PORTLAND, Ore., September 30, 2025 – Communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together September 20–28 for the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, the signature event of Fall with SOLVE and presented in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union.
The statewide effort aligned with three major environmental dates — International Coastal Cleanup Day (Sept. 20), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 27), and World Rivers Day (Sept. 28). Over the course of the week, 822 volunteers in 14 counties took part in 77 events, collecting an estimated 9,784 pounds of litter and marine debris — the equivalent of three school buses. Volunteers also cleared invasive plants across 743,000 square feet, mulched and maintained trees, and restored green spaces in preparation for the months ahead.
“This year’s cleanup highlighted the strength of community partnerships,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “From expanding programs like Pick It Up, Bend! to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with partners such as Loco por la Aventura, we saw the incredible impact volunteers can make when they unite to care for the places we love.”
Event Highlights
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Pick It Up, Bend! – The inaugural downtown Bend cleanup on Sept. 20 brought residents, businesses, and volunteers together to beautify public spaces in the Old Mill District.
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Cleaner SE Together – On Sept. 25, SOLVE partnered with Loco por la Aventura in Southeast Portland for a Hispanic Heritage Month community cleanup, strengthening connections and honoring cultural contributions.
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World Rivers Day at Bonneville Lock and Dam – On Sept. 28, volunteers joined U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rangers to remove litter and invasive weeds along the Columbia River, followed by a guided tour and underwater fish viewing.
The Beach & Riverside Cleanup also tied Oregon’s local efforts to global movements, including the 40th anniversary of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, uniting millions worldwide to protect oceans and waterways.
Thanks to Volunteers and Partners
SOLVE expressed gratitude to its dedicated volunteers and sponsors, including Chevron, Clean Water Services, Knife River, KOIN, Oregon Parks and Recreation, Tillamook, and Wells Fargo, among others.
For nearly four decades, the Beach & Riverside Cleanup has been a cornerstone of SOLVE’s mission to mobilize and train thousands of volunteers to protect Oregon and Southwest Washington’s natural spaces.
To learn more or get involved, visit solveoregon.org.
