Press Release: SOLVE And WES Kick Off 2025 Summer-Long Waterway Cleanup Series (Photo) -05/13/25

Portland, Ore., May 13, 2025 – The 2025 Waterway Cleanup Series is officially underway, marking the eighth year of partnership between SOLVE and Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES). This seasonal initiative unites community members in protecting Oregon’s rivers, streams, and creeks through hands-on litter cleanup events across the region.

 

The series launched with a successful cleanup along the Willamette River at Meldrum Bar Park in Gladstone, where 31 volunteers helped preserve the park’s wetlands and removed 791 pounds of litter from this ecologically and recreationally vital area. Popular with families, anglers, and summer visitors, Meldrum Bar Park is just one example of how clean waterways contribute to both healthy ecosystems and vibrant community spaces. The Waterway Cleanup Series will continue throughout the summer and conclude with a final event along the shores of the Clackamas River on October 15 at High Rocks Park.

 

Protecting waterways is critical to both environmental and public health. Trash that accumulates in inland areas—on sidewalks, roadsides, or riverbanks—can travel through storm drains into nearby creeks, streams, and rivers, eventually making its way to the ocean. This journey, powered by rainfall and stormwater runoff, turns local litter into a far-reaching threat, harming wildlife, polluting water sources, and degrading natural habitat along the way. Cleanups not only reduce this risk—they also help ensure that popular recreation areas remain safe, beautiful, and accessible to all.

 

“Every piece of trash removed represents one less pollutant that could harm wildlife or degrade water quality,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “The Waterway Cleanup Series is about more than litter—it’s about people coming together to protect the places we love. We’re grateful to our volunteers and the partnership with Clackamas Water Environment Services for making that possible.”

 

SOLVE and WES are now calling on individuals, businesses, community groups, and organizations to join a waterway cleanup event or host their own cleanup events this summer. Whether it’s a local creek, popular swimming hole, or neighborhood stream, volunteers can take action in the places that matter most to them. All events are family-friendly and supported with supplies, promotional help, and planning guidance.

 

In 2024, more than 1,500 volunteers participated in 61 events, collecting over 30,000 pounds of litter from Oregon and SW Washington’s waterways and natural areas. This year, the series aims to inspire even greater impact.

 

Get Involved:
Explore upcoming events or learn how to organize your own waterway cleanup at www.solveoregon.org/waterway-series.

 

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. 

 

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.

 

A Cleaner Region, One Bag At A Time: Thousands Step Up For The 10-Day Oregon Spring Cleanup 2025 (Photo) -04/23/25

Portland, Ore., April 23, 2025 – The Oregon Spring Cleanup, presented by Portland General Electric, wrapped up this week with powerful results and even stronger community spirit. From April 12 to April 22, over 3,000 volunteers of all ages celebrated Earth Month by joining 130 cleanup and restoration events across Portland, SW Washington, the Oregon Coast, Southern and Eastern Oregon—and beyond. Together, they picked up over 15,000 pounds of litter and marine debris and removed 8 Mount Tabor Parks worth of invasive plant species (963,750 square feet) such as English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry.

Thanks to the efforts of individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups, the Oregon Spring Cleanup once again showcased what's possible when communities unite for a cleaner, healthier environment.

 

Oregon Spring Cleanup event highlights

 

Pier Park Pick-Up: Hybrid Litter Cleanup & Habitat Restoration, April 19

The annual Pier Park Pick-Up, organized by Friends of Pier Park, brought neighbors, local businesses, and members of Portland's disc golf community together to give this beloved North Portland greenspace a spring refresh. Volunteers worked side by side to remove invasive plants, collect litter, plant native vegetation, and spread mulch in native beds. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson joined the effort as part of his first of three SOLVE event stops that day to support and spotlight the ongoing commitment to maintaining this treasured community park and to celebrate Earth Day weekend with purpose.

 

Litter Cleanup at Wallace Marine Park, Salem, April 19

In honor of Earth Day, Governor Tina Kotek, First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, and Governor's Office staff joined over 50 volunteers for a litter cleanup focused on removing litter and debris from the park and nearby waterways.

"This Earth Day, I urge every Oregonian to get outside and lend a hand to keep our parks and natural areas clean and beautiful," said Governor Kotek. "Together, we can fight the impacts of climate change in big ways and small ways. Lowering our greenhouse gas emissions not only protects our environment for future generations of Oregonians but also keeps our communities healthy and safe. Oregon's air, water, natural lands, parks, and all of the beautiful neighborhoods that we call home must be protected and maintained. So let's all do our part, connect with our neighbors, and keep Oregon green."

 

Detrash Portland: Earth Day Cleanup at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, April 22

To conclude the Oregon Spring Cleanup on Earth Day, nearly 300 volunteers gathered at Tom McCall Waterfront Park for one of the largest Detrash Portland events to date. This monthly cleanup series focuses on revitalizing different areas of downtown Portland, and this Earth Day edition carried special significance as the final event of the 10-day Oregon Spring Cleanup. Volunteers collected approximately 700 pounds of litter, making a powerful, visible impact in one of the city's most iconic public spaces. With the energy of Earth Day and the collective spirit of community pride, this event showcased the ongoing commitment to keeping downtown Portland vibrant and clean.

 

"It's inspiring to see so many people come together to care for their communities," said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. "Whether it's cleaning up downtown parks or restoring habitat along our rivers and beaches, every action makes a difference. Litter that starts in our neighborhoods often ends up in our waterways and on our beaches, so cleanups at every level matter. And with spring here, it's the perfect time to refresh the places we all enjoy."

 

Coastal Supply Hubs Make Cleanups More Accessible

SOLVE's new coastal supply hubs—established in partnership with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and supported by Knife River—are helping to make small-scale cleanups more accessible and sustainable. Located along the Oregon Coast, these hubs are stocked with essential tools to support groups of up to 20 volunteers, reducing the need for shipping single-use supplies and making it easier for local communities to take action year-round.

 

Keep the Momentum Going: Take the Trash Bag Challenge

SOLVE also launched a new initiative this year: the Trash Bag Challenge. Timed with the Oregon Spring Cleanup, the challenge encourages groups to join cleanups or host their own and then pass the challenge to another team or organization. Now that events have wrapped up, it's the perfect time to pass the bag and challenge others.

 

2025 supporters

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2025 is made possible by the generous support of Portland General Electric and other event sponsors, including AAA Oregon/Idaho, CareOregon, Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Holman Enterprises, KOIN 6, The Oregonian, Lam Research Corporation, Metro, Lithia Driveway, Intel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Swire Coca-Cola, The Standard, and PepsiCo.

 

 

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 Alert: Detrash Portland: Earth Day Cleanup (Photo) -04/21/25

***Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited***

 

What: Detrash Portland, Earth Day Celebration

When: Tuesday, April 22, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: 2 NW Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97209 | Map Link

 

Event Description: The annual Oregon Spring Cleanup, celebrating Earth Month, wraps up with Detrash Portland on Earth Day, April 22, 2025. Media are invited to document environmentally engaged citizens and interview SOLVE staff and partners.

 

Between April 12 and 22, over 100 litter cleanups and restoration projects spanned Portland and SW Washington, the entire Oregon Coast from Astoria to Brookings, the Willamette National Forest, Southern and Eastern Oregon. Families, community and corporate groups were encouraged to participate in this collective effort to keep our region clean, and beautiful.

 

Why: This hallmark event, celebrating Earth Day, unites volunteers and partners from the Pacific Northwest to contribute to a cleaner, greener planet. Rooted in SOLVE's rich history, this event series merges two cherished events: the Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup (1986) and SOLVE IT for Earth Day (1990). It's an excellent opportunity for families, coworkers, and neighbors to bond while preserving our region's stunning locations.

 

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am at the fountain where the Saturday Market is to see approximately 200 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech and event overview, 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 along the Portland Waterfront and adjacent areas.

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
• Lena Ulvi, SOLVE Board Chair, Skanska USA

The Detrash Portland - Oregon Spring Cleanup event 2025 is made possible by the generous support of Portland General Electric and other event sponsors, including AAA Oregon/Idaho, CareOregon, Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Holman Enterprises, KOIN 6, The Oregonian, Lam Research Corporation, Metro, Lithia Driveway, Miller Nash, Intel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Swire Coca-Cola, The Standard, and PepsiCo.

 

Visit Detrash Portland / Oregon Spring Cleanup on the SOLVE website and the event registration page 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.