Kick Off: 2025 Summer-Long Waterway Cleanup Series
- Stefanie Wich-Herrlein
- May 13
- 2 min read
The 2025 Waterway Cleanup Series is officially underway, marking the eighth year of partnership between SOLVE and Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES). This seasonal initiative unites community members in protecting Oregon’s rivers, streams, and creeks through hands-on litter cleanup events across the region.
The series launched with a successful cleanup along the Willamette River at Meldrum Bar Park in Gladstone, where 31 volunteers helped preserve the park’s wetlands and removed 791 pounds of litter from this ecologically and recreationally vital area. Popular with families, anglers, and summer visitors, Meldrum Bar Park is just one example of how clean waterways contribute to both healthy ecosystems and vibrant community spaces. The Waterway Cleanup Series will continue throughout the summer and conclude with a final event along the shores of the Clackamas River on October 15 at High Rocks Park.
Protecting waterways is critical to both environmental and public health. Trash that accumulates in inland areas—on sidewalks, roadsides, or riverbanks—can travel through storm drains into nearby creeks, streams, and rivers, eventually making its way to the ocean. This journey, powered by rainfall and stormwater runoff, turns local litter into a far-reaching threat, harming wildlife, polluting water sources, and degrading natural habitat along the way. Cleanups not only reduce this risk—they also help ensure that popular recreation areas remain safe, beautiful, and accessible to all.
“Every piece of trash removed represents one less pollutant that could harm wildlife or degrade water quality,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “The Waterway Cleanup Series is about more than litter—it’s about people coming together to protect the places we love. We’re grateful to our volunteers and the partnership with Clackamas Water Environment Services for making that possible.”
SOLVE and WES are now calling on individuals, businesses, community groups, and organizations to join a waterway cleanup event or host their own cleanup events this summer. Whether it’s a local creek, popular swimming hole, or neighborhood stream, volunteers can take action in the places that matter most to them. All events are family-friendly and supported with supplies, promotional help, and planning guidance.
In 2024, more than 1,500 volunteers participated in 61 events, collecting over 30,000 pounds of litter from Oregon and SW Washington’s waterways and natural areas. This year, the series aims to inspire even greater impact.
Get Involved: Explore upcoming events or learn how to organize your own waterway cleanup at www.solveoregon.org/waterway-series.
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.
