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.
For more information or to get involved in future cleanup opportunities, visit www.solveoregon.org.
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.