July 14, 2025 6:20 a.m. 

Experience Roseburg Smash the Trash River Float & Cleanup and the Umpqua Watersheds 39th annual River Appreciation Day are happening this Saturday.

The float and cleanup are open to anyone who wants to help pick up trash and enjoy a river float at the same time. The float begins at Amacher Park and ends at River Forks Park. Due to parking constraints, participants are encouraged to drop their floaties at Amacher and park their vehicles at River Forks. A complimentary shuttle will be available to talk people back to Amacher Park where the float begins. Shuttles will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m. and run every 30 minutes.

Participants will be provided with a wristband and mesh bag to hold any trash gathered along the float. After getting out at Amacher Park, hand in the trash and receive a complimentary taco or burrito while supplies last. All floaters are required to sign a waiver before embarking on the river as well as provide their own flotation device, required life jackets and any related permits.

Umpqua Watersheds River Appreciation Day started over 30 years ago following the efforts of concerned citizens from around the state committing their time, energy and resources to protect the rivers. In 1989 the Oregon State Legislature named the third Saturday in July River Appreciation Day.

This year it will take place at River Forks Park from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Events include:

*12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. music from Ken Carloni

*1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Esther and Shannon Stutzman, Kommema Kalapuya and Coos Tribe

*2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Music from Melissa Ruth and the Likely Suspects

*4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. James and the Lost Dogs

For more information about both events, go to: https://www.experienceroseburg.com/river-float/ and https://umpquawatersheds.org/event/river-appreciation-day/