Date
Sunday
Jun

June 1-30

National Rivers Month

Dive into National Rivers Month and connect with the beauty of nature - from kayaking adventures to peaceful picnics by the water, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Yearly Date
June 1
Type
Month
Category
Cause

Introduction

Get ready to dive into the beauty and importance of rivers as we celebrate National Rivers Month this June 1st! This month-long celebration was established in 2007 by American Rivers to bring awareness to the crucial role that rivers play in our environment and communities. Did you know that rivers cover about 0.5% of Earth's surface but support over half of the world's population? They provide us with water, food, transportation, recreation, and more. So let's take some time this month to appreciate and protect these incredible natural resources that have been a vital part of our lives for centuries.

National Rivers Month Timeline

2000
Formation of American Rivers
In 2000, the American Rivers organization was established to protect wild rivers, restore damaged rivers, and conserve clean water for people and nature.
2006
Adoption of Rivers Acts
The United States adopted the "National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act" and the "Clean Water Act" to protect the integrity of our nation's rivers.
2007
Inception of National Rivers Month
American Rivers declared June as National Rivers Month, a celebration to increase awareness about the importance of rivers in our communities and environment.
2012
Rivers Conservation Act
The federal government passed the "Rivers Conservation Act" committing to the preservation and protection of rivers across the United States.
2015
Launch of River Cleanup Initiative
American Rivers launched a major nationwide river cleanup initiative, mobilizing thousands of volunteers to remove tons of trash from rivers.
2019
Global Rivers Day
The celebration reached a global level with the adoption of "Global Rivers Day" aimed at emphasizing the need to protect rivers worldwide.

How to Celebrate National Rivers Month

1

Go on a river adventure

Explore a new river or revisit an old favorite by going on a river adventure! This could include kayaking, canoeing, or even just taking a scenic hike along the riverbank.

2

Volunteer for a river clean-up

Give back to your community and the environment by volunteering for a river clean-up. You'll not only be helping to preserve the beauty of our rivers, but also getting some exercise and fresh air in the process.

3

Attend a riverside festival

Many cities and towns have festivals or events celebrating their local rivers. Attend one of these events to learn more about your local river and its importance to the community.

4

Create river-inspired art

Get creative and make some art inspired by rivers! You could paint a landscape, make a sculpture using found objects from a river, or even write a poem or song about your favorite river.

5

Have a picnic by the river

Spend a relaxing day by the river with a picnic! Pack some delicious food and drinks, grab a blanket, and enjoy the beauty of nature while celebrating National Rivers Month.

Why We Love National Rivers Month

A

Opportunities for adventure

Rivers provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, from kayaking and whitewater rafting to fishing and camping. National Rivers Month is the perfect time to plan a trip and explore the beauty and excitement of our nation's waterways.

B

Promotes conservation and preservation

National Rivers Month also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our rivers. It's a great opportunity to get involved in conservation efforts and raise awareness about the need to keep our waterways clean and healthy for future generations.

C

Beauty and serenity

There's something peaceful and calming about being near a river. National Rivers Month is a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of these waterways and take some time to relax and recharge in nature.

National Rivers Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 31
Wednesday
2024
May 31
Friday
2025
May 31
Saturday
2026
May 31
Sunday
2027
May 31
Monday