Participants raft along the lower Yuba River during a South Yuba River Citizens League Salmon Expedition. SYRCL will offer public expeditions Oct. 25 and Nov. 7, giving participants an opportunity to observe Chinook salmon and learn about river ecology and restoration work. Photo courtesy of South Yuba River Citizens League

NEVADA CITY, CA (MPG) - Families will have an opportunity to raft the lower Yuba River this fall while learning about Chinook salmon, river ecology and restoration work through two public expeditions offered by the South Yuba River Citizens League.

SYRCL will hold its 2026 Public Salmon Expeditions on Oct. 25 and Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The trips, organized by SYRCL's Education Department in partnership with H2O Adventures, are open to participants ages 4 and older.

SYRCL staff and raft guides will take participants along the lower Yuba River, where they can observe Chinook salmon spawning and learn about the river's ecosystem. The trips will include educational stops, commentary from guides and visits to restoration sites along the river.

The public outings follow a format similar to SYRCL's school Salmon Expeditions, which provide science education outside the classroom.

Funding for the school program faced uncertainty this year following the February failure of a penstock pipe at Yuba Water Agency's Colgate Powerhouse. According to SYRCL, the incident sent water and mud down the mountain and forced the agency to direct resources toward repairs.

The resulting pause in community grant programs affected funding used to send Yuba County fourth graders on annual Salmon Expeditions. SYRCL and the Yuba County Educational Foundation raised $150,000 to continue the school program this season.

"Our goal is to help people of all ages see themselves as part of the watershed ecosystem," SYRCL Education Director Monique Streit said. "When folks come together, observe salmon, and see restoration in action, that connection deepens. That is where real stewardship begins."

Registration is required for the public expeditions and space is limited. Participants should bring water, lunch, sun protection and clothing suitable for river conditions. Professional rafting teams will provide safety instruction, personal flotation devices and paddles.

Additional information and registration are available at http://yubariver.org.