Pick It Up! Series Expands To Salem: Volunteers Invited To Inaugural Community Cleanup At Cascades Gateway Park On July 17 (Photo) - 07/08/26

Portland, Ore., July 8, 2026 – SOLVE is bringing its Pick It Up! community cleanup series to Salem for the first time and invites volunteers to join the inaugural Pick It Up, Salem! event on Friday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at Cascades Gateway Park.

Volunteers will meet near Walter Wirth Lake before heading out in teams to remove litter throughout the park and surrounding areas, helping keep one of Salem's popular community spaces clean and welcoming for everyone.

Cleanup supplies, including litter grabbers, gloves, safety vests, and bags, will be provided. Volunteers of all ages are welcome.

Pick It Up! is SOLVE's regional cleanup initiative that brings residents, businesses, and community organizations together to care for shared public spaces city by city. The program has already expanded from Portland and Vancouver to communities in Milwaukie, Bend, and Medford, with Salem becoming the newest city to join the effort.

Pick It Up, Salem! is made possible through the generous support of Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics, Lithia & Driveway, and Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc.

Visit the Pick It Up, Salem! event site or registration page for more information.

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.    

Media Alert: Detrash Portland – Celebrating Pride At Darcelle XV Plaza (Photo) - 07/08/26

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

What: Detrash Portland

When: Thursday, July 9, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: SW Park Avenue and Washington Street, Portland, OR 97205 | Map Link

Event Description: In celebration of Portland Pride and the newly re-opened Darcelle XV Plaza, SOLVE is hosting a litter cleanup aimed to beautify our neighborhoods and celebrate Portland Pride in the heart of downtown. Darcelle XV Plaza is one of the first parks in the nation named in honor of a drag queen, celebrating the legacy of this legendary performer and Portland’s deep commitment to inclusion and self-expression. Let's show our pride by taking care of our community and spreading love for both people and the planet. 

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am at Darcelle XV Plaza to see approximately 100 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 throughout Downtown Portland.

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

Detrash Portland 2026 is presented by The Standard, Fred Meyer, CareOregon, Miller Nash, PepsiCo, Dunn Carney, and The Zidell Companies.

Visit the Detrash Portland page on the SOLVE website or 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 SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or at www.solve.org. 

Media Alert: Detrash Portland – Celebrating Pride (Photo) - 06/23/26

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

What: Detrash Portland, sponsored by Miller Nash

When: Wednesday, June 24, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Where: 521 SW 11th Ave. Portland, OR 97205 | Map Link

Event Description: In celebration of Pride Month, Miller Nash and SOLVE invite the community to join Detrash Portland, a volunteer cleanup focused on caring for our city, and celebrating people and the planet. Timed with national Pride Month and leading into Portland’s July Pride festivities, this event promotes inclusivity while helping create a cleaner, more welcoming downtown.

Why: Portland's business districts are the heartbeat of our city and keeping them clean is vital to our economy and the environment. SOLVE's mission is to create opportunities for individuals and businesses to give back to their communities and play a critical role in maintaining 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 2:45 pm outside of the Stumptown on SW 11th to see approximately 100 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 3 to 5 pm, with volunteers expected to spread throughout Downtown Portland.

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
• Director of Marketing & Business Development at Miller Nash LLP

Detrash Portland 2026 is presented by The Standard, Fred Meyer, CareOregon, Miller Nash, PepsiCo, Dunn Carney, and The Zidell Companies.

Visit the Detrash Portland page on the SOLVE website or 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 SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or at www.solve.org. 

New Vancouver Supply Hub Makes Community Cleanups More Accessible Across Southwest Washington (Photo) - 06/15/26

Portland, Ore., June 15, 2026 – More than 100 volunteers came together on Friday, June 12 for Pick It Up, Vancouver!, and helped launch an expanded effort to support community-led cleanups throughout Southwest Washington. Collectively, they removed approximately 400 pounds of trash from downtown Vancouver and surrounding neighborhoods, filling a 3-yard dumpster.

Hosted in partnership with Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary, the event brought together residents, businesses, and community groups to care for one of Vancouver's most beloved gathering spaces ahead of a busy summer season and upcoming Pride celebrations.

The event also highlighted Dandelion Teahouse's new role as a SOLVE Supply Hub, making free litter cleanup supplies more accessible to volunteers and community leaders across Southwest Washington. Individuals can borrow litter grabbers, bags, gloves, and safety vests to host their own cleanup events and care for their neighborhoods year-round.

"Today's turnout demonstrates how much people care about keeping Vancouver clean, welcoming, and vibrant," said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. "We're excited to continue growing our presence in Southwest Washington and to partner with organizations like Dandelion Teahouse that help remove barriers to volunteer action. The new supply hub creates opportunities for more community-led cleanups and empowers people to make a difference whenever they see a need."

As Vancouver and surrounding communities continue to grow, local cleanups play an important role in preventing litter from reaching waterways, protecting wildlife, and creating healthier public spaces for everyone. By expanding access to cleanup supplies, SOLVE hopes to support more grassroots volunteer efforts throughout the region.

Dandelion Teahouse joins a network of SOLVE supply hubs outside Portland that serve as convenient pickup locations for cleanup equipment, helping volunteers transform their ideas for cleaner neighborhoods into action.

Pick It Up! is SOLVE's regional cleanup initiative that brings residents, businesses, and community organizations together to improve shared public spaces city-by-city. Following successful events in Portland, Vancouver, Milwaukie, Bend, Medford, and the upcoming inaugural Pick It Up, Salem! event this July, the program continues to expand opportunities for community involvement across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

SOLVE extends its gratitude to all volunteers, community partners, and supporters who contributed to today's success and helped create a cleaner, more welcoming Vancouver.

Pick It Up, Vancouver! is sponsored by Fred Meyer, PepsiCo, and Lithia & Driveway.

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. 

Media Alert: Pick It Up, Vancouver! June 12 (Photo) - 06/11/26

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

What: Pick It Up, Vancouver! sponsored by Fred Meyer, PepsiCo, and Lithia & Driveway

When: Friday, June 12 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: 605 Esther St Vancouver, WA 98660 | Map Link

Event Description: Join us for the third annual Pick It Up, Vancouver! on Friday, June 12. From 10 am to 12 pm volunteers will come together at Esther Short Park to show some love for one of Vancouver's favorite gathering places and help prepare the neighborhood for their upcoming Pride Block Party and summer gatherings. Drinks and snacks will keep the volunteers fueled for an impactful morning.

Why: As Vancouver and its surrounding communities continue to flourish, ensuring the cleanliness of our public spaces is more important than ever. Litter not only detracts from the city's natural beauty but also poses environmental hazards that can impact local wildlife and waterways. SOLVE is excited to continue expanding its efforts into SW Washington, empowering individuals and organizations to actively engage in their communities and take pride in maintaining clean and inviting spaces. By uniting for Pick It Up, Vancouver!, we are taking a crucial step toward a cleaner, healthier environment for all, showcasing our commitment to a sustainable future.

Pick It Up! is more than a cleanup, it’s a large-scale cleanup event that brings residents, businesses, and volunteers together, city by city, across the region. After introducing Pick It Up! to Milwaukie and Bend in 2025, the series expands to Salem this July.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am at Esther Short Park near the clocktower to see approximately 100 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. Drinks and snacks will be available for volunteers. 

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 Pick It Up, Vancouver! event site or registration page for more information.

Pick It Up, Vancouver! is sponsored by Fred Meyer, PepsiCo, and Lithia & Driveway.

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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 SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or at www.solve.org.