davidson River in North Carolina.

Celebrating the start of 2023 with our new series,

Celebrating the start of 2023 with our new series, #beentheredonethat Source to Sea behind-the-scenes addition!
In case you hadn’t planned for that 1am trailer build with incredible volunteers in the pouring rain, we’re telling you now, there’s a likely chance it could happen to you (been there, done that ✅).
Head to the link in our bio if this inspires you to explore creating a #sourcetosea expedition of your own!
Photo: @riversforchange team
With super volunteers @trent_holen and @dc_dad from the @salmonsourcetosea
#salmonsourcetosea
#sourcetosea
#expedition
#riverexpedition
#nonprofit
#education
#riversforchange
#conservation
#salmon
#salmonsourcetosea

We are proud to introduce one of our awesome 2023

We are proud to introduce one of our awesome 2023 grantees, Nina Gordon-Kirsch, @nina.gk!
Ever wondered where your water comes from?
Well @nina.gk certainly did...
In July 2022, Nina Gordon-Kirsch - a high school teacher who was born and raised in Berkeley, CA - walked more than 240 miles, tracing the Mokelumne River from her house in Oakland to where her East Bay drinking water comes from. Now, she and her team are raising money to make the journey into an educational film to show in East Bay schools and teach students where our water comes from.
Head to the link in our bio to learn more about the project or help support the making of an educational film about the journey!
www.home2headwaters.com/support

Have you seen our latest newsletter? Curious about

Have you seen our latest newsletter? Curious about what we have been up to over the past year? Head to the link in our bio to find about our newest grantees and board member, a word from our co-founder, Danielle Katz @riverkatz, and some of our incredible accomplishments from 2022, including supporting the @salmonsourcetosea and our latest podcast episode with @riverradiuspodcast!
We are so grateful for the ongoing support of our community.
Want to learn more and join in on the fun? Check the link in our bio to make an end of year tax-deductible donation and get involved!
Photo #1: @brookhess
Photo #2: RFC Team
Photo #3: @brookehess
#sourcetosea
#expedition
#riverexpedition
#nonprofit
#education
#riversforchange
#conservation
#salmon
#salmonsourcetosea
#rivertrip
#rivertripplanning
#grandsalmon
#rivers
#river
#boating
#boatingcommunity

Welcome to our newest board member, Sarrah Claman!

Welcome to our newest board member, Sarrah Claman!
Sarrah grew up in the mountains of Colorado on Ute and Arapaho lands, but her connection to rivers began as a child exploring the unceded lands and rivers of the Temagami, Anishinabewak, and Moose Cree in Northern Quebec and Ontario, Canada by canoe. After moving to Squamish BC, the unceded territories of the Squamish Peoples, Sarrah began to fall in love with coastal rivers while learning about wild pacific salmon and their incredibly vital role in ecosystems and communities across Salmon Nation. Sarrah has been a river guide since she was 18 and currently works as a raft guide with the Upper and Main Salmon River on the ancestral lands of the Niimpu and Shoshone Bannock in Idaho.
Sarrah believes that humans are intimately connected to the land and waters we are surrounded by, and by exposing folks to this inherent connection, people will begin to understand and care about protecting and stewarding these spaces and their inhabitants. She is passionate about advocating for rivers and leveraging her voice as a guide and educator to share nerdy salmon facts and inspire others to care about the ecosystems we are all a part of.
Interested in joining our board or volunteering with RFC? Check out the link in our bio to see our open positions!
#sourcetosea
#expedition
#riverexpedition
#nonprofit
#education
#riversforchange
#conservation
#salmon
#salmonsourcetosea
#rivertrip
#rivertripplanning
#grandsalmon
#rivers
#river
#boating
#boatingcommunity

Go check out the @riverradiuspodcast from last wee

Go check out the @riverradiuspodcast from last week!
Contributing Host Samara Rosen @raftavist interviews our RFC Co-founder, Danielle Katz @riverkatz about source to sea expeditions as conservation activism. They also chat about all the ins and outs of what it takes to run a successful source to sea expedition like the @salmonsourcetosea!
Are you interested in running your own #sourcetosea expedition? Check out the grant opportunities RFC will be offering in 2023 on our website and spread the word to all of your river-loving friends!
Huge gratitude to the @riverradiuspodcast!
・・・
Episode Sponsors:
Nissan @nissan @greeleynissan
Jack’s Plastic Welding @jacksplasticwelding
Episode Guests: Danielle Katz @riverkatz @riversforchange
Photo 1: @riverkatz
Photo 2: @raftavist
#riverradius
#riverradiuspodcast
#sourcetosea
#expedition
#riverexpedition
#nonprofit
#education
#riversforchange
#conservation
#salmon
#salmonsourcetosea
#rivertrip
#rivertripplanning
#grandsalmon
#rivers
#river
#boating
#boatingcommunity

Super thrilled to be on the @riverradiuspodcast!
・・・
A fresh new episode with contributing Host Samara Rosen @raftavist interviews Danielle Katz @riverkatz about Source to Sea expeditions and the myriad of missions that come with these type of trips!
This episode explores how to leverage source to sea river expeditions for conservation. Source to Sea expert Danielle Katz and cofounder of @riversforchange, breaks down the types of impacts that source to sea expeditions can have, how long expeditions take to plan, and what this kind of undertaking demands from a team.
Episode Sponsors:
Nissan @nissan @greeleynissan
Jack’s Plastic Welding @jacksplasticwelding
Episode Guests: Danielle Katz @riverkatz @riversforchange
#riverradius
#riverradiuspodcast
#sourcetosea
#expedition
#riverexpedition
#nonprofit
#education
#riversforchange
#conservation
#salmon
#salmonsourcetosea
#rivertrip
#rivertripplanning
#grandsalmon
#rivers
#river
#boating
#boatingcommunity

Rivers are a force of connection between all being

Rivers are a force of connection between all beings. They weave together our ecosystems and communities as the freshwater lifeblood of our planet. This holiday season, it is our turn to give back to our rivers.
@riversforchange is committed to connecting people to rivers and changing the way we think about and interact with water through conservation, education, and adventure.
You can help us continue our work with a tax-deductible end-of-year gift where your dollars will help fund micro-grant opportunities for source-to-sea expeditions like the @@salmonsourcetosea and other river-centered community outreach and educational programming.
Whether $10 or $1000, your support makes a difference for our rivers! Visit https://riversforchange.org/donate/ to donate. We hope you will consider joining in our work to protect our incredible waterways this #givingtuesday!
#salmonsourcetosea #riversforchange #removethedams #restoretheriver #freethesnake #savewildsalmon
📸
Photo 1: Skip Armstrong
Photo 2: Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment/Megan Mack
Photo 3: Rivers for Change

Feeling grateful for rivers and time outside. #op

Feeling grateful for rivers and time outside.
#optoutside #gratitude #riversarelife

Get Inspired!! Rivers for Change athlete ambassad

Get Inspired!!
Rivers for Change athlete ambassador Cyril Derreumaux recently completed the 1st solo kayak crossing unsupported and human-powered from Monterey to Hawaii in 91 days. He will be giving his first presentation since his return as a benefit for Rivers for Change and Sea Trek Cares. I hope you can join this limited-capacity event.
When: Nov 9th and 10th from 5-7 pm.
What: A presentation with Cyril Derreumaux about his planning, 2021 crossing attempt, and the ultimate success in 2022 of his human-powered voyage from Monterey to Hawaii. Includes a Q&A in case any of you are contemplating similar adventures ;). It's a not to be missed event. Come hear Cyril's inspiring story of perseverance and adventure. https://solokayaktohawaii.com/
Why: Support Rivers for Change and Sea Trek Cares. Get inspired to follow your dreams!
Where: Bay Model, Sea Trek Kayak & SUP Center 2100 Bridgeway Sausalito, CA 94965, CA
Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/solo-kayak-to-hawaii-tickets-444722566167
Link in Bio
@seatreksausalito
@riversforchange
@cyrildx
@onthewater360
📸: @tomgomesphotographer
#paddleforapurpose #solokayaktohawaii #sausalito #event #kayaking #seatrek #riversforchange

Super excited about this upcoming presentation by

Super excited about this upcoming presentation by @riversforchange ambassador @cyrildx hosted by our friends @seatreksausalito!
A benefit for Rivers for Change and Sea Trek Cares! 💪💫
See you there!! Nov 9th and 10th. Registration link in bio!
・・・
Repost:
Come see and hear about my 91-day solo kayak crossing CA to HI on my first public presentation.
-> @seatreksausalito in SAUSALITO, Nov 9th or Nov 10th.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/solo-kayak-to-hawaii-tickets-444722566167
About this event: The money collected will be split between Rivers for Change and Sea Trek CARES's transportation fund.
-> @riversforchange mission is to connect people to rivers through Source To Sea adventures, conservation, and education.
-> Sea Trek CARES™ offers discounted and free trips to schools and other youth groups. Often these groups can't afford the buses required to bring them kayaking. Join us in getting under-resourced youth paddling at Sea Trek.
Limited number of tickets available so reserve early.
#adventure #sourcetosea #riversforchange #seatrek #benefit #solokayaktohawaii #kayaking #baymodel

#throwbackthursday to Sept 20th! Huge congratulati

#throwbackthursday to Sept 20th! Huge congratulations to @riversforchange athlete ambassador @cyrildx for the completion of his incredible 91 day kayak crossing of the Pacific Ocean. Stay tuned for an upcoming IG live interview with Rivers for Change co-founder John Dye and Cyril on Saturday Oct 8th at 1pm.
・・・
🇺🇸 - Cyril made it!
91 days at sea solo, unsupported and 100% human powered kayak from Monterey to Hawaii. We hope you caught the Facebook live of Cyril’s arrival and if not check the page to watch it!
Thank you so much for your support, love and encouragement of Cyril as he attempted and accomplished this feat. Love you all, aloha to all. Xx Land Support
🇫🇷 - Cyril l'a fait !
91 jours en mer en kayak à propulsion uniquement humaine, en solitaire, sans assistance, de Monterey à Hawaï. On espère que vous avez pu suivre le Live Facebook de l'arrivée de Cyril et si ce n'est pas le cas rendez-vous sur la page pour le regarder !
Merci beaucoup pour votre soutien, votre amour et vos encouragements pour Cyril pendant toute la durée de son aventure. Aloha à tous. La team de soutien à terre !

Great conversation with @illuminecollect about und

Great conversation with @illuminecollect about understanding where your water comes from, connecting to your communities, and getting involved! As well as adventure and conservation and #sourcetosea journeys. Enjoy!
・・・
"If you follow the water drops you shower in upstream, you will likely find some community that is involved with cleanups in your area. Nonprofits are always at their capacity, so if you have skills, that is an easy way to get involved."

@riverkatz grew up in California, so the outdoors and the wilderness were a big part of her childhood. She started whitewater rafting at a meager 4 months old. She felt at home along the riverside as she grew older, and she began leading her father's whitewater rafting company around this time.

When Danielle got the opportunity to paddle over 2,000 miles along the Mississippi River, she became inspired by the connectivity of riverways and started @riversforchange as a result of this experience.

Since then, Rivers for Change has been able to spearhead change in local riverways with cleanups, source-to-sea trips, and river education.

Hear more about Danielle's journey along the riverside, and what the future holds for Rivers for Change on the Life in Motion Podcast. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

#illumine #collect #lifeinmotion #livemore #podcast #newepisode #riversforchange #nonprofit #riverways #localadventure #adventuremore #getoutdoors #sourcetosea #sockeye #betheadventure #lifestyle #nature #environmentalist #riverfun

Super proud of the @salmonsourcetosea team for rea

Super proud of the @salmonsourcetosea team for reaching the sea!
This was one of the more ambitious #sourcetosea campaigns @riversforchange has been involved with over the last decade and we’re thrilled with how many people we were able to connect to, educate, and inspire to take action to protect and restore these incredible ecosystems.
These paddlers followed drops of water 💦 1000 miles from central Idaho down the Salmon, Snake, and Columbia rivers to gain support around breaching the 4 lower Snake River dams.
When adventure marries conservation it can have profound impacts.
Thank you to all of the incredible partner organizations, sponsors, and individuals who helped make this campaign possible! And to all those who wrote postcards, submitted comments, and wrote your legislators. Thank you 🙏
There are still actions to be taken so keep making your voice heard to revive a watershed, abide by treaty rights, and restore an endangered species 💪💫🙌
•••••
@idahoriversunited @nimiipuuprotectingenvironment @savewildsalmon @savethesouthfork @adventurescientists @great_old_broads @salmonorcaproject @americanrivers @americanwhitewater @backbonecampaign @freeriversfund @freeflowinstitute @snakeriversavers @idahoconservationleague @seatreksausalito @_idaho_adventures @riverradiuspodcast @nrsweb @patagonia @stellarkayaks @daggerkayaks @wernerpaddles @pit_viper @sourcetoseaproductions

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! After paddling 1,000 miles du

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! After paddling 1,000 miles during almost three months on the water, portaging eight dams, and seeing the river habitat change from wild and free to stagnant and dead, the @salmonsourcetosea crew is getting close to their final push to the ocean.
Please join us in Astoria, Oregon for a source to sea celebration and to toast this incredible journey. Hear the team explain firsthand about their trip, what they experienced and why breaching the Lower Snake River dams is the best option for salmon recovery we have left.
Thanks to @fortgeorgebeer for hosting us and @surfrider for the support. RSVP with the QR code or link and we hope to see you there!
Art by team paddler: @oceansandmountains
#idahoriversunited #salmonsourcetosea #riversforchange #astoria

Beautiful words and photos by @elizabeth.tobey of

Beautiful words and photos by @elizabeth.tobey of the @salmonsourcetosea team.
"Surreal" feels like the best descriptor for paddling the final miles of the Salmon River after spending a full month in this incredible watershed.
After a solid, stressful week of changing plans due to high water, we decided that making some miles on the Lower Salmon was our best option. This final stretch of the river, like the rest of Idaho right now, is neon green with wildflowers lighting up every ridgeline. And, at 50,000 cfs, it's got a bit of spice to go with the scenery.
On the three-day paddle from Whitebird to Lewiston, we got plenty of high water wave trains, one poorly chosen camp full of cow poop, and a three hour frolick (carrying all our gear) around Slide rapid. As a team, we've had to make plenty of tricky decisions together over the past month, and portaging Slide is undoubtedly one we're all proud of. There's a line, but it's a thin one- and none of us loved the idea of a big, very consequential swim.
Paddling into the Snake River in early evening was remarkably powerful, and marks a big transition for our crew as we leave the high country and headwaters behind.
#thegrandsalmon #salmonstory #sourcetosea #restoretheriver #freethesnake #riversforchange #idahoriversunited #WildFishActivism #StopSalmonExtinction #ItsAllHomeWater

The @salmonsourcetosea team is out here paddling 1

The @salmonsourcetosea team is out here paddling 1000 miles source to sea for salmon, and we have a job for our friends too.
Step 1) tap the link in our bio to fill out the Inslee-Murray Survey on Lower Snake River Dam removal. You don’t need to be a Washington State resident to do this.
Step 2) Write your state representatives, @secdebhaaland @vp and @potus regarding the urgent need to save salmonid species in the Snake River Basin via dam removal.
Step 3) Dance to this jam and get ready for river season, party people!
! #thegrandsalmon #salmonstory #sourcetosea
#restoretheriver #freethesnake #riversforchange #idahoriversunited #WildFishActivism #StopSalmonExtinction #ItsAllHomeWater

Turn your trash into gold! 👉look what a little

Turn your trash into gold! 👉look what a little scrubbing and a paint job can do to repurpose some scooters found on our recent cleanup! Give those items a second chance at life before dumping them!!
#cleanup #repurpose #scooters

The @salmonsourcetosea has launched and is on the

The @salmonsourcetosea has launched and is on the move skiing into their first headwaters!
The core paddling team, @brookehess @_aliasalias_ @elizabeth.tobey @oceansandmountains, are launching on a 1000+ epic journey following the natural migration path of anadromous fish from the rivers of central Idaho to the Pacific Ocean.
Through film, connection, and education, we are sharing the call to action to breach the four Lower Snake River dams and create a moratorium on the Stibnite Gold Project, in order to save Idaho’s rapidly dwindling salmon populations from extinction and protect the communities that are impacted.
We all have the power to create change and the launch of The Grand Salmon Source to Sea is just one example of what happens when people care and collaborate to take action. You too can use your voice and take action to enact change. Whatever your capacity, however you use your voice, take action for the rivers and communities that you care about. It takes a village, and every small drop in the system makes a difference.
To take action and follow along, click the link in our bio!
https://linktr.ee/salmonsourcetosea
@riversforchange @idahoriversunited @brookehess @_aliasalias_ @elizabeth.tobey @oceansandmountains @riverkatz @trent_holen @tessmcenroe @izzygu3
#thegrandsalmon #salmonstory #sourcetosea
#restoretheriver #freethesnake #riversforchange #idahoriversunited #WildFishActivism #StopSalmonExtinction #ItsAllHomeWater #paddleforapurpose

Everyday should be #earthday ! We had such a blast

Everyday should be #earthday ! We had such a blast with @riversforchange and the awesome Mosbey family on supzilla cleaning up the canals around @101surfsports last weekend! 💪🌎 5 scooters, 1 bike, 1 chair and more! Let’s work to repurpose and repair before trashing things! You never know who might want to scoot around town 👉
#litterpick #cleanup #repurpose #repair #rivercleanup #supzilla #riversforchange #paddleforapurpose #earthmonth

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