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.
