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River Steward Program

Helping manage our Pacific Northwest rivers for over 20 years

Native Fish Society’s River Steward Program exists to empower, inspire and grow a region-wide network of local grassroots advocates dedicated to science-based solutions for their Northwest homewaters and wild, native fish.

What many people don’t realize is that by and large, America’s most significant conservation victories start with a small group of concerned locals determined to make a difference. That’s why Native Fish Society’s River Steward Program exists: to empower, inspire and grow a region-wide network of local grassroots advocates dedicated to science-based solutions for their Northwest homewaters and wild, native fish.

Native Fish Society believes that no effort for wild fish protection and recovery is stronger or more effective than those based on science and initiated and sustained by local communities. Our River Steward volunteers become the local voices for wild fish, connecting the dots between the best-available science, latest policy decisions and their own place-based knowledge. River Stewards engage in policy making, coalition building, watershed monitoring, community outreach, habitat protection, serve on their local watershed councils and lead entity groups to ensure state and federal funding for habitat restoration is invested in the projects that provide the best result for wild fish.

Does your life revolve around a local river and/or native fish population? Do you want to learn how to become its advocate? By joining our community of River Stewards you will learn how to evaluate the health of your watershed and its wild, native fish populations; how to identify threats; and pursue solutions with the help of your friends and community.

Fill out the form below and someone from the program will be in touch.

Volunteer Chapter Guide

Find a River Steward

Join Us for a Guaranteed Good Time for a Great Cause! We are excited to welcome you on Saturday, April 13th, 2024 for THE BIGGEST PARTY FOR WILD FISH IN THE UNIVERSE! When: Saturday, April 13th, 2024 | 5pm - 9pm | Where: The Loft at 8th Avenue - Portland, OR | What: A banquet and auction supporting the revival of wild, native fish, free-flowing rivers, and thriving local communities.