About Us

The Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership (SSQP) is a multi-jurisdictional
program made up of Sacramento County and the incorporated cities of Sacramento,
Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, and Rancho Cordova, educating and
encouraging the community to protect local waterways from the impacts of urban
run-off, which flows untreated from storm drains to creeks, streams and rivers.

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is rain that flows over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. In urban areas less rain is able to infiltrate into the ground, thus creating urban runoff and picking up pollutants along the way. Stormwater carries pollutants such as trash, pet waste, and garden chemicals into nearby storm drains, which eventually flows into waterways untreated. This harms the quality of our waterways.

Learn more

Ways to Protect Water

We need your help to protect our local waters!

Water pollution primarily comes from residents and you
are the most important solution to stormwater pollution.
Learn how you can help prevent stormwater pollution
and improve our community.

Get Involved

Mercury

Mercury is very toxic to people and wildlife, and some of its uses have resulted in widespread contamination of the environment. Let’s work together to protect and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods and throughout the community for our enjoyment now…and for our children’s enjoyment in the future.

Stop pollution at the source:

Learn more
Mercury

Pesticides

Using less or non-toxic alternatives in your garden is important for a healthy garden, the beneficial bugs, our waterways, and our ecosystem. Let’s work together to protect and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods and throughout the community for our enjoyment now…and for our children’s enjoyment in the future.

Stop pollution at the source:

Learn more
Pesticides

Pet Waste

When pet waste is improperly disposed of, it can be picked up by stormwater runoff and washed into storm drains then directly to the river without being treated. Let’s work together to protect and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods and throughout the community for our enjoyment now…and for our children’s enjoyment in the future.

Stop pollution at the source:

Learn more
Pet Waste

Trash

Litter from sidewalks, streets, parking lots, and nature areas eventually find its way into our rivers. Let’s work together to protect and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods and throughout the community for our enjoyment now…and for our children’s enjoyment in the future.

Stop pollution at the source:

Learn more
Trash
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  • Mercury

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  • Pet Waste

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  • Trash

Events Calendar

< 2022 >
November
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  • Sacramento Picks it Up!
    09:00 -11:00
    11/04/2022

    Location: Front Street Promenade
    Time: 9 a.m.
    Difficulty Level: 3 – 5

    Although we’ve made amazing progress this month, there are still sections of nasty trash along the banks of the Sacramento River below the Tower Bridge. Without our efforts, most of this stuff will end up in the river due to winds, rains and/or rising river levels.

    Please park in the metered spots along Front Street, directly across from the Promenade. This is just south of the Tower Bridge and the Embassy Suites Hotel.

    The meet-up spot will be on the Promenade, directly across from these meters.
    This is a difficulty level 3 – 5 event because the trash at this spot is a bit challenging to access. We will concentrate on the areas near the water and traverse on rocks and uneven ground to travel and collect trash.

    We could also use a small crew of strong and willing folks pulling large/heavy items up from the lower level onto the Promenade — we have ropes for this task. (Difficulty Level 4)
    Let’s get this trash before it goes into the river and flows down the Delta and into the Bay and beyond.

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  • Elk Grove Anti-Trash Clean-Up
    09:00 -11:00
    11/05/2022

    Location: 8740 Auberry Drive, Elk Grove, CA
    Volunteer cleanup for November 5, 2022, 9 am.
    Since we continue to hone our skills at cleaning up our streetscapes let’s give some love to a troubled area that frequently needs a glow-up.
    Auberry and East Stockton often “look” good from a distance at 50 mph, but there’s always trash   gems for us waiting in shrubs and ditches.
    Let’s meet at the Bow Street Apartments on Auberry Drive….look for our cones and table.
    New to cleanups? Please arrive early to get signed in and get gear. If you have supplies, please bring your own gloves, buckets, bags, but we have items for you. Buckets, gloves, grabbers, vests, bags.
    Please wear appropriate clothing, boots 🥾 or closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hats, and bring your own water.
    All cleanups are done at your own risk, but safety first! Our trash safety talk starts promptly at 9:00 am.
    See you soon!!
    Let’s Clean Elk Grove together
  • Sacramento Picks it Up!
    09:00 -12:00
    11/05/2022

    Location: 1045 Dixieanne Avenue

    Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

    Difficulty Level: 1-2

     

    This cleanup is part of the City of Sacramento sponsored “Dixieanne Neighborhood Clean & Green Alleys”, a project to clean and beautify at least 3,000 linear feet of public right-of-way on any of 23 residential alleys in the community of Old North Sacramento.

    Beyond encouraging residents and neighbors with the additional help of SPIU volunteers to clean the area this Saturday, the project will also provide fencing repairs, shade trees, and public art in order to enhance the neighborhood and to encourage community gathering and active transportation.

    Free lunch will be served to all volunteers after the cleanup at Winner’s Circle! In case you missed that last bit… FREE LUNCH!

    PARKING: There is ample on-street parking in this area near Winner’s Circle Park.  BRING: If you have your own gear/gloves and buckets feel free to bring them, however the organizers will be providing tools, gloves, bags and other supplies for volunteers.

    Dumpsters will be provided, and Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps will come in after this event to pick up large items including tires, appliances, etc.  Sharps and any other hazardous materials or items will also be taken care of if found, so no volunteers need to handle them.  A City volunteer will have all volunteers sign waivers.

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  • Run the Parkway
    07:00 -12:00
    11/06/2022

    7:30am – Half Marathon & 20-Mile
    7:35am – Untimed Nature Walk

    Location:

    Hagan Community Park
    2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

    The Sacramento Running Association and ARPF are proud to partner on the fourth annual Run the Parkway event, the Official Training Run of the California International Marathon.

    Proceeds from Run the Parkway benefit ARPF to help further our mission to support the preservation and enjoyment of the Parkway. Run the Parkway is Sacramento’s only running event that 100% benefits the American River Parkway Foundation!

    Register as a Runner

     

    • Registration – Help check in the race day registrations and hand out bib numbers. (Must be at least 16-years-old.)
      • Shift – 5:30 – 7:30 a.m. (20 volunteers needed)
    • Finish Line Controlled Zone – Distribute water to 20-mile runners as they pass back through William B. Pond Recreation Area; direct runners to the Finish Line or outbound onto the 20-Mile course; distribute food, water and medals to runners once they’ve crossed the Finish Line; and help with post-race clean-up.
      • Shift – 7:30 – Noon (10-20 volunteers needed)
    • Course Marshal – Direct vehicle traffic and race participants throughout the course to ensure everyone stays on course and maintain course safety.
      • Shift – 6:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (37 volunteers needed)
  • Sacramento Picks it Up!
    09:00 -12:00
    11/06/2022

    Location: Discovery Park Archery Range

    Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

     

    It’s time to continue our Discovery Park Archery Range cleanups. The wooded area near the archery range still looks beautiful. What an improvement. It doesn’t look like anyone has cleaned in this area since we left. There are a couple new camps but several camps are now abandoned. With just a little more SPIU love we will get it done. County Parks will have the bobcat there to help.

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  • Sacramento Picks it Up!
    08:00 -11:00
    11/12/2022

    Location: 575/601 University Avenue, Sacramento

    Time: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

    Difficulty Level: 2 – 4

     

    This is an urgent event to clean up some more of the abandoned campsites near the closed Campus Commons Golf Course. These campsites are right along the American River and we need to clean them up so that all the garbage doesn’t get wash into the river when it rises in the spring.

    These campsites were cleaned up by SPIU volunteers earlier this spring. Unfortunately, these sites were reoccupied shortly after we had cleaned them and had remained occupied all summer long. We need to get these campsites cleaned up again before the rainy season starts up.

    We will be teaming up with Sacramento County Parks. Waivers will be required and this will be for over 16 only.

    This will be a “dirty” cleanup and you should be prepared to get filthy for a really good cause. If we have any time left after cleaning these campsites we will be doing some maintenance on this area to clean up some of the trash that has accumulated before the rainy season hits.

    Please note, we will be parking in a different spot to avoid any issues from parking on Northrop. The new parking will be at my office complex (more secure parking) and we will walk to the cleanup site from there. This will give everyone a chance to see the work being done to improve the levees in this area.

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  • Sacramento Picks it Up!
    09:00 -12:00
    11/13/2022

    Location: 201 W. El Camino Ave

    Time: 9 a.m.

    Difficulty Level: 1 – 4

     

    IMPORTANT CLEANUP—let’s get the trash before the high water does! For the first time, SPIU teams up with RD 1000 to remove trash on the right bank of Steelhead Creek.

    We’ll be removing trash adjacent to occupied camps but with the campers’ knowledge. Debris is in the “high-flow” channel and will be pulled up the bank to the levee for pick up by RD 1000.

    Where: High-flow channel at the confluence of Steelhead and Arcade Creeks, and on Steelhead across from the infamous “Tim’s camp” (well known by those on the Inter-agency cleanup last month).

    Meet at: 0900 sharp at 201 W. El Camino — the east side entrance on the levee road along Steelhead Creek (opposite of the Inter-agency site). We will drive to the site and park along the levee so vehicles will be safe and close. PLEASE be punctual since we have to lock the gate behind us.

    Difficulty: 3-4 in the channel (wet spots but not inundated) with plenty of 1-2 on the levee and terrace. YES, there are mattresses and shopping carts!

    Organized by: Roland Brady and Crystal Tobias. Thanks to Tony from RD 1000 and Rich from Regional Water Quality Control Board for their collaboration.

  • Parkway Clean-Up: Miles 1 & 2 (18+ ONLY)
    09:00 -12:00
    11/13/2022

    Location: Camp Pollock | 1501 Northgate Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815

    *THIS IS AN 18+ EVENT ONLY*

    Join us for a Parkway clean-up! We’ll be clearing trash and debris from the Northgate and the Camp Pollock areas (volunteers will park at Camp Pollock).

    Please arrive at 9:00am to sign in and receive a safety briefing. We will head out to clean by 9:15 a.m.

     

  • Mile Steward River Cleanup
    10:00 -12:00
    11/13/2022

    Location: Sacramento Bar Park | 3936 Pennsylvania Ave, Fair Oaks, CA 95628

    **All ages welcome at this site**

    Join ARPF Mile Stewards, Lyme Fight Foundation, for a river cleanup! We’ll be removing trash and debris from the Parkway.

    Please arrive at 10:00am to sign in and receive a safety briefing. We will head out to clean by 10:10am

     

    Volunteers under age 18 must bring a Youth Waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied at all times by a parent or legal guardian.

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  • Sacramento Picks It Up!
    10:00 -12:00
    11/17/2022

    Location: 201 Railroad Ave, Winters

    Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    Putah Creek Council hosts a monthly cleanup at Winters Putah Creek Nature Park. This event gives the community an opportunity to help keep the parkway clean. We will also have a small experienced road crew volunteering to keep Putah Creek Road clean between the Winters bridge and the I-505 bridge. We look forward to seeing you out there!

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  • Sacramento Picks It Up!
    09:00 -11:00
    11/20/2022

    Location: 6302 63rd Street

    Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

    Difficulty Level: 1 – 3

    Morrison Creek is a channelized creek that runs through many south Sac neighborhoods. Like many other urban creeks, Morrison Creek has more than its fair share of litter and illegal dumping. Sacramento Picks It Up is working with the City of Sacramento to improve this creek and this event will focus on cleaning a stretch where many middle schooler students use a footbridge to get to school. Let’s show this neighborhood some love with a little trash picking! Park on 63rd Street, just off of Elder Creek Road. There will be something for all ages and levels (Difficulty Levels 1-3) – from easy, street-level trash, to debris near the creek on a grassy slope.

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  • Sacramento Picks It Up!
    09:00 -12:00
    11/25/2022

    Location: Cameron Ranch Drive and Garfield, Carmichael

    Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    Difficulty Level: between 4 – 5, depending on the terrain you wish to focus on

    A group of dedicated Carmichael residents meets each Friday on Cameron Ranch Drive at Garfield. Clean up will focus on Arcade Creek, Garfield Ave. and surrounding area. Difficulty level for this event is between 4-5. Water levels vary and the embankment is steep.

    We meet each Friday near the corner of Cameron Ranch Drive at Garfield. Clean up will focus on Arcade Creek, Garfield Avenue and the surrounding area. Bring waterproof boots or waders if you have them. We will get into the creek.

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  • Sacramento Picks It Up!
    09:00 -11:00
    11/26/2022

    Location: 1827 Broadway (meet at parking lot between 18th and 19th streets)

    Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

    Difficulty Level: 2 – 5

    Come out for a Broadway Cleanup event on Saturday, November 26th from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. This is a family friendly event with easy, paved terrain. We will meet in the parking lot of On Broadway. If you have your own trash pickers, please bring them. I will have a few extra pickers and trash bags on hand. Please wear good walking shoes and bring your gardening gloves and water.

  • Sacramento Picks It Up!
    09:00 -12:00
    11/26/2022

    Location: 575/601 University Avenue, Sacramento

    Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    Difficulty Level: 2 – 4

    This is an urgent event to clean up some more of the abandoned campsites near the closed Campus Commons Golf Course. These campsites are right along the American River and we need to clean them up so that all the garbage doesn’t get wash into the river when it rises in the spring.

    These campsites were cleaned up by SPIU volunteers earlier this spring. Unfortunately, these sites were reoccupied shortly after we had cleaned them and had remained occupied all summer long. We need to get these campsites cleaned up again before the rainy season starts up.

    We will be teaming up with Sacramento County Parks. Waivers will be required and this will be for over 16 only.

    This will be a “dirty” cleanup and you should be prepared to get filthy for a really good cause. If we have any time left after cleaning these campsites we will be doing some maintenance on this area to clean up some of the trash that has accumulated before the rainy season hits.

    Please note, we will be parking in a different spot to avoid any issues from parking on Northrop. The new parking will be at my office complex (more secure parking) and we will walk to the cleanup site from there. This will give everyone a chance to see the work being done to improve the levees in this area.

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  • Sacramento Picks It Up!
    09:00 -12:00
    11/27/2022

    Location: 201 W. El Camino Ave

    Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    RD 1000 (the levee defenders) were SO impressed by our work last Sunday they would like to do another with us before the rains come. Weather permitting, of course.

    Meet at the levee gate on the WEST side of Steelhead Creek (same as before). PLEASE be on time (early ok) since we have to lock the gate behind us. We’ll park along the levee road, so will be in sight of our vehicles the entire time.

    The work site is on the west bank of Steelhead Creek near our last cleanup. There will be plenty of hard-core badgering (digging out the big stuff) and detail work too (Class 2-5).

    Bring rubber boots if you have them, and litter pickers, etc. For new people, we will have loaner tools (but not boots).

    As always, participation is at your own risk. Sorry, but this event is not suitable for kids under 16.

    Event organized by Roland Brady, Rich Muhl from the Water Quality Control Board, and Tony Decastillo of RD 1000.

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December
December
December
Man walking dog

Pet waste is a significant, yet preventable, water pollutant. Please clean up after your pet!

Not all bugs are bad! Learn how
good bugs can defend your home
against pests

Landscape and Nursery Expo

Businesses from all around participate in this annual event. Residents can learn various landscape techniques as well as purchase supplies, equipment, and attend educational seminars.

Tuesday, May 3

For More Information

Contact the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership at

ssqpinfo@cityofsacramento.org
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