Volunteers Remove More Than 24,000 Pounds Of Litter Across 10 Counties Through Annual Waterway Cleanup Series (Photo) - 10/07/26
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B-roll from Wrap-Up event at High Rocks Park, Gladstone
Portland, Ore., October 7, 2026 – A summer of hands-on action along Oregon’s waterways wrapped up in September. At High Rocks Park in Gladstone, 27 volunteers removed approximately 750 pounds of litter from the banks of the Clackamas River. The cleanup marked the final event of the ninth annual Waterway Cleanup Series, a partnership between SOLVE and Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES).
From May through September, the series supported 64 cleanup events across 10 counties, engaging 1,400+ volunteers who collectively removed over 24,000 pounds of litter from waterways and natural areas throughout the region. Volunteers also helped clear more than 10,000 square feet of invasive plants and mulch 2,700 plants, expanding the impact of the series beyond litter removal.
The series brought volunteers to a wide range of waterways and natural areas, from the Clackamas River to the Rogue River and Johnson Creek. Among the largest events were the Down the Clackamas River Cleanup, which drew 161 volunteers; the 34th Annual Rogue River Cleanup, with 150 volunteers; and the Johnson Creek Cleanup, where 133 volunteers helped remove more than 7,000 pounds of litter.
Together, these efforts help address litter where it can have an impact far beyond the place where it is found. Trash left on streets, riverbanks, parks, and other inland areas can be carried by stormwater into streams and creeks, eventually flowing into larger rivers and, ultimately, the ocean. Removing litter before it reaches these waterways helps protect wildlife and habitat while keeping rivers and recreational spaces cleaner and healthier for people to enjoy.
The impact of these efforts goes beyond the pounds of litter collected. Every piece removed is one small action that contributes to a larger impact, helping keep waterways cleaner for wildlife, recreation, and the people who rely on them.
“All of our cleanups are really vital to wildlife and the environment,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE.
“Most marine debris starts on land, so when we clean it up along our rivers, we help prevent it from reaching the ocean. It’s been a great season, and we’ve seen more and more volunteers coming out to make a difference.”
For nine consecutive years, SOLVE and Clackamas Water Environment Services have partnered to support volunteer-led cleanups and connect volunteers to the relationship between litter, stormwater, and water quality.
“Our rivers take care of us, so we need to take care of them,” said Ron Wierenga, Deputy Director of Clackamas Water Environment Services. “For nine years, our partnership with SOLVE has helped bring volunteers out to clean up our waterways and support clean water, public health, and the natural environment.”
The ninth year of the Waterway Cleanup Series marks another season of volunteers taking action to care for the region’s waterways, with the partnership now looking ahead to its 10th anniversary in 2027.
While the Waterway Cleanup Series has wrapped up for the year, opportunities to care for Oregon and Southwest Washington’s natural spaces continue year-round. From neighborhood cleanups to restoration projects, volunteers can find upcoming opportunities with SOLVE at solve.org.
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.
