Waterway Cleanup Series Returns For Ninth Season Of Community Action (Photo) - 05/12/26

Portland, Ore., May 12, 2006 – SOLVE and Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) have officially launched the 2026 Waterway Cleanup Series, continuing their long-standing partnership to protect rivers, streams, and waterways through community-powered cleanup events across the region.

Now in its ninth year, the seasonal initiative brings together volunteers to remove litter from shorelines, parks, and natural areas before it can wash into local waterways and ultimately the Pacific Ocean.

The series kicked off on May 6 with a cleanup at Meldrum Bar Park and Dahl Beach in Gladstone, where 22 volunteers removed more than 250 pounds of litter from the area. Alongside commonly found waste like plastic packaging and cigarette butts, volunteers also pulled two tires, a shopping cart, and a pair of boots from the landscape.

Located along the Willamette River, Meldrum Bar Park, and Dahl Beach are popular destinations for paddling, fishing, wildlife viewing, and summer recreation. Keeping these spaces clean helps protect aquatic ecosystems while ensuring they remain welcoming and accessible for the community.

Trash left on streets, trails, parks, and riverbanks often travels through storm drains and runoff systems into nearby creeks and rivers. Once in the water, litter can harm wildlife, pollute waterways, and degrade habitat throughout the watershed. Community cleanups play an important role in preventing pollution before it spreads downstream.

“The Waterway Cleanup Series is about protecting the places that connect our communities,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “Every cleanup helps prevent pollution from entering our waterways while creating healthier spaces for people and wildlife alike. We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with WES and for every volunteer who takes action throughout the summer.”

SOLVE and WES are encouraging individuals, businesses, schools, and community groups to participate in upcoming cleanup events or organize their own local efforts this season. Cleanup supplies, volunteer support, and event guidance are provided to help communities take action in the places they care about most.

The Waterway Cleanup Series will continue throughout the summer and conclude with a wrap-up cleanup event on September 16 at High Rocks Park in Gladstone along the Clackamas River.

In 2025, more than 1,700 volunteers participated in 60 cleanup events, removing over 31,000 pounds of litter from 19 waterways and natural areas across Oregon and Southwest Washington, including Molalla, Clackamas, Rogue, Tualatin, Sandy, Wilson, Siletz, Elk, Willamette, and Columbia Rivers, Sellwood Riverfront, Johnson Creek, Fox Creek, Spring Creek, Abernethy Creek, Pass Creek, Bear Creek, Deer Creek, Griffin Creek, Hammond Marina, and South Umpqua River. Organizers hope to build on that momentum throughout the 2026 season.

Get Involved:
Explore upcoming events or learn how to organize your own waterway cleanup at
solve.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 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.

Earth Month In Action: Communities Across The Region Unite For Month-Long Environmental Action And Creative Expression (Photo) - 05/04/26

Portland, Ore., May 4 ,2026 – SOLVE’s annual Earth Month initiative, in partnership with Portland General Electric, wrapped up this week with powerful results and even stronger community spirit. For the first time, the program expanded to span the full month of April, turning Earth Month into coordinated action across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Altogether, over 5,000 volunteers of all ages participated in 200+ cleanup and restoration projects across urban communities in Portland, Vancouver, Salem and Medford, along the Oregon Coast, and in rural and natural areas of Southern and Eastern Oregon. Together, they removed over 45,000 pounds of litter and marine debris, cleared half an acre as well as 50+ trees of invasive species such as English ivy and Himalayan blackberry, and mulched over 8,000 plants, helping restore natural spaces and protect waterways throughout the region.

From downtown cleanups to coastal restoration efforts, events throughout April highlighted the diversity, creativity, and energy of community action.

Earth Month Highlights:

Detrash Portland with Fred Meyer and the Portland Trail Blazers, Director Park, April 8
Earth Month began in downtown Portland with a high-energy kickoff event at Director Park, hosted in partnership with Fred Meyer and the Portland Trail Blazers. 89 volunteers alongside special appearance by Blaze the Trail Cat cleaned surrounding streets and public spaces from 200 pounds of litter, while a live DJ, snacks and a photo booth set the tone for a month of action.

Lents Park Cleanup with Dillon T. Pickle and Saucy T. Sausage, SE Portland, April 18
Midway through the month, 75 volunteers gathered at Lents Park for a lively neighborhood cleanup. The mascots of The Portland Pickles and Portland Bangers, Dillon T. Pickle and Saucy T. Sausage, brought energy and fun to the event as community members of all ages worked together to remove litter and care for the park.

Earth Day Cleanup at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, April, 22
On Earth Day, more than 300 volunteers braved the rain and showed up for a large-scale cleanup along the Willamette River. Participants removed 1,050 pounds of litter from one of Portland’s most iconic public spaces. Local artist Mike Bennett with a sneak peek of SOLVE’s new mascot, snacks and drinks helped keep spirits high throughout the event.

Inaugural Pick It Up, Medford!, April 22
In Southern Oregon, the first-ever Pick It Up, Medford! event brought volunteers together at Pear Blossom Park to care for the city’s historic downtown. As part of SOLVE’s expanding Pick It Up! series, the event introduced the community-driven cleanup model to Medford, bringing residents and partners together for a shared day of action.

Microplastic Cleanup, Rockaway Beach, April 23
On the Oregon Coast, nearly 300 volunteers, the majority of them students from Central Valley Catholic Middle School, participated in a microplastic cleanup at Rockaway Beach. Efforts included sifting sand for microplastics and removing marine debris, highlighting the connection between inland litter and ocean health while engaging the next generation of environmental stewards.

Making Earth Cool Community Cleanup and Parade, SE Portland, April 25
Earth Month concluded on a celebratory note in Portland’s Sunnyside neighborhood, where the Making Earth Cool cleanup and parade combined environmental action with creativity and community connection. Volunteers collected litter before joining a neighborhood parade, followed by a costume contest, music, and activities that highlighted sustainable living in a fun and engaging way.

“This year’s Oregon Spring Cleanup showed the incredible impact of expanding Earth Month into a full month of action,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “From Portland to Medford and communities along the coast, volunteers came together to make a difference where they live. It’s inspiring to see this level of engagement grow, and it highlights the power of local action in creating a cleaner, healthier region.”

Building on this momentum, SOLVE continues to support volunteer-led cleanup and restoration efforts year-round, providing resources, tools, and opportunities for individuals and groups to stay involved in caring for their communities.

2026 Supporters

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2026 was made possible through the partnership with Portland General Electric and generous support of Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon State Park & Recreation, The Standard, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, KOIN6, LAM Research, Lithia & Driveway, National Parks Recreation & Parks Association, 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 solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

Media Alert: Earth Day Cleanup At Tom McCall Waterfront Park (Update) (Photo) - 04/21/26

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

Earth Month is in full swing and SOLVE is bringing people together across Oregon and SW Washington for hands-on volunteer events. From neighborhood cleanups and park restoration to creative community activations, these projects offer meaningful ways for community members to care for the places they live, work, and explore. Throughout April, SOLVE is celebrating Earth Month with more than 200 projects, uniting 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 are invited to document environmentally engaged citizens and interview SOLVE staff and partners at:

Earth Day Cleanup at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, in partnership with Portland General Electric

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

Where: 2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204 Map Link

Event Description: On Earth Day, SOLVE is hosting a scenic cleanup along the Willamette River. This hallmark event, celebrating Earth Day and Volunteer Month, unites volunteers and partners from the Pacific Northwest to contribute to a cleaner, greener planet. Volunteers will work together to remove litter and recyclables from one of Portland’s most iconic public spaces. More details
Mike Bennett will be on site to give a sneak peek of SOLVE’s new mascot.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am at the fountain where the Saturday Market is to see approximately 350 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.

Available interviewees:

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
• Wendy Watson, President, Kaiser Permanente
• Mike Bennett, Portland-based cartoonist & owner of Mike Bennett Studios

These events will have plenty of visuals of volunteers picking up litter, making for great community packages, VOs, and VOSOTS.

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2026 is made possible through the partnership with Portland General Electric and the generous support of Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon State Parks & Recreation, The Standard, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, KOIN6, LAM Research, Lithia & Driveway, National Parks Recreation & Parks Association, and PepsiCo.

For more information or to register, visit solve.org/oregon-spring

*******

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.