Media Alert: SOLVE And Clackamas Water Environment Services Wrap-Up Summer-long Waterway Cleanup Series At High Rocks Park, Gladstone (Photo) - 10/14/25

***Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited***

What: Waterway Cleanup Series Wrap-Up event at High Rocks Park

When: Wednesday, October 15, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: 77 82nd Drive Gladstone, OR 97027 | Map Link

Event Description: Join SOLVE for the concluding event of the Waterway Cleanup Series, a recurring and much-anticipated initiative in collaboration with Clackamas Water Environment Services. From May through September, SOLVE actively promotes and lends support to an array of litter cleanup projects across the region, all dedicated to elevating the cleanliness of our rivers, streams, and creeks. This final event of the summer-long series will help beautify the riverbanks of the Clackamas River and celebrate the culmination of 60 cleanups along various waterways, lakes, and recreational areas, including the Molalla, Rogue, Siletz, Willamette, Clackamas Rivers, and Columbia Rivers.

Why: Oregon's rivers are renowned for their beauty, yet they face ongoing threats from litter and runoff from developed areas. The need to clean our waterways has never been more critical. SOLVE invites volunteers of all ages to participate in this final event of the summer initiative, aimed at removing litter from our rivers, streams, and creeks. Together, we can take meaningful steps to ensure our communities benefit from safe, healthy water for generations to come.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am on the pedestrian bridge crossing the Clackamas River located right next to the DMV to see approximately 50 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 along the Clackamas River.

This event will feature plenty of visuals of volunteers picking up litter along the Clackamas riverbanks and at High Rocks Park, making for great community packages, VOs, and VOSOTS.

Available interviewees:

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
• Greg Geist, Director, Clackamas Water Environment Services

Visit the event registration page or the Waterway Cleanup Series landing page on the SOLVE website for more information.

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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 SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org.

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 at: https://www.clackamas.us/wes.

Media Alert: Pick It Up, Vancouver! October 10 (Photo) - 10/08/25

***Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited***

What: Pick It Up, Vancouver, sponsored by Killian Pacific

When: Friday, October 10, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: 605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660 | Map Link

Event Description: Join us for the second Pick It Up, Vancouver! cleanup event, sponsored by Killian Pacific on October 10. From 10 am to 12 pm, volunteers will come together at Esther Short Park to make a meaningful impact on their community. To celebrate their hard work afterwards, volunteers are invited to The Hudson and enjoy pizza, generously donated by Hungry Sasquatch.

Why: As Vancouver and its surrounding communities continue to flourish, ensuring the cleanliness of our public spaces is more important than ever. Litter not only detracts from the city's natural beauty but also poses environmental hazards that can impact local wildlife and waterways. SOLVE is excited to continue expanding its efforts into SW Washington, empowering individuals and organizations to actively engage in their communities and take pride in maintaining clean and inviting spaces. By uniting for Pick It Up, Vancouver!, we are taking a crucial step toward a cleaner, healthier environment for all, showcasing our commitment to a sustainable future.

Pick It Up! is more than a cleanup, it’s a large-scale cleanup event that brings residents, businesses, and volunteers together, city by city, across the region. After inaugural Pick It Up! events in Milwaukie and Bend this September, Pick It Up, Vancouver! is wrapping up the series for 2025. As SOLVE is planning their 2026 cleanup tour, communities can nominate their city.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am at Esther Short Park near the clocktower to see approximately 100 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. The event will run from 10 am to 12 pm, with volunteers expected to spread throughout the area. Afterwards, everyone is invited for a post-event celebration at The Hudson (101 E 6th St, Vancouver, WA 98660) to connect with fellow volunteers and enjoy some well-earned pizza, generously donated by Hungry Sasquatch! 

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

Visit the Pick It Up, Vancouver! event site or registration page for more information.

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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 SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org. 

From Coast To Creek: Volunteers Mobilize For SOLVE’s 2025 Beach & Riverside Cleanup (Photo) - 09/30/25

Portland, Ore., September 30, 2025 – From September 20 through September 28, families, community organizations, and individuals across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together for the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union. The statewide effort, and centerpiece of Fall with SOLVE, aligned with three significant environmental dates: International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 20), National Public Lands Day (September 27), and World Rivers Day (September 28).

This year, approximately 822 volunteers across 14 counties participated in 77 events, from the Oregon Coast to inland rivers and urban neighborhoods. Together, they collected an estimated 9,784 pounds of litter and marine debris (equivalent to the weight of three school buses) while restoring habitats and preparing green spaces for the months ahead. Volunteers cleared approximately 743,420 square feet of invasive plants (covering an area the size of 13 basketball courts), mulched and maintained plants and trees, ensuring green spaces are prepared for the months ahead.

“This year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup showed the strength of community partnerships: From expanding established programs like Pick It Up, Bend! to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with community groups like Loco por la Aventura,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “For nearly four decades, this cleanup has been at the heart of our work, uniting thousands of volunteers to protect the places we love. It remains one of the most important opportunities we have each year to care for our rivers, beaches, and neighborhoods, and to ensure they remain healthy for generations to come.”

A Season of Highlights
The Beach & Riverside Cleanup showcased the variety of projects and partnerships that fuel SOLVE’s mission across the region. Examples included:

Inaugural Pick It Up, Bend!, September 20, Downtown Bend

As part of this year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup, SOLVE expanded its Pick It Up! series with the inaugural Pick It Up, Bend! The community-powered cleanup brought together residents, local businesses, and volunteers for a hands-on morning of removing litter and beautifying public spaces against the backdrop of the scenic Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater with the support of Old Mill District, Lithia Motors Green Cars, and Jackstraw (managed by Killian Pacific). SOLVE is already looking forward to bringing back this community-powered cleanup next September and expanding the Pick It Up! series further.

New partnership with Loco por la Aventura, Southeast Portland

On September 25, volunteers came together in Southeast Portland for Cleaner SE Together, a community cleanup hosted by SOLVE and Loco por la Aventura. Volunteers helped to tidy streets and shared spaces while strengthening community connections. The event honored Hispanic Heritage Month and highlighted the contributions of the Latino community in the Pacific Northwest. Loco por la Aventura is a nonprofit organization that promotes educational equity and outdoor engagement for the Latino community across the region. Through their new Basecamp Mountaineering Center, the organization provides gear sales and rentals, with all proceeds directly funding free outdoor programs, clinics, and adventures designed by and for the Latino community.

World Rivers Day Cleanup at Bonneville Lock and Dam, September 28, Cascade Locks
Volunteers joined U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers to celebrate World Rivers Day and National Public Lands Day with a shoreline cleanup at Bonneville Lock and Dam. Together, they removed litter and fishing line from the Columbia River shoreline and invasive weeds from nearby areas, helping protect wildlife and water quality. Afterward, participants got rewarded with a ranger-led tour and underwater fish viewing, underscoring the connection between hands-on volunteer work and the health of our shared waterways.

From Source to Sea, Part of a Global Movement
The Beach & Riverside Cleanup connects local efforts to global initiatives. September 20 marked the 40th anniversary of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our oceans from harmful debris. Along the Oregon Coast, organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation, Friends of Netarts Bay, and watershed councils joined forces with local volunteers to advance these shared goals. At Siltcoos Beach, participants honored International Coastal Cleanup Day by removing marine debris near protected western snowy plover nesting sites, a critical habitat for these vulnerable birds.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Volunteers
SOLVE expresses gratitude to the thousands of volunteers, community leaders, and partner organizations who made this year’s event possible. The 2025 Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, was proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Knife River, KOIN, Malibu Rum, Metro, National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Oregon Parks and Recreation, Tillamook, and Wells Fargo.

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 solveoregon.org for more information.