IRU Boise River Stewards clean up over 3,800 pounds of trash, conduct 100+ water quality tests in 2025; more cleanup events scheduled this summer
BOISE – May 21, 2026 – Everyone loves the Boise River, right?
Up to 10,000 people float the urban stretch of the Boise River on a hot summer day. People fish the Boise River for fresh trout year-round. People love to set up lawn chairs next to the river to hang out and stay cool on hot summer days, while kids play in the water.
But not everyone is doing their part to keep the Boise River as clean as it can be. Last year, Idaho Rivers United (IRU) launched a Boise River Stewards program, a volunteer-focused initiative that created opportunities for people to participate in trash-cleanup events scheduled throughout the summer, and test the river’s water quality for a variety of potential pollutants.
The program, sponsored by Ford Dealers of Idaho, Riverside Hotel and Ling & Louie’s, resulted in more than 3,800 pounds of trash being picked up along the Boise River and creating a fresh Boise River report card based on more than 100 water quality tests. Last month, in IRU’s annual spring cleanup, 233 volunteers cleaned up 1,400 pounds of trash on the Boise River.
“The Boise River Stewardship Program amplifies the intrinsic value of the Boise River, and gives our community a tangible way to give back to the river they love and enjoy,” said Kristen Bruce, an IRU Board Member and Boise River Stewards volunteer. “The program is growing exponentially, both in the number of people who want to participate and in the need for clean-ups and restoration work. We’re struggling to keep up, so we are hoping that more people will step up to volunteer.”
“This is the first time we have actual metrics of the volume of trash annually removed by volunteers, which highlights the high usage of our urban river and the need for stewardship,” added Dave Womack, IRU communications director. How can local residents participate? IRU has a number of volunteer river cleanups scheduled for this summer:
June 1, 11 am at Barber Park, led by Ambassador Devyn
June 13, 10 am at Ann Morrison Park, led by Ambassador Sue
June 15, 11 am at Lucky Peak, led by Ambassador Devyn
July 11, 10 am at Parkcenter & Beacon, led by Ambassadors Kendall & Madeleine
July 15, 10 am at Veterans Memorial Park, led by Ambassador Candice
July 18, 8 am at Willow Lane Athletic Complex, led by Ambassador Sam
July 25, 8 am at Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, led by Ambassador Sam
Aug. 8, 10 am at Ann Morrison Park, led by Ambassador Sue
Aug. 15, 10 am at Parkcenter & Beacon, led by Ambassadors Kendall & Madeleine
Sept. 15, 10 am at Parkcenter & Beacon, led by Ambassadors Kendall & Madeleine
Sign up to be an IRU volunteer here: https://www.idahorivers.org/volunteer
People also can sign up to conduct their own water quality tests on the Boise River after receiving some training and a water-quality kit for the tests. Forty-five people have signed up for that program this year; more volunteers will be needed in 2027.
The 2025 IRU Report Card for the Boise River shows that the Boise River is generally clean and supporting the basic requirements of the Clean Water Act – meaning it is safe for swimming, fishing and human contact. The testing was done at three locations on the River – the Americana Bridge, ParkCenter boat ramp and Barber Park.
“The water is clear and the pH is spot on, enhancing the quality of aquatic life,” Womack said. “On average, the temperature is great for most coldwater species to thrive. Because of these conditions, the river corridor through Boise is thriving in terms of recreational value and supporting many aquatic species. ”
However, more work remains to get improved water-quality data on fecal coliform, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorous. “Because many aspects of our lives rely on a healthy Boise River, understanding its condition is vital to preserving the resources, experiences, and history that connect us all,” Womack said.
For more information, contact Lindsey Paynter at IRU, Volunteer and Engagement Manager,
lindsey@idahorivers.org or go to https://www.idahorivers.org/
