Rafting piles of garbage down the river is only half of the job of the Redband Rally intern!
On May 16, 2025, I opened my inbox to an email that changed my summer - I had been hired as Spokane Riverkeeper’s Redband Rally Intern. Excited, nervous, and eager to dive in, I knew this opportunity would not only connect me more deeply with the Spokane River but also with the people who care for it.
As their on-water intern, I quickly realized this role was about much more than rafting. It was about learning technical river skills, stepping into leadership, and building lasting community connections.
Gaining River Skills
Launching and retrieving a loaded raft in a flowing river is tricky business.
My first lessons were hands-on, learning how and where to launch rafts, how to read the flow of the river, and how to safely maneuver a boat with oars. I had some rafting experience through my Recreation Management program at Eastern Washington University, but rowing with oars was a new skill for me. Each time I went out, I became more comfortable with the techniques. Early in the season I practiced rowing in higher water levels, and later I learned to adjust to the obstacles and tighter routes that came with lower flows. Over time, I built the ability to row on my own with confidence.
With guidance from the Spokane Riverkeeper staff, I grew confident in skills like trailering, boating, reading water hydrology, securing heavy loads, and identifying some native riparian species. I also gained a deeper understanding of the aquifer–river relationship that sustains our region. These technical skills not only gave me confidence on the water, but also deepened my connection to the Spokane River as a resource worth protecting.
Growing as a Leader
Public speaking is a vital part of being a Riverkeeper! In this case, communicating safety information to volunteers.
This internship also gave me opportunities to step into leadership. During cleanups, I helped organize volunteers, gave safety talks, and guided groups along different stretches of the river and riverbanks. Whether it was our on-water floats, private cleanups, outreach floats, or the annual Redband Rally cleanup, I grew more comfortable leading and supporting Spokane Riverkeeper’s events. These experiences challenged me, but they also showed me the impact one person can have when they help bring others together for a common purpose.
Building Community
Guiding recreational paddles with the community was a perk of the job. In this case, making sure the 100 paddlers on the moonlight float were safe and sound.
One of my favorite parts of this role has been working with diverse groups of people. Every cleanup brought together volunteers with their own motivations. Neighbors, anglers, paddlers, and community members all came out to support and volunteer for Spokane Riverkeeper events because they simply care about the river. I was inspired by their energy and their willingness to give back. Beyond our volunteers, I also got to know many recreators and outfitters who spend time on the river each week. Being on the water so often reminded me that the Spokane River isn’t just a natural feature, it’s a community hub.
Looking Back
This summer has given me more than I expected: technical skills, leadership confidence, and meaningful community connections. My time as the Redband Rally Intern highlighted the importance of connecting communities to the river as a way to encourage stewardship and protect natural resources.
As my internship with the Spokane Riverkeeper comes to an end, I know one thing for certain, I will always be a keeper of our rivers.
Spokane Riverkeeper’s small, but might River Cleanup Team removed 10,000 pounds of trash from the river this summer.