National Park Service
The Niobrara National Scenic River, in partnership with the Friends of the Niobrara, will host a community river and road clean up on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Volunteers are invited to help care for the Niobrara River and surrounding roadways as the park approaches its 35th anniversary on May 24.
Participants may choose between a river-based clean up or a land-based road clean up.
• River clean up volunteers will meet at Smith Falls State Park at 9:00 a.m. Central Time.
• The clean up will be led by National Park Service rangers. All river volunteers must sign up as official NPS volunteers and wear a life jacket while paddling, per safety requirements.
• Free shuttle service for floating participants will be provided.
• Road clean up volunteers will meet at the Sparks Store at 9:00 a.m. Members of the Friends of the Niobrara will coordinate teams and route assignments for the morning.
At noon, all volunteers are invited to Smith Falls State Park for lunch provided by the Friends of the Niobrara. Following the meal, National Park Service rangers will offer a brief presentation celebrating the Niobrara National Scenic River and its 35 years since establishment on May 24, 1991. The President of the Friends of the Niobrara will also share remarks.
Those wishing to participate are encouraged to RSVP to Park Ranger Bobbie Roshone at bobbie_roshone@nps.gov or by calling 402‑386‑1925.
More information can be found at www.nps.gov/niob or by phoning 402-376-1901.
