As a part of the Gift of Nature Sale (Nov 21 – Dec 8), Astral donates 5% of sales to organizations that are working to protect soil and water. This year, we are partnering with Protect Our Rivers and Outdoor Alliance.
Astral and Protect Our Rivers share the same goal of supporting rivers of the world. We asked Sarah Nelson, the Executive Director of Protect Our Rivers, about the organization and her work there.
ASTRAL // You were born and raised in Colorado. Tell us some more about your roots.
I grew up in Genesee and have bounced around different parts of Colorado ever since. I spent so much of my childhood outside—camping, hiking along rivers, playing in the water, or getting creative with mud and flowers in our backyard. My family always says I’ve had an undeniable love for the outdoors and water from the very beginning. That love has only grown over time, and now I get to share it with my husband and daughter—we spend our free time doing the very same things I loved as a kid!
ASTRAL // Share a bit about Protect Our Rivers. What work do you do?
Protect Our Rivers was born out of that lifelong connection to water and a desire to help others experience it, too. We organize river cleanups across the U.S. to make an immediate impact on river health, and get kids out on the river for free so they can connect with rivers the way we have.
In just five years as a nonprofit, Protect Our Rivers has organized over 150 river cleanups, rallied 5,200 volunteers, and removed nearly 250,000 pounds of trash from waterways.
In 2024, we launched our River Access Program, which has since given 88 people the opportunity to experience rivers firsthand for the very first time. Our organization is built on the belief that everyone has the power to make a difference—and that difference matters. Our programs connect people to rivers and empower them to take action, creating lasting impacts on river health and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the resources and experiences rivers provide.
ASTRAL // Tell us the story of founding Protect Our Rivers. Building a nonprofit is no small feat!
Since I can remember, my dream has been to do something meaningful that inspires positive change and gives back, specifically to the outdoors. Before Protect Our Rivers, I ran marketing for Good River Beer. In October, we got invited to join one of our brand partners, Downriver Equipment, on a Cataract Canyon river trip to explore over 100 miles of the Colorado River. Rivers weren’t brand new to me, but I have never experienced anything quite like that trip. I was in awe of the magic of the river and the way everyone came together to live and support each other for six days. And the pride and respect river runners have for rivers and the surrounding ecosystem is beyond anything I’ve ever known.
That trip really inspired me and made me think about getting involved or starting a new river-focused nonprofit organization. When we returned, my husband and I faced some unexpected challenges that rocked us. We both got laid off, and at the same time, we lost my dad to cancer at age 63.
Losing a father really hits home that life is too short, so spend it doing what you love and with who you love. So, I reached out to those who is now our founding board members, and they eagerly jumped on board to start to Protect Our Rivers with me. Just like me, rivers have changed the trajectory of their lives in incredible ways.
ASTRAL // What are the primary concerns Protect Our Rivers is working on right now?
We’re focused on tackling human-caused pollution and protecting rivers that are on the brink of serious harm. Through our hands-on cleanup events and river access programs, we not only remove trash and restore habitats immediately, but also connect communities — especially kids — to the water. By fostering a love for rivers, we inspire people to take action and become long-term stewards of these vital ecosystems.
ASTRAL // Share something good that’s happened in river conservation recently.
Last year, four dams were removed from the Klamath River — one of the largest dam removal projects ever in the U.S. I think this is such a huge win from a cultural and environmental standpoint. The project restored thousands of acres of ancestral lands that had been buried under reservoirs, and just months after the removals, salmon were already spotted migrating upstream for the first time in 100 years.
ASTRAL // How can an everyday, regular human help?
I think the best thing you can do is start small—simple actions really do add up. Go outside and pick up some trash, join a local cleanup, use a little less water, and look for ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Every small effort matters, and when we all pitch in, it creates a huge impact for our rivers. There’s real power in numbers!
ASTRAL // What does a day in your life look like?
No day ever feels the same! Some days I’m hopping on a flight to lead a river cleanup in another state, and others I’m working from home on projects that help move our organization forward. There’s always something new, and it’s been a balancing act since day one—but I love the variety and the flexibility it gives me to also spend time with my husband and baby girl.
ASTRAL // What is your favorite river?
I think my favorite river is the Green River because it has some amazing stretches you can float that are hard to beat. My favorite river stretches are Gates of Ladore and Desolation Gray.
I also love Clear Creek! My husband, Chase is my R2 buddy and there’s nothing I love than hitting Clear Creek in May and June with him!
ASTRAL // Who are you most inspired by?
I’m most inspired by my daughter. She’s less than a year old, but watching her discover the world already reminds me why this work matters so much. I want her—and every kid—to grow up with clean rivers to play in and to feel that same connection to nature that shaped me growing up.
ASTRAL // What’s your favorite song these days?
I love ”River Water” by Moon Taxi. It makes me think of all of the amazing times I’ve had on the river with friends and family!