Riverbank restoration action checklist

Use this checklist to organise a safe, productive riverbank restoration action from the first permit request to the final waste collection. The plan covers volunteer registrations, dietary requirements, tool checks, route preparation, shoreline clearing, bank work and native planting. Build in time for weather decisions and safety setup: water, uneven ground and sharp tools need clear controls before volunteers arrive. The full plan includes 41 tasks and 48 items to help you prepare in the right order.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Coordinate permit and venue
Invite volunteers
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Coordinate waste collection
Reserve tools
Check the weather forecast
Confirm volunteer roster
Do the shopping
2 people
Check tools
2 people
Label the materials
2 people
Prepare catering
2 people
Check the venue and route
2 people
Set up the tables and tent
4 people
Lay out tools
3 people
Mark off the safety zone
2 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Make coffee and tea
2 people

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Give safety instructions
2 people
Divide work areas
3 people
Collect trash along the shoreline
12 people
Clear shoreline plants
8 people
Rake loose bank soil
6 people
Install native plants
8 people
Move bank materials
6 people
Keep hazardous waste separate
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Distribute snack breaks
2 people
Check the work result
3 people
Serve the communal meal
4 people
Weigh and record waste
2 people

Aftercare

Collect tools
3 people
Take waste to the collection point
3 people
Take down tables and tent
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Store materials dry and complete
3 people
Return borrowed tools
2 people
Dispose of leftovers and waste
2 people
Thank participants

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 12
Registration desk

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 2
Cordless drill driversqty 2
Scale

Tools

Work glovesqty 35
Litter pickersqty 15
Scoopsqty 8
Rakesqty 8
Pruning shearsqty 6
Wheelbarrowsqty 4
Bucketsqty 10
Hand trucksqty 2
Ropeqty 2
Measuring tapesqty 3

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 35
Safety bootsqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2
Life ringsqty 2
Warning signsqty 6
Bollardsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Reflective vestsqty 8

Waste

Waste binsqty 6
Rubble bagsqty 20
Trash grabber binsqty 6
Palletsqty 4

Care

Sunscreenqty 4
Insect repellentqty 3
Handwashing station
Towelsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Soup potsqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving traysqty 4
Ice packsqty 12

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 4
Spongesqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Start permits, venue access and waste collection arrangements several weeks before the action. Confirm where vehicles can unload, where waste bins will stand and how collected material will be removed.
Close registrations early enough to process dietary requirements and produce a confirmed volunteer roster. Send the final arrival details and clothing guidance at least 3–5 days before the event.
Check every tool before setup, including cordless drill drivers, rakes, pruning shears, wheelbarrows and hand trucks. Count gloves, safety goggles, reflective vests and life rings against the confirmed number of volunteers.
Create separate work areas for trash collection, clearing shoreline plants, raking loose bank soil and installing native plants. Mark the safety zone with bollards, warning signs and barrier tape before participants arrive.
Prepare coffee, tea and catering after the work plan is set, then keep refreshments away from tools and the river edge. Leave at least 30 minutes after the final planting for tool returns, waste sorting and a site check.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a riverbank restoration action?: Start permits, venue coordination and waste collection arrangements at least 4–6 weeks before the action. Invite volunteers and open registrations once access and the work area are confirmed.
What should I check on the morning of a riverbank restoration action?: Check the weather forecast, route, safety zone, tools, first aid kits and life rings before participants arrive. Allow 60–90 minutes for tables, the tent, registration desk, signs and work materials.
How many volunteers can work in one riverbank area?: Set the number by the size and hazards of the site rather than using one fixed ratio. Divide participants into work areas and give each group a clear task, tools and a safety briefing before work begins.
When should I confirm the volunteer roster and dietary requirements?: Confirm the roster and dietary requirements 3–5 days before the action. Keep a printed copy at the registration desk so the catering team and coordinators can check changes quickly.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.