Volunteer With Us
Join our team in removing abandoned fishing gear and creating a safer environment for waterbirds and wildlife along the American River! Whether you’re wading in the water, searching the shoreline, or helping with outreach efforts, every action makes a difference. No experience is needed—just a passion for conservation and protecting our local ecosystem.
Sponsor a Sign or Recycling Receptacle
Help prevent fishing gear injuries before they happen by sponsoring an educational sign or a fishing line recycling receptacle in your area. These installations raise awareness and provide anglers with a responsible way to dispose of gear, keeping the river safe for birds and other wildlife. Contact us to learn how you can support this vital initiative!
Donate to Protect Wildlife
Your donation helps keep the river free of dangerous fishing gear and ensures the continued rescue and protection of waterbirds. Support our mission—every dollar goes toward conservation efforts that make a lasting impact.
Report Fishing Gear
If you’ve found abandoned fishing gear, let us know! Simply fill out this quick form identifying where you saw the gear and we’ll work to remove it as quickly as possible.
Need to report an injured waterbird?
If you see an injured waterbird or other wildlife, contact the following organizations based on your location:
- Sacramento: Wildlife Care Association of Sacramento – 916.965.9453 or Sacramento Heron and Egret Rescue – 916.542.2473
- El Dorado: Sierra Wildlife Rescue – 530.621.4661
- Auburn: Gold Country Wildlife Rescue – 530.885.0862
- Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin: Tri County Wildlife Care – 209.283.3245
- Call 311 to report injured animals and be connected to wildlife rescue organizations or report injured wildlife using the 311 app. You’ll need to place the cross hairs on the location in the American River Parkway and then select “Park Issues.” Contact waterbirdhabitat@icloud.com to arrange gear removal in high-risk areas or where gear is seen on the river.
News & Events
Aug 05, 2023
From Surgeon to Conservationist: The Story Behind the Waterbird Habitat Project
Learn what spurred Dr. Andrea Willey to found the Waterbird Habitat Project in 2023.
May 02, 2025
Habitat Restoration at Turtle Pond
We teamed up with Sac County Parks to restore the habitat at Turtle Pond, a favorite fishing pond off the American River at Sailor Bar.
May 27, 2025
Smart Angling: Tips to Prevent Gear Loss and Protect Wildlife
By following a few simple practices, anglers can help keep the river safe while protecting their equipment. Learn how!