Cottonwood Creek needs you!
Over decades, this once-thriving creek has been severely washed out, taking with it the wet meadow habitat that sustains wildlife, filters water, and anchors the land. We're bringing it back — and we need many hands to do it.
Join Yosemite Rivers Alliance and our restoration team for a full day of meaningful, hands-on work in the field. Together, we'll build beaver dam analogs (BDAs) — nature-inspired structures that slow water, rebuild stream banks, and restore the rich wet meadow habitat this landscape depends on. We'll also be collecting willow cuttings for replanting and removing invasive plants and encroaching conifers that compete with native vegetation.
This is big work. The more people we have, the more ground we can cover — and every hour of effort adds up to lasting restoration. Our staff will train you on site, so no experience is needed. Just bring your energy and a willingness to dig in.
Available dates — choose one or come to all:
Wednesday, June 25
Thursday, June 26
Monday, June 30
Tuesday, July 1
What to expect:
A full day of outdoor work (please plan accordingly)
On-site training from our experienced restoration team
Meaningful, tangible impact you can see by the end of the day
Community with fellow river stewards
What to bring: Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, work gloves, sun protection, plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch. Dress in layers.
This is restoration in action. Come be part of it.