FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Attached: B-roll and photos from the Wrap-up event at High Rocks Park, Gladstone
Portland, Ore., October 4, 2024— On Thursday, October 3, SOLVE, in collaboration with Clackamas Water Environment Services, held the final event of the Waterway Cleanup Series at High Rocks Park.
41 volunteers collected an estimated 350 pounds of trash along the Clackamas River. This wrap-up event marked the conclusion of a summer-long initiative that successfully mobilized more than 1,500 volunteers across 61 events, resulting in the removal of nearly 30,000 pounds of litter from Oregon's rivers, streams, and creeks.
The Waterway Cleanup Series, which ran from May to September, focused on enhancing the cleanliness of waterways throughout the region. Participants engaged in litter cleanup efforts at various locations, including the Molalla, Rogue, Santiam, Upper Clackamas, Willamette, and Clackamas Rivers. The initiative exemplified SOLVE's commitment to protecting and preserving Oregon's natural resources.
"Oregon's rivers are celebrated for their stunning beauty, but they are increasingly threatened by litter and runoff," said Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer of SOLVE. "We are proud to have partnered with Clackamas Water Environment Services for many years. Their ongoing support has been instrumental in our efforts to demonstrate our community's dedication to taking meaningful action for the environment and ensuring safe, healthy water for generations to come."
About SOLVE
SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. You can follow SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org.
About Clackamas Water Environment Services
Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) produces clean water, protects water quality, and recovers renewable resources. We do this by providing wastewater services, stormwater management, and environmental education. It's our job to protect public health and support the vitality of our communities, natural environment and economy.
***Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited***
What: Waterway Cleanup Series Wrap-Up event at High Rocks Park
When: Thursday, October 3, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: 77 82nd Drive Gladstone, OR 97027 | Map Link
Event Description: Join SOLVE for the concluding event of the Waterway Cleanup Series, a recurring and much-anticipated initiative in collaboration with Clackamas Water Environment Services. From May to September, SOLVE actively promotes and lends support to an array of litter cleanup projects across the region, all dedicated to elevating the cleanliness of our rivers, streams, and creeks. This final event of the summer-long series will help beautify the riverbanks of the Clackamas River and celebrate the culmination of 61 cleanups along various waterways, lakes, and recreational areas, including the Molalla, Rogue, Santiam, Upper Clackamas, Willamette, and Clackamas Rivers over the summer months.
Why: Oregon's rivers are renowned for their beauty, yet they face ongoing threats from litter and runoff from developed areas The need to clean our waterways has never been more critical. SOLVE invites volunteers of all ages to participate in this final event of the summer initiative, aimed at removing litter from our rivers, streams, and creeks. Together, we can take meaningful steps to ensure our communities benefit from safe, healthy water for generations to come.
Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am on the pedestrian bridge crossing the Clackamas River located right next to the DMV to see approximately 50 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech and event debrief, and then heading out in groups to pick up litter along the Clackamas River.
This event will feature plenty of visuals of volunteers picking up litter along the Clackamas riverbanks and at High Rocks Park, making for great community packages, VOs, and VOSOTS.
Available interviewees:
- Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
- Greg Geist, Director, Clackamas Water Environment Services
Visit the event registration page or the Waterway Cleanup Series landing page on the SOLVE website for more information.
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About SOLVE:
SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. You can follow SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org.
About Clackamas Water Environment Services
Clackamas Water Environment Services produces clean water, protects water quality and recovers renewable resources. We do this by providing wastewater services, stormwater management, and environmental education. It’s our job to protect public health and support the vitality of our communities, natural environment, and economy. Learn more at: https://www.clackamas.us/wes.
Portland, Ore., September 30, 2024 – From September 20 through September 28, families, community organizations, and individuals across Oregon and SW Washington participated in the 2024 SOLVE Beach & Riverside Cleanup, celebrating several significant environmental dates: International Coastal Cleanup Day, September 21, World Rivers Day, September 22, and National Public Lands Day, September 28. This year, around 1,300 volunteers in 12 counties came together to collect litter, restore habitats, and engage in educational activities at nearly 80 event sites with a focus on the urban Portland and Vancouver area, beaches along the Oregon Coast from Seaside to Brookings, as well as inland lakes and riversides.
The dates for the Beach & Riverside Cleanup were strategically chosen to include these important international environmental efforts, allowing participants to be part of a global movement. September 21 is International Coastal Cleanup Day, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our coasts and waterways from harmful trash and debris. This global movement amplifies the impact of local efforts, uniting communities for cleaner environments. World Rivers Day on September 22 highlighted the essential role rivers play in this journey from source to sea, reminding us that clean waterways are crucial for the health of our oceans. The cleanup culminated on September 28 with National Public Lands Day, the nation's largest single-day volunteer event, focusing on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.
During this week-long initiative, volunteers collected an estimated 11,200 pounds of litter and marine debris (which is the weight of 4 cars), amplifying the ongoing effort to protect our waterways and ecosystems. 28 coastal cleanups were conducted this year. Since the event's inception in 1986, SOLVE has mobilized communities to collect more than 2.5 million pounds of trash from Oregon's natural spaces. SOLVE’s dedication to environmental restoration was evident as volunteers participated in more than a dozen habitat restoration projects, where 1,205 sq feet of invasive species like English ivy and Himalayan blackberry (equivalent to three car garages) were removed, 27 trees cleared, and 1,010 plants mulched.
"This year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup not only highlights the importance of protecting our environment but also fosters a sense of community and engagement, especially as families return to their routines after summer," says Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. "The participation of organizations such as Surfrider Foundation, Friends of Netarts Bay, and various watersheds councils, shows a collaborative commitment to conservation at the coast and beyond.” At Siltcoos Beach, volunteers celebrated International Coastal Cleanup by removing marine debris near protected western snowy plover sites, a critical nesting area for these vulnerable birds. The Rockaway Lions Club invited volunteers to welcome fall. “We are proud to engage them for the Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2024, where the focus on family-friendly events made this year especially memorable," continues Carico.
The Beach & Riverside Cleanup also served as a perfect back-to-school activity for families looking to bond over meaningful environmental work. Engaging children in outdoor activities and educational programs promotes a lifelong commitment to protecting the planet.
SOLVE's annual cleanup not only addresses the immediate threat of litter but also emphasizes the connection between inland sources of pollution and the health of our coastlines. With approximately 80% of marine debris originating from these inland areas, the collective efforts of Oregonians are imperative as we approach the rainy season.
SOLVE expresses gratitude to all volunteers, organizations, and partners who contributed to the success of this year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup. Special thanks to our sponsors: Chevron, Clean Water Services, Daimler Truck North America, Fred Meyer, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Here is Oregon, Keen Footwear, Knife River, KOIN, Metro, NEEF, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and Owens Corning.
About SOLVE
SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.
***Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited***
What: Annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup
When: Saturday, September 28, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: 4141 Northeast Marine Drive Portland, 97211 | Map Link
Event Description: SOLVE staff and volunteers will celebrate the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup at Broughton Beach in Northeast Portland on Saturday, September 28 (National Public Lands Day). Participants will collect litter of all sizes from the shores along the Columbia River. This family-friendly event welcomes individuals of all ages, providing an opportunity for community engagement and environmental responsibility.
Why: The Beach & Riverside Cleanup spans two significant environmental days: International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 21 and National Public Lands Day on September 28. With about 80 projects taking place across Oregon and SW Washington, this initiative aims to prevent trash from inland sources, such as rivers and streets, from reaching our beaches and oceans. Keeping Portland's waterways clean is vital for the health of the community and the environment. SOLVE's mission focuses on empowering individuals and businesses to contribute to their communities, fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for our natural areas. Together, these efforts can create a cleaner, more inviting environment that reflects care for both the community and the planet.
Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 in the far east corner of the parking lot to see approximately 70 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech and event debrief, and then heading out in groups to pick up litter in the surrounding area. The event will run from 10 am to 12 pm, with volunteers expected to spread throughout the area.
This event will have plenty of visuals of volunteers picking up litter along the Columbia River, making for great community packages, VOs, and VOSOTS.
Available interviewees:
- Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
Visit the event registration page on the SOLVE website for more information.
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About SOLVE:
SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. You can follow SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org.
***Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited***
What: Portland Business District Cleanup, sponsored by The Standard
When: September 18, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Where: 900 SW 5th Ave Portland, OR 97204| Map Link
Event Description: Portland's business districts are the heartbeat of our city and keeping them clean is vital to our economy and the environment. Together with The Standard, SOLVE volunteers will tackle litter in Downtown Portland. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and Cesar Chavez, who led the first successful farm workers union in American history, after the cleanup SOLVE will accept non-perishable food to be donated to Hacienda CDC, a Latino-led Community Development Corporation located in NE Portland.
Why: Litter poses a significant threat to our community's well-being, affecting the aesthetics and overall health of our streets, neighborhoods, and waterways. SOLVE's creates opportunities for individuals and businesses to give back to their communities and play a critical role in preserving the beauty and integrity of our city from the harmful effects of trash. Together, we can create a cleaner, more inviting downtown that reflects our pride in the city and care for our community.
Media Crews: Arrive by 8:45 outside the main entrance of The Standard to see approximately 130 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech, event debrief, and then heading out in groups to pick up litter in the surrounding area. The event will run from 9 am to 11 am, with volunteers expected to spread throughout Downtown.
This event will have plenty of visuals of volunteers picking up litter, making for great community packages, VOs, and VOSOTS.
Available interviewees:
- Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
Visit the Portland Business District Cleanup webpage on the SOLVE website for more information.
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About SOLVE:
SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. You can follow SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org.