Ecosystem enhancement seeks to improve Merced River habitat by creating functional ecosystems. Volunteers remove invasive plants and plant native trees, shrubs and grasses that will benefit wildlife and create riparian buffer zones of vegetation.

River Cleanup activities are held throughout the year. Volunteers collect trash and debris from the channel and shores of the Merced River and perform trash surveys. On the water river cleanup in canoes and kayaks is one of the most popular volunteer activities.

The Clean Water Team monitors the health of the Lower Merced River through water quality testing, collecting and studying aquatic insects (bio assessment), making visual observations of river conditions and habitat, and performing trash assessments.

Members of the Clean Water Team receive training in monitoring and assessment protocols and participate in regularly scheduled field days.