In 1984, Oregon residents Judy Neilson and Eleanor Dye initiated the "Plague of Plastics," the first statewide beach cleanup in the U.S., rallying volunteers to prevent 52,000 pounds of litter from polluting the ocean. Over three decades, the event evolved into the Beach and Riverside Cleanup, extending to inland areas and watershed restoration projects, becoming a model for cleanup efforts nationwide and globally.
September 20-28, 2025
The 2025 Beach & Riverside Cleanup spans three environmental days with national and international importance. Events kick-off on International Coastal Cleanup Day and culminate the following weekend with National Public Lands Day on September 27 and World Rivers Day on September 28.
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As volunteer projects are created, they will be listed on our registration site. Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved!
Get Involved
​Discover a diverse array of projects, each designed to address specific environmental needs. From beach cleanups to litter pickups, and from restoring natural habitats through native tree and shrub plantings to weed pulls and mulching projects, each initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing the ecological well-being of our surroundings.