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Registration is live for the annual Oregon Spring Cleanup  presented by Portland General Electric! With over 100 events  already posted on the SOLVE website, now is the time to get involved. Litter cleanups and habitat restoration projects span Portland and SW Washington, the entire Oregon Coast from Astoria to Brookings, the Willamette National Forest, Southern Oregon —including Medford—and all the way to Baker City in Eastern Oregon . SOLVE volunteers during Oregon Spring Cleanup 2024 The Oregon Spring Cleanup, celebrating Earth Month, takes place from April 12 to 22, 2025, culminating on Saturday, April 19 . Individuals, families, community and corporate groups are encouraged to participate in this collective effort to keep our region clean and beautiful. Volunteers can sign up for existing projects or host their own events with support from SOLVE . Longtime community partner, Portland General Electric continues to champion environmental volunteerism through SOLVE. As part of PGE’s commitment to environmental stewardship, they partner with SOLVE to bring communities together to provide clean and healthy environments for all. "Earth Month is great reminder to take action and continue to enhance our communities,” said PGE’s vice president of policy and resource planning, Kristen Sheeran. “This Earth Month, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves with SOLVE and all of the volunteer partners to make a lasting impact on Oregon’s natural spaces." How to Get Involved Sign up:  Find a volunteer event near you and register yourself or a group at volunteer.solveoregon.org/ Lead your own event:  SOLVE provides all the necessary resources, including supplies and disposal funds, to make hosting a project easy for you. Join the challenge:  Rally your school, company, or community group to take part in the Trash Bag Challenge.  Participants challenge others to either join an existing SOLVE cleanup or lead their own, sparking friendly competition and community pride - solveoregon.org/challenge   Supply Hubs: Making Coastal Cleanups More Sustainable At SOLVE, we make it easy to lead a cleanup event. This year, new coastal supply hubs provide an additional way to access event materials, making it even easier to host litter cleanups along the Oregon Coast. Park Ranger Becca Givens holding sand sifters outside our new supply hub in South Beach Newport Through a partnership with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD)  and generous support from Knife River , SOLVE has established seven supply hubs  along the Oregon Coast. These hubs—located at Cape Lookout, Fort Stevens, Port Orford Heads, South Beach, and Sunset Bay  within OPRD parks, along with Heart of Cartm in Nehalem  and Washed Ashore in Bandon —are stocked with supplies to support cleanups of up to 20 volunteers, reducing the shipment of single-use plastics to these areas. Join the Trash Bag Challenge New this year, SOLVE is also launching the Trash Bag Challenge , inviting schools, businesses, community groups, and organizations  to challenge others to either join an existing cleanup or lead their own. This initiative is designed to spark friendly competition and community pride  while making a tangible difference in local areas. The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2025 is made possible by the generous support of Portland General Electric and other event sponsors, including AAA, CareOregon, Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Holman Enterprises, KOIN 6, The Oregonian, Lam Research Corporation, Metro, Lithia Driveway, Intel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Swire Coca-Cola, The Standard, and PepsiCo. For more information and to sign up, visit www.solveoregon.org/oregon-spring  and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener Oregon.

As the new year begins, SOLVE is thrilled to announce a year-long partnership with the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (BottleDrop) to bring community members across Oregon together for the 2025 Community Cleanup and Recycling Event Series. This initiative is an exciting opportunity to take collective action for a cleaner, greener state while reinforcing the importance of recycling . The first event kicks off this Friday, January 10, at the BottleDrop Redemption Center in Beaverton. SOLVE volunteers ready to tackle litter and pick up recyclable beverage containers Why This Matters Recycling is a critical step in reducing waste and preserving our natural environment . Each year, millions of beverage containers end up in landfills or as litter, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife. By partnering with BottleDrop, we aim to make recycling accessible and impactful . These events not only focus on reducing litter but also emphasize the importance of proper recycling practices to create a cleaner Oregon for future generations. About the Event Series Join us for a litter cleanup event where we'll beautify the neighborhood by removing trash and recycling bottles and cans found during the effort. Any beverage containers found during the cleanup will be donated to SOLVE. ♻️ Volunteers are encouraged to bring their filled Green Bags from home to drop off for processing at the Redemption Center and take home one (or more!) of SOLVE's Blue Bags following the event. (Scroll down to learn more about the BottleDrop Give through Blue Bags) It’s a fun and impactful way to: Divert litter from waterways and landfills 🌊 Promote sustainability 🌱 Connect with your community 🤝 Full schedule of the Community Cleanup & Recycling Events: Friday, January 10: Raleigh Hills, Beaverton Cancelled: Thursday, February 13: NE Salem Thursday, March 13: Eugene Thursday, April 10: North Bend/Coos Bay Thursday, May 22: SE Salem Saturday, June 21: Bend Saturday, July 26: Medford Saturday, August 16: Milwaukie Thursday, September 18: Hermiston Thursday, October 23: Corvallis Thursday, November 13: Glisan/PDX Thursday, December 11: Albany Each event is open to all, and volunteers are encouraged to register through the event pages on the SOLVE website linked. Be part of the effort and join SOLVE's recycling events throughout the year. For more information about SOLVE's partnership with BottleDrop and the broader impact of the initiative, visit BottleDrop’s SOLVE Event page, where results will be updated regularly. Beyond the Events: Get Involved with Blue Bags If you can't attend an event, you can still make a difference through BottleDrop’s Blue Bag program. Through this program, supporters can fill specially tagged Blue Bags to help support SOLVE, and BottleDrop account holders can  donate directly from their Green Bag account . Simply fill the Blue Bags with your containers, drop them off at any BottleDrop Redemption Center, and the funds will directly support our clean-up efforts across the state. It's an effortless way to contribute to a cleaner Oregon from wherever you are. Ask us for more information at the event! Drop off Blue Bags at any BottleDrop Redemption Center to donate the value directly to SOLVE Let’s Make 2025 a Year of Impact Together, we can make a significant difference in reducing waste, improving recycling, and keeping Oregon’s communities and natural spaces beautiful. Join us at the Community Cleanup and Recycling Event Series and become a part of this impactful movement. We look forward to seeing you at the events. Let’s start 2025 with action and make this year one to remember for our environment!

Yesterday, SOLVE volunteers across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through meaningful community action. This annual event encourages community members to contribute to positive change and strengthen connections within their neighborhoods. Volunteers checking in to receive supplies and a safety speech before heading out to pick up litter. At the heart of this year's efforts was a major cleanup event at Irving Park in Portland, proudly presented by Kaiser Permanente . Close to 350 volunteers gathered to support the Historic Albina Neighborhood and surrounding areas, working together to remove litter and beautify the community. The event exemplified the spirit of service and unity that Dr. King championed.  "Kaiser Permanente is proud to partner with SOLVE for this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service," said Ron Shoals, Community Health Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "We know that cleaner communities are healthier. 80 percent of people's health is determined outside of the clinical environment, and most significantly by the socioeconomic conditions in the neighborhoods where people live, work and play. Our partnership with SOLVE reflects our shared commitment to fostering healthier environments for everyone."  In addition to the Irving Park event, dedicated volunteers participated in impactful projects across the region . These included a forest restoration effort at Mary S. Young Park, a restoration day at Westlake HOA Oak Woodlands, p lanting and propagation Day of Service organized by the Water Resources Education Center Vancouver, WA, a Multnomah Village trash and graffiti cleanup organized by the Multnomah Neighborhood Association, a community cleanup led by the Hockinson High School Band in Bush Prairie, WA, the ongoing Tidy Up Downtown Hillsboro initiative, and a land tending event at Powell Butte organized by the Johnson Creek Watershed Council. Overall, SOLVE's Irving Park event engaged nearly 350 volunteers  who collectively worked along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and the surrounding neighborhood to remove 2,100 pounds of litter  making a lasting impact on the community. "SOLVE is proud to be part of a powerful movement, caring for our city and communities beyond Oregon in memory of Dr. King. This Day of Service is more than just picking up trash; it's about fostering community connections and empowering individuals to actively better their neighborhoods," said Kris Carico, CEO at SOLVE. "The collective effort showcased during this event is a manifestation of the power of individuals coming together to create positive change." University of Portland students and members of the Big Yard Foundation joined SOLVE's cleanup event. SOLVE provided free cleanup supplies, event planning support, and access to a volunteer registration platform to empower individuals and groups to lead their own service projects. This commitment reflects SOLVE's mission to inspire collective action for a cleaner, healthier environment. For more information about SOLVE and upcoming volunteer opportunities, please visit our events calendar.

At SOLVE, our volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do, and in 2024, we've had the privilege of working alongside some truly extraordinary individuals. These volunteers have gone above and beyond in their dedication to Oregon's natural spaces, and we are thrilled to celebrate their incredible contributions. Group of volunteers including Gary Bishop (second from the left) at Big Four Corners Natural Area Gary Bishop & Tai Powell: Volunteers of the Year This year, we’re excited to announce that Gary Bishop and Tai Powell are tied as our Volunteers of the Year. Both have demonstrated outstanding dedication, participating in over 27 events throughout 2024. Gary, known for his work in litter cleanups, is always on the lookout for the large, impactful pieces of trash that make a visible difference. He shared, “Whether it’s picking up a cigarette butt off the sidewalk or cleaning up an abandoned homeless camp, you can see the difference right away. Knowing I’m helping out my community and meeting like-minded folks has been a very positive experience for me.” Tai’s efforts in habitat restoration, particularly with the Mary S. Young State Park Weekday Work Crew, have been equally impressive. Her tireless work behind the scenes is an inspiration to us all. Isabelle Wagner: Youth Volunteer of the Year At just 17 years old, Isabelle Wagner has shown incredible dedication to SOLVE’s mission. Her passion for protecting the environment has made a lasting impact. Isabelle believes in the power of community service, saying, “Community service isn't just a school requirement, but an opportunity to engage with the diverse world around us. Many teenagers find it boring, but with an open mindset, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Volunteering allows me to meet people from different backgrounds and learn from their stories.” She continued, “The sense of community I've found with SOLVE stands out to me. After attending a few events, I started recognizing regular volunteers, which made me even more excited to help. I've made many friends this year.” Isabelle encourages others, especially youth, to volunteer: Community service gives you the chance to take real-world action, meet new people, and grow as a person in the community." Mark Remy: Amazing Event Leader Mark Remy has been a driving force in Portland’s Hollywood District, where he has been organizing monthly cleanups since September 2023. As Mark explained, “ After volunteering at several SOLVE cleanups, I realized how gratifying it is to step up and do something about a problem, rather than just complaining about it. Every time we're out there, we show everyone who sees us that people still care about Portland and we can all do our part to make it a bit better.”  Mark Remy (left) with a group of volunteers at Portland's Hollywood District Mark’s initiative and community spirit have made a lasting impact on his neighborhood. April Hempenstall: WOW Factor Event of the Year The Banana Belt Cleanup in Brookings, led by April Hempenstall, removed an incredible 102,000 pounds of trash with the help of 62 volunteers. April's vision for this massive cleanup started with a simple idea to address local environmental issues. “We decided to hit some of the big camps that had been destroying our River bars and forests,” she said. “After reaching out to local authorities and organizing with community members, it turned into an incredible event. It’s so important to take it upon ourselves to keep our land clean.”  April’s efforts in rallying a community to take action exemplify the spirit of SOLVE volunteers. Amber Sanders: Special Shoutout for Dedication We also want to give a special shoutout to Amber Sanders, whose dedication and commitment to SOLVE have made a big impact this year. Amber serves as an event assistant, always going the extra mile to ensure our events run smoothly. “It’s important to take action and do something for the community,”  Amber shared. What’s even more impressive is that Amber uses public transportation to attend every event, showing her incredible dedication to our mission, no matter the distance.

This past Saturday, the Great Powell Cleanup brought together over 100 dedicated volunteers  who took action along Powell Boulevard in Southeast Portland. In a collective effort  across 10 locations , participants successfully removed 1,200 pounds of litter , making a significant impact on the local environment. The event, spanning neighborhoods such as South Tabor, Richmond, Hosford Abernathy, Creston, and three Brooklyn locations , exemplified the community's commitment to keeping Portland clean and vibrant. The cleanup effort emerged from the community itself, involving engaged event leaders and neighborhood associations. It stands as a testament to how SOLVE supports community members wherever they feel their work is needed most. "Our community's commitment to Powell Boulevard demonstrates the power of local action in keeping our neighborhoods safe and beautiful," said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. "We are immensely grateful to the event leaders and volunteers who organized and participated in this impactful day of service." Adding to the event's significance, Portland's mayor-elect, Keith Wilson, made an appearance at the Hosford Abernathy cleanup site, lending his support alongside his wife. The mayor's presence underscored the importance of community-led initiatives in creating a positive environmental impact. For more information about SOLVE and upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit https://volunteer.solveoregon.org/

Today, October 11, 2024, volunteers celebrated the inaugural Pick It Up, Vancouver! cleanup event, proudly sponsored by Killian Pacific. With the crisp autumn air as a backdrop, Vancouver residents and neighbors from across the river came together to clean up the community. The event saw an incredible turnout, with over 84 volunteers , including various corporate groups and students from the Clark Community College Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Together, they collected 877 pounds of litter  from the city's public spaces. After the event, volunteers celebrated their efforts with delicious pizza provided by Hungry Sasquatch and refreshing ice cream provided by Umpqua Bank. This camaraderie exemplified the spirit of community involvement, reinforcing the importance of keeping Vancouver's beautiful spaces clean and inviting. Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE, stated, "The success of Pick It Up, Vancouver! demonstrates our community's commitment to keeping our neighborhoods clean and vibrant. SOLVE is excited to expand its efforts into SW Washington. By uniting for this event, we are taking a crucial step toward a cleaner, healthier environment for all, showcasing our dedication to a sustainable future." The event brought together residents from across the region, fostering connections and a shared sense of responsibility for maintaining the beauty of Vancouver. Thank you to all the volunteers who made a visible difference in our community!

On Thursday, October 3, SOLVE, in collaboration with Clackamas Water Environment Services, held the final event of the Waterway Cleanup Series at High Rocks Park. 41 volunteers  collected an estimated 350 pounds of trash along the Clackamas River . This wrap-up event marked the conclusion of a summer-long initiative that successfully mobilized more than 1,500 volunteers  across 61 events , resulting in the removal of nearly 30,000   pounds of litter  from Oregon's rivers, streams, and creeks. The Waterway Cleanup Series, which ran from May to September , focused on enhancing the cleanliness of waterways throughout the region. Participants engaged in litter cleanup efforts at various locations, including the Molalla, Rogue, Santiam, Upper Clackamas, Willamette, and Clackamas Rivers . The initiative exemplified SOLVE's commitment to protecting and preserving Oregon's natural resources. “Oregon's rivers are celebrated for their stunning beauty, but they are increasingly threatened by litter and runoff," said Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer of SOLVE. "We are proud to have partnered with Clackamas Water Environment Services for many years. Their ongoing support has been instrumental in our efforts to demonstrate our community's dedication to taking meaningful action for the environment and ensuring safe, healthy water for generations to come." About Clackamas Water Environment Services Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES)  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.

SOLVE invites volunteers to make a global impact this September by joining the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup . From September 20 through September 28 , families, community members, student groups, and nature enthusiasts from all stages of life will gather across Oregon and Southwest Washington for a 10-day event series with a variety of projects to choose from. Registration is now open for this vital community effort to protect and restore our coastlines, rivers, and public lands . Connecting Local Actions to Global Movements September 21  is International Coastal Cleanup Day , uniting millions of volunteers worldwide  to protect our coasts and waterways from harmful trash and debris. This global movement amplifies the impact of local efforts, uniting communities for cleaner environments. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup  wraps up on September 28 with National Public Lands Day , the nation's largest single-day volunteer event , focusing on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting. Join the Effort "After a season of heavy use, our rivers and beaches need care," says Kris Carico, SOLVE’s Chief Executive Officer. "This event is a cherished tradition and a powerful force for change. We encourage everyone to get involved and make a lasting impact on our environment." SOLVE will host over 50 project sites across Oregon and SW Washington , from the Oregon Coast to the Willamette Valley and beyond. Last year, more than 1,500 volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of trash. Since 1986, the event has cleared over 2.5 million pounds of litter from Oregon's natural areas. Volunteer registration is open for posted events and SOLVE is still seeking additional projects . Interested event leaders should register their events as soon as possible to fully maximize SOLVE's support, resources, and everything needed to host a successful event.   New Supply Hubs for Event Leaders This year, SOLVE is making it easier for event leaders by launching five supply hubs at South Beach, Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Cape Blanco, and Sunset Bay. These hubs are equipped with reusable supplies like litter grabbers, vests, and buckets sponsored by Knife River. This partnership with Oregon Parks and Recreation strengthens SOLVE's mission to provide even more volunteers with reusable supplies and host cleanup events with sustainability in mind. Be Part of the Change Join thousands of volunteers to protect our waterways, restore natural areas this September, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Oregon. As the event dates approach, more details on project sites and opportunities will be released. For more information and to register, visit https://www.solveoregon.org/beach-riverside .   2024 Sponsors SOLVE's Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2024 is proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Daimler Truck North America, Fred Meyer, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Here is Oregon, Keen Footwear, Knife River, KOIN, Metro, NEEF, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and Owens Corning.

Are you ready to make a global impact this September? Join our annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup  September 20 through September 28. This 10-day event, spanning two environmental days of national and international scope, offers everyone a chance to make a significant difference as part of a worldwide movement. International Coastal Cleanup Day - September 21 Join the Global Effort:  Be part of the world's largest volunteer event to clean our coasts. Massive Impact:  Connect with millions of volunteers who have collectively removed 350 million pounds of trash from coastal areas worldwide. Local Actions, Global Results:  Amplify our local cleanup efforts as part of this global initiative. National Public Lands Day - September 28 Largest Volunteer Day:  Participate in the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. Environmental Stewardship:  Help foster a strong connection between people and the environment by participating in educational and stewardship activities. Diverse Activities:  Engage in various projects such as trail maintenance, tree planting, and beach clean-ups. Community and Beyond:  Join thousands of volunteers dedicated to protecting and preserving our environment, making a tangible difference both locally and globally.   Why Participate? By volunteering, you contribute to a cleaner, greener community and become part of a larger, impactful movement. Whether you’re hosting a cleanup event or volunteering for one, your actions will echo globally, showing that every effort counts. Need more reasons to join? Read our recent article on Here Is Oregon.com Call for Event Leaders and Volunteers We need passionate event leaders and volunteers to spearhead projects, from beach cleanups to habitat restoration and native tree plantings. Let’s lead the way to a cleaner, healthier environment. Interested, but need more information? Join our virtual info session via Zoom on Saturday, August 24 (10- 10:30 am). This September, make a difference locally and globally and join thousands of volunteers, nationally and internationally, in protecting our environment and fostering ecological stewardship.

This summer, make a splash by joining us for our annual Willamette River Cleanup on August 17, proudly sponsored by Subaru of Portland. This event is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the sun, get out on the water, and make a tangible difference in our community. The Willamette River is one of Portland's most iconic natural features, but its health is constantly threatened by litter and pollution. Many city storm drains flow directly into the Willamette, impacting both the water quality and the shoreline. Your participation in this cleanup is crucial for preserving this vital natural resource. One of the unique highlights of the Willamette River Cleanup is the chance to get on the water and pick up trash directly from your boat! Thanks to our generous watercraft sponsor, Next Adventure, volunteers get a 50% discount on boat rentals to use for the Willamette River Cleanup. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, this is a great way to enjoy a summer day on the river while contributing to a cleaner environment. Imagine the feeling of paddling along the Willamette, the sun warming your back, as you help remove debris and restore the river's beauty . It’s a rewarding experience that combines outdoor fun with environmental stewardship. Plus, it's a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for protecting our natural spaces. So, mark your calendars for August 17 and join us for a day of sun, fun, and community action. Together, we can significantly improve the health and beauty of the Willamette River, ensuring it remains a cherished part of Portland for generations to come. How to Get Involved Date:  August 17 Time:  9 AM - 12 PM Location:  North parking lot at OMSI | Map Link Boat Rental Discount:  50% off regular and tandem boats from Next Adventure for all volunteers Why it Matters Protect water quality:  City storm drains empty into the river, carrying litter and pollutants. Preserve wildlife:  Clean waters and shorelines support healthier ecosystems. Community impact:  Be part of a collective effort to improve our local environment.

Did you know that throughout July, you can support SOLVE's mission simply by stopping at any Plaid Pantry store? Through Project CARES, you can give back to the communities where you live and work with as little as a $1 pledge or by rounding up your checkout amount . Together, we can all play a part in preserving our community. Over the past four years , Project CARES has raised almost $250,000 for SOLVE . This support has helped us remove over 2.5 million pounds of trash and debris from our communities, creating cleaner, more vibrant places for everyone. That's a pound of trash for every person living in the Portland-Metro area. The partnership between SOLVE and Plaid Pantry has made our community more livable. Join us this July and make a difference with Project CARES. Every dollar counts. Find a Plaid Pantry Store near you:

As we bask in the afterglow of our Fourth of July celebrations, it's crucial to turn our attention to the impact these festivities have on our beaches and marine environments. While the holiday brings joy and togetherness, it also leaves behind significant environmental challenges that we must address collectively. Why Cleaning Our Beaches Matters The Fourth of July has unfortunately become the “dirtiest beach day of the year.” The festivities often result in a substantial increase in litter and debris on our shorelines. This isn't just an aesthetic issue; it's a serious environmental concern. Fireworks and Their Hidden Dangers Fireworks are a staple of Independence Day celebrations, but they carry hidden dangers. They contain heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and microplastics that pollute our air, water, and soil. When these pollutants make their way into our oceans, they pose a severe threat to marine life. Air and Water Quality : The chemicals from fireworks reduce air quality and contaminate water bodies, creating harmful environments for both marine and terrestrial wildlife. Marine Life : Wildlife often mistake debris for food. Consuming indigestible plastics can lead to starvation as their stomachs remain “full” of non-nutritive materials. Moreover, the toxic chemicals in the debris can cause detrimental behavioral changes in marine creatures. Chemical Residue : Pets and wildlife can be poisoned by hazardous chemical residue from firework debris, leading to severe health issues or even death. Ecosystem Impact : The toxins and heavy metals from fireworks infiltrate groundwater and soil, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and posing risks to human health and wildlife. Our Role in Protecting the Environment Our post-July 4th beach clean-up events are not just about removing litter; they're about restoring the natural beauty and health of our coastal areas. By participating in these clean-ups, we help mitigate the harmful effects of debris and ensure that our beaches remain safe and enjoyable for all. Join us in making a positive impact. Together, we can turn the tide on pollution and protect our precious marine environments for future generations. Visit SOLVE Oregon's Post 4th Events  to find out how you can get involved and make a difference.