Opportunities to support the Three Rivers Heritage and Water Trails are available for everyone, whatever your ability, skills, availability, or interests.

We have two main options for volunteering: Trail Stewardship and Trail Ambassadors. For more information on Trail Ambassadors, email our Ambassador Program Manager, Lavender Sedlock.

Stewardship Volunteer Events

Volunteering with Friends of the Riverfront provides the opportunity to get outside and make a difference for the environment and our community. We offer public volunteer workdays throughout the year with work including litter pick-up, vegetation management, graffiti removal and other trail care opportunities. Work will vary based on event, but volunteers can expect some walking and lifting. Volunteer workdays usually last 2-3 hours. Volunteers should dress for the weather, and wear closed toed shoes and clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. Friends will provide all necessary tools and guidance for trail work.

If you are interested in volunteering, fill out our volunteer interest form or register for an upcoming event on our event calendar. Come join us to work on the trail, meet other volunteers, and learn how to care for our riverfronts.

We love partnering with other organizations, community groups, and schools to create volunteer events. Please contact Alex Toner, Trail Stewardship Program Manager, at alex@friendsoftheriverfront.org if you are interested in coordinating a volunteer opportunity with Friends of the Riverfront.

Trail Stewards

Adopt a section of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail or a Water Trail Landing. Monitor and report trail issues, pick-up litter, manage plants, and be part of a group of stewards dedicated to keeping our trails safe and clean.

Time Commitment: On average, Trail Stewards spend 8-10 hours per month on the Trail between March and October, attend at least 4 cohort events, and participate in volunteer or outreach events. Sign up to learn more about Becoming a Trail Steward here.

Clean-Up Crew Litter Kits

We partnered with Allegheny CleanWays to offer free litter kits.  The kits have the tools you need to safely clean-up our riverfronts and streets on your own. Report your hours and be part of a “virtual crew” working together to keep our community clean.  Head to your local trail, walk around your neighborhood or visit one of the litter hotspots that we’ve identified on our Hotspots Map.

Time Commitment: This is a self-guided opportunity. You can spend as much or as little time as you’d like. Register for your own Litter Kit here. 

For more information about litter cleanup kits contact Greg Manley, Community Outreach Specialist, at greg@friendsoftheriverfront.org. 

“Friends at Work” Corporate Opportunities

Supporting Friends of the Riverfront means you are making Allegheny County a better place to live, work, and play. Your commitment to our mission is a commitment to the neighborhoods, waterways, greenspaces, wildlife, and trails of our river valleys..

Time Commitment: We offer half-day (3 hour) and full-day (6 hour) programs with light, moderate, and heavy project options based on desire and ability.

For more information about our Friends at Work Program, contact Alex Toner, Trail Stewardship Program Manager at alex@friendsoftheriverfront.org.,