Media Alert: Earth Month Cleanups At Lents Park & Tom McCall Waterfront Park (Photo) - 04/16/26
***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 the following two events:
Lents Park Cleanup with The Portland Pickles, in partnership with Portland General Electric
When: Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: 4808 SE 92nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97266 Map Link
Event Description: In celebration of Earth Month SOLVE is inviting neighbors to Lents Park for a fun, family-friendly cleanup, with a special appearance by Dillon T. Pickle, mascot of the Portland Pickles baseball team and Saucy T. Sausage from Portland Bangers FC. Volunteers will collect litter and recyclables around the park and surrounding neighborhood, then gather afterward for snacks and beverages. It’s kind of a big dill, and a great opportunity to meet Dillon, connect with the community, and help keep Southeast Portland clean. More details
Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am at Lents Park to see approximately 50 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 the Lents neighborhood.
Available interviewees:
- Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
- Kristen Sheeran, Vice President of Policy and Sustainability, PGE
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
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
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
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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.
