Media Alert: Annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup At OMSI (Photo) - 09/17/26
***Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited***
What: Beach & Riverside Cleanup at OMSI
When: Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214 Map Link
Event Description: SOLVE staff and volunteers will celebrate the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup along the Eastbank Esplanade and surrounding streets to clean up litter before it enters our beloved Willamette River. This family-friendly event welcomes individuals of all ages, providing an opportunity for community engagement and environmental responsibility.
Why: The Beach & Riverside Cleanup (September 18 – 27) spans three significant environmental days: International Coastal Cleanup (September 19), National Public Lands (September 26), and World Rivers (September 27). With 90+ projects taking place across Oregon and SW Washington, this initiative aims to prevent trash from inland sources, such as rivers and streets, from reaching our beaches and oceans. Keeping Portland's waterways clean is vital for the health of the community and the environment. SOLVE's mission focuses on empowering individuals and businesses to contribute to their communities, fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for our natural areas. Together, these efforts can create a cleaner, more inviting environment that reflects care for both the community and the planet.
Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am at the north OMSI parking lot to see approximately 50 volunteers of all ages 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 Eastbank Esplanade.
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
SOLVE’s 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is proudly supported by Clean Water Services, Kaiser Permanente, Knife River, Keep America Beautiful, Metro, Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, Owens Corning, Portco Packaging, Tillamook, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., and KOIN.
For more information visit solve.org/beach-riverside, or event registration page to sign up.
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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.
