What: Portland Business District Cleanup & Tree Well Groundbreaking Old Town/Chinatown
When: Wednesday, September 20, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Where: Outside Lan Su Chinese Garden Administrative Office, 220 NW 2nd Avenue Portland, 97209 | Map Link
Event Description: SOLVE will be hosting a neighborhood volunteer trash cleanup event focusing on the Portland Oldtown/Chinatown business district, sponsored by Gevurtz Menashe, and Society Hotel. In addition to removing litter from the local streets and business fronts, SOLVE is partnering with the city to improve various tree wells in Old Town, leveling the wells prior to a permanent resin and cobblestone material being laid down to help with water retention and prevent trash from getting mixed into the soil. A ‘Tree Well team’ option will be available at check-in and will walk together to the Society Hotel (just a few blocks away) where the ‘Tree Well Project’ will begin.
Why: Litter is a serious threat to both Portland’s economy and environment. We want to leave our city streets and neighborhoods looking clean to protect local plants and wildlife from the harmful effects of trash. SOLVE’s mission is to create opportunities for individuals and businesses to give back to their community. Volunteer opportunities like this play a critical role in maintaining the beauty and integrity of our city. This project will have long-lasting effects for this area, and especially for trees in Old Town.
Media Crews: Arrive by 8:45 AM outside the Lan Su Chinese Garden Administrative Office to see approximately 60 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.
This event will have plenty of visuals of volunteers picking up litter and preparing tree wells, making for great community packages, VOs and VOSOTS.
Available interviewees will include:
- Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
- Josh Keller, Development Director, SOLVE
- Jonathan Cohen, Project Manager Old Town Community Association
Visit the Portland Business District Cleanup webpage on the SOLVE website for more information.
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About SOLVE:
SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains volunteers of all ages across Oregon to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. You can follow SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org.