Celebrating the Community Leaders Who Show Up All Year Long
- Stefanie Wich-Herrlein
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Every month, in neighborhoods, parks, riversides, and coastal stretches, dedicated SOLVE event leaders create space for their communities to come together. Their recurring cleanups, restoration projects, and farm days keep our natural spaces healthy while nurturing relationships and local pride.
Volunteers return to familiar places, see familiar faces, and build on the impact they’ve made month after month, strengthening both their communities and the environment they care about.
As the year winds down, we’re shining a light on the leaders who show up consistently, through sunshine, cold, and rain, to make these ongoing opportunities possible.
Recurring Cleanups in Portland
Hawthorne Boulevard Monthly Trash Cleanup
WHEN? Second Saturdays
WHERE? SE Portland
This long-running cleanup with support from the Rotary and Hawthorne Business Association has been going strong since 2021. Volunteers gather at Dairy Hill Ice Cream, which sweetens the effort by offering a buy-one-get-one scoop coupon after the cleanup. Over 30 events have been hosted here, and the group’s energy makes Hawthorne shine month after month.
North Park Blocks Cleanup
WHEN? Fourth Wednesdays
WHERE? NW Broadway
Since 2021, monthly cleanups have brought new life to one of Portland’s most historic green spaces, the North Park Blocks. Volunteers work together to pick up litter, care for the neighborhood, and enjoy the revitalized park afterward. This is a great opportunity for weekday volunteers to connect in the heart of downtown.
Hollywood Neighborhood Cleanup
WHEN? Monthly
WHERE? Northeast 42nd Avenue
What started as a small gathering has grown into regular monthly cleanups in the Hollywood District. Led by Mark Remy, who recently shared his story on the "Here to Help" series on NPR about why he shows up month after month, these events bring neighbors together to keep this vibrant community space clean and welcoming. Mark’s consistency and enthusiasm have helped build a dependable crew of volunteers who return each month to care for the streets they walk, bike, and shop in daily.
2nd Saturday Foster Road Cleanup
WHEN? Second Saturdays
WHERE? Laurelwood Park, SE
This cleanup tackles SE Foster Road’s busy corridor. Volunteers can follow along on https://www.instagram.com/rhonestreetretreat/ to see the impact of their work and get updates on each month’s gathering.
Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Cleanup
WHEN? First Sundays
WHERE? SE 62nd Ave
Hosted in partnership with the Brentwood-Darlington Association, this event builds neighborhood pride with every cleanup. Residents come together to keep sidewalks, streets, and public spaces free of litter.
Peace Memorial Park/Lloyd EcoDistrict Cleanup
WHEN? Upcoming dated to be announced
WHERE? Peace Memorial Park, NE
Since 2021, volunteers have gathered to maintain this unique urban memorial park. The cleanup helps honor the space’s history while caring for its trees, pathways, and gathering areas.
NWDA Third Saturday Cleanup
WHEN? Third Saturdays
WHERE? Outside the Elephant's Deli on 22nd and Burnside
Cleanups around Burnside and surrounding streets have been a monthly tradition since 2016. Each event brings neighbors together to create a safer and cleaner neighborhood for everyone.
Powellhurst-Gilbert & Centennial Cleanup
WHEN? Third Saturdays
WHEN? Friends Share Community Space, SE Powell Blvd
This East Portland event kicks off with light refreshments before neighbors head out to pick up litter. It’s a fun way to start the weekend while keeping the community vibrant.
Fourth Saturday Cleanup in NW Portland
WHEN? Fourth Saturdays
WHERE? NW 18th Ave
Hosted at the NW Portland Hostel since 2018, these cleanups create a fun and social way to keep the neighborhood clean. Each month, volunteers join forces to care for the streets and shared spaces.
Trashy Hour Kenton Cleanup at Mayfly
WHEN? Last Sundays
WHERE? North Fenwick Avenue, Kenton Neighborhood
This monthly event is supported by Mayfly Brewery. After working together to clean up the Kenton neighborhood, volunteers are treated to a free first round of beer as a thank-you.
Farm Volunteering
Seeds of Hope at Sunflower Farms
WHEN? Saturdays–Wednesdays
WHERE? SW Garden Home Rd
This farm hosts volunteer opportunities nearly every day, with tasks ranging from mulching, planting, and building greenhouses to tending to ducks and chickens. In 2025 alone, the farm produced 3,000 pounds of donated food, with volunteers ranging from high school students to families, gardeners, and retirees looking for purpose and connection.
Kindness Farm Volunteer Days
WHEN? Wednesdays–Fridays
WHERE? SE 127th Ave Portland
Kindness Farm focuses on removing invasive species while growing fresh food for those in need. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join in caring for the land, cultivating crops, and strengthening Portland’s local food systems.
From Tualatin Valley to the Oregon Coast - Recurring Events Beyond Portland
Tidy Up Downtown Hillsboro
WHEN? Third Mondays
WHERE? E. Main St. Hillsboro
Since 2018, these cleanups have brought together residents, businesses, and volunteers to care for the heart of Hillsboro. The monthly gatherings help keep downtown welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
Pick Up for Pints: Binary Brewing
WHEN? Third Sundays
WHERE? Beaverton
This Beaverton-based cleanup combines service and community fun. Volunteers collect litter downtown and then celebrate their efforts with a free pint of beer at Binary Brewing.
Treasure the Beach
WHEN? First Saturdays
WHERE? Seaside, Oregon Coast
In partnership with the Seaside Aquarium, these cleanups invite families, beachgoers, and visitors to help care for Oregon’s coastline. Volunteers work together to protect wildlife and preserve the beauty of the shore.
Maddax Woods Monthly Restoration
WHEN? Third Saturdays
WHERE? West Linn
These restoration projects have been running since 2018, focused on removing invasive plants, maintaining trails, and restoring habitat. Volunteers help ensure this riverside park remains a thriving community resource.
These recurring events make it easy to turn volunteering into a habit, whether you join once a month, every week, or whenever your schedule allows. Explore our volunteer calendar to find upcoming dates, learn more about each project, and sign up.
