Volunteers Remove More Than 24,000 Pounds Of Litter Across 10 Counties Through Annual Waterway Cleanup Series (Photo) - 10/07/26

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B-roll from Wrap-Up event at High Rocks Park, Gladstone

WES-produced News Package

Portland, Ore., October 7, 2026 – A summer of hands-on action along Oregon’s waterways wrapped up in September. At High Rocks Park in Gladstone, 27 volunteers removed approximately 750 pounds of litter from the banks of the Clackamas River. The cleanup marked the final event of the ninth annual Waterway Cleanup Series, a partnership between SOLVE and Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES).

From May through September, the series supported 64 cleanup events across 10 counties, engaging 1,400+ volunteers who collectively removed over 24,000 pounds of litter from waterways and natural areas throughout the region. Volunteers also helped clear more than 10,000 square feet of invasive plants and mulch 2,700 plants, expanding the impact of the series beyond litter removal.

The series brought volunteers to a wide range of waterways and natural areas, from the Clackamas River to the Rogue River and Johnson Creek. Among the largest events were the Down the Clackamas River Cleanup, which drew 161 volunteers; the 34th Annual Rogue River Cleanup, with 150 volunteers; and the Johnson Creek Cleanup, where 133 volunteers helped remove more than 7,000 pounds of litter.

Together, these efforts help address litter where it can have an impact far beyond the place where it is found. Trash left on streets, riverbanks, parks, and other inland areas can be carried by stormwater into streams and creeks, eventually flowing into larger rivers and, ultimately, the ocean. Removing litter before it reaches these waterways helps protect wildlife and habitat while keeping rivers and recreational spaces cleaner and healthier for people to enjoy.

The impact of these efforts goes beyond the pounds of litter collected. Every piece removed is one small action that contributes to a larger impact, helping keep waterways cleaner for wildlife, recreation, and the people who rely on them.

“All of our cleanups are really vital to wildlife and the environment,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE.
“Most marine debris starts on land, so when we clean it up along our rivers, we help prevent it from reaching the ocean. It’s been a great season, and we’ve seen more and more volunteers coming out to make a difference.”

For nine consecutive years, SOLVE and Clackamas Water Environment Services have partnered to support volunteer-led cleanups and connect volunteers to the relationship between litter, stormwater, and water quality.

“Our rivers take care of us, so we need to take care of them,” said Ron Wierenga, Deputy Director of Clackamas Water Environment Services. “For nine years, our partnership with SOLVE has helped bring volunteers out to clean up our waterways and support clean water, public health, and the natural environment.”

The ninth year of the Waterway Cleanup Series marks another season of volunteers taking action to care for the region’s waterways, with the partnership now looking ahead to its 10th anniversary in 2027.

While the Waterway Cleanup Series has wrapped up for the year, opportunities to care for Oregon and Southwest Washington’s natural spaces continue year-round. From neighborhood cleanups to restoration projects, volunteers can find upcoming opportunities with SOLVE at solve.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 solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.

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.

Local Action, Regional Impact: Volunteers Clean Beaches, Rivers And Community Spaces (Photo) - 09/29/26

Portland, Ore., September 29, 2026 – From September 18 through September 27, communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together for SOLVE’s annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup. During a 10-day volunteer effort, 1,553 volunteers participated in 96 cleanup and restoration projects across 15 counties, contributing more than 3,100 hours of service. Projects took place in Clackamas, Clark, Clatsop, Coos, Curry, Deschutes, Jackson, Lane, Lincoln, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

Together, volunteers removed nearly 9,000 pounds of litter and debris, helping prevent pollution from traveling through local waterways to beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Volunteers also cleared over 9,450 square feet of invasive species, an area larger than three tennis courts, and mulched 300 plants to support healthier habitats and more resilient landscapes.

“Every year, Beach & Riverside Cleanup shows what is possible when people unite to care for the places they call home,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “This year, we saw that community action take many forms, from cleaning beaches and rivers to removing invasive plants and caring for neighborhood spaces. These local efforts add up to a meaningful regional impact.”

A Season of Environmental Action

The Beach & Riverside Cleanup showcased the range of community members, partners and projects that make SOLVE’s work possible across Oregon and Southwest Washington. From established cleanup initiatives to hands-on restoration projects, highlights from this year included:

Oregon Coast: Cleaning Up for People and Wildlife

Along the Oregon Coast, 25 cleanup events from Astoria/Warrenton to Gold Beach invited volunteers to remove litter and marine debris from beaches, shorelines and coastal recreation areas.

Rivers Across the Region

River-focused projects gave volunteers opportunities to care for waterways and the communities connected to them. In Portland, volunteers gathered at OMSI before spreading out along the Eastbank Esplanade and surrounding streets to remove litter before it could reach the Willamette River. Additional Portland projects along the riverfront included cleanups at Peace Memorial Park, the Eastbank Esplanade and Duckworth Dock.

Farther east and south, volunteers took action along the Upper Clackamas River and at three cleanup events along the Molalla River, removing litter from river corridors and recreation areas while helping care for trails and surrounding natural areas. In Salem, volunteers gathered at Cascades Gateway Park to remove litter before it could flow into Walter Wirth Lake and Mill Creek.

Community Action in Vancouver, Washington

Across the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington, five Beach & Riverside Cleanup events drew volunteers to a mix of litter cleanup and habitat restoration. Projects ranged from removing litter at Waterfront Park and Esther Short Park to ivy removal at Historic Covington House and Ellsworth Springs West, helping protect trees, wildlife habitat and recreational spaces.

The projects highlighted the many ways everyone can contribute to healthier waterways and natural areas, whether through picking up litter, removing invasive plants or caring for the public spaces they use every day.

Pick It Up, Milwaukie! | September 19

For the second year, Pick It Up, Milwaukie! united residents, local businesses, and families in downtown Milwaukie and at Milwaukie’s Bay Park, in partnership with Bob’s Red Mill. Volunteers removed litter from downtown streets, business corridors and green spaces, including the river’s edge at Bay Park, before gathering at the Sustainability Fair.

Pick It Up, Milwaukie! is part of SOLVE’s growing Pick It Up! regional cleanup initiative, which unites residents, businesses and local organizations to improve shared public spaces city by city.

Thank You to Our Volunteers and Partners

SOLVE extends its gratitude to the volunteers, event leaders, business partners and organizations who made the 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup possible. Their time and effort helped make a visible difference across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

SOLVE’s 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is proudly supported by Clean Water Services, Kaiser Permanente, Knife River, Keep America Beautiful, Metro, Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, Owens Corning, Portco Packaging, Tillamook, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., and KOIN.

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 solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

Local Action, Regional Impact: Volunteers Clean Beaches, Rivers And Community Spaces (Photo) - 09/29/26

Portland, Ore., September 29, 2026 – From September 18 through September 27, communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together for SOLVE’s annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup. During a 10-day volunteer effort, 1,553 volunteers participated in 96 cleanup and restoration projects across 15 counties, contributing more than 3,100 hours of service. Projects took place in Clackamas, Clark, Clatsop, Coos, Curry, Deschutes, Jackson, Lane, Lincoln, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

Together, volunteers removed nearly 9,000 pounds of litter and debris, helping prevent pollution from traveling through local waterways to beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Volunteers also cleared over 9,450 square feet of invasive species, an area larger than three tennis courts, and mulched 300 plants to support healthier habitats and more resilient landscapes.

“Every year, Beach & Riverside Cleanup shows what is possible when people unite to care for the places they call home,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “This year, we saw that community action take many forms, from cleaning beaches and rivers to removing invasive plants and caring for neighborhood spaces. These local efforts add up to a meaningful regional impact.”

A Season of Environmental Action

The Beach & Riverside Cleanup showcased the range of community members, partners and projects that make SOLVE’s work possible across Oregon and Southwest Washington. From established cleanup initiatives to hands-on restoration projects, highlights from this year included:

Oregon Coast: Cleaning Up for People and Wildlife

Along the Oregon Coast, 25 cleanup events from Astoria/Warrenton to Gold Beach invited volunteers to remove litter and marine debris from beaches, shorelines and coastal recreation areas.

In Gold Beach, Paws for Nature combined a community beach cleanup with a dog walk, giving people and their four-legged companions a chance to care for the coastline.

Rivers Across the Region

River-focused projects gave volunteers opportunities to care for waterways and the communities connected to them. In Southern Oregon, volunteers joined projects across the Rogue Valley as part of Bear Creek Stewardship Day, caring for the Bear Creek watershed through litter removal, invasive plant removal and pollinator garden maintenance. Projects took place in Ashland, Talent, Phoenix and Medford, uniting neighbors, organizations, local partners and volunteers to care for the waterways and natural areas that connect community members throughout the valley.

These projects reflect the breadth of river-focused action taking place through Beach & Riverside Cleanup, from urban riverfronts and popular recreation areas to watershed and habitat restoration projects across the region.

Pick It Up, Bend! | September 27

Following its inaugural event in 2025, Pick It Up, Bend! returned for a second year at the Old Mill District. 42 volunteers spent the morning removing 175 pounds of litter from some of Bend’s most popular recreational spaces. The event also continued SOLVE’s partnership with the Johnson Ohana Foundation. SOLVE joined Jack Johnson’s concert in Bend as a Village Green partner, connecting a morning of local volunteer action with an evening focused on community and the environment.

Pick It Up, Bend! 2026 was made possible through the support from Old Mill District, Hayden Homes Theatre, Lithia & Driveway, and Cascade Disposal.

Pick It Up, Bend! is part of SOLVE’s growing Pick It Up! regional cleanup initiative, which unites residents, businesses and local organizations to improve shared public spaces city by city.

Thank You to Our Volunteers and Partners

SOLVE extends its gratitude to the volunteers, event leaders, business partners and organizations who made the 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup possible. Their time and effort helped make a visible difference across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

SOLVE’s 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is proudly supported by Clean Water Services, Kaiser Permanente, Knife River, Keep America Beautiful, Metro, Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, Owens Corning, Portco Packaging, Tillamook, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., and KOIN.

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 solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

Local Action, Regional Impact: Volunteers Clean Beaches, Rivers And Community Spaces (Photo) - 09/29/26

Portland, Ore., September 29, 2026 – From September 18 through September 27, communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together for SOLVE’s annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup. During a 10-day volunteer effort, 1,553 volunteers participated in 96 cleanup and restoration projects across 15 counties, contributing more than 3,100 hours of service. Projects took place in Clackamas, Clark, Clatsop, Coos, Curry, Deschutes, Jackson, Lane, Lincoln, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

Together, volunteers removed nearly 9,000 pounds of litter and debris, helping prevent pollution from traveling through local waterways to beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Volunteers also cleared over 9,450 square feet of invasive species, an area larger than three tennis courts, and mulched 300 plants to support healthier habitats and more resilient landscapes.

“Every year, Beach & Riverside Cleanup shows what is possible when people unite to care for the places they call home,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “This year, we saw that community action take many forms, from cleaning beaches and rivers to removing invasive plants and caring for neighborhood spaces. These local efforts add up to a meaningful regional impact.”

Oregon Coast: Cleaning Up for People and Wildlife

Along the Oregon Coast, 25 cleanup events from Astoria/Warrenton to Gold Beach invited volunteers to remove litter and marine debris from beaches, shorelines and coastal recreation areas.

Several projects connected cleanup efforts directly to wildlife protection. At Siltcoos Beach, volunteers helped remove marine debris near protected western snowy plover nesting habitat, while other coastal projects focused on keeping beaches and coastal recreation areas clean and safe for wildlife and visitors. In Gold Beach, Paws for Nature combined a community beach cleanup with a dog walk, giving people and their four-legged companions a chance to care for the coastline.

Thank You to Our Volunteers and Partners

SOLVE extends its gratitude to the volunteers, event leaders, business partners and organizations who made the 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup possible. Their time and effort helped make a visible difference across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

SOLVE’s 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is proudly supported by Clean Water Services, Kaiser Permanente, Knife River, Keep America Beautiful, Metro, Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, Owens Corning, Portco Packaging, Tillamook, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., and KOIN.

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 solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.