Help us Defend the Yough!
The annual Yough Defense Party is a celebration of our beloved Youghiogheny River watershed.
As Mountain Watershed Association’s largest annual fundraiser, the party helps advance and sustain critical projects in our watershed. Proceeds from this party help us host river cleanups, conduct extensive water sampling, host community education events, and more.
The Yough Defense Party will be held at Falls City Pub in Ohiopyle, PA on November 19 from 4 pm - 11 pm.
We’ll have live music from bands in our watershed, free snacks, door prizes, a silent auction full of local art and outdoor gear, and new MWA merchandise for sale. As MWA’s primary fundraiser of the year, every dollar raised at the Yough Defense Party helps us protect, preserve, and restore the Youghiogheny River watershed.
Here are just a few things the Yough Defense Fund helps us do:
- Organize volunteer river cleanups
- Monitor industrial pollution
- Protect communities from hazardous waste
- Educate and empower our community to take action on key issues
Rain or shine - always a good time
Yough Defense is an indoor/outdoor event. We're ready for any weather with a large, enclosed party tent, several heaters, and multiple fire pits. Dress in warm layers so you can browse our silent auction (indoors) and mingle with friends outside in the crisp air!
This party is more than a fundraising event. It’s a beloved local tradition and a chance for people to come together and celebrate the beauty and power of our Youghiogheny River watershed. From the mountains of West Virginia and Maryland to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, the Youghiogheny connects and sustains a vibrant, diverse community of paddlers, farmers, trail runners, business owners, mountain bikers, backpackers, teachers, anglers, boaters, and more.
These people care deeply about the river and protecting it for future generations. Now more than ever, our community is craving connection and action for our rivers.
We hope to see you there!
Want to help out?
Items must be received by November 9!
We need volunteers to help us set up on Wednesday, November 18 and for a few short shifts during the party on Thursday, November 19. Volunteer for 4 hours and you’ll earn a free t-shirt, plus our endless thanks!
Event sponsors have a direct impact to the Yough Defense Fund! Your donation will benefit our work on river cleanups, community outreach, and more. Plus, you’ll get some great perks!