(Pick It Up, Bend! 2025 | Photo courtesy of SOLVE)
From inland neighborhoods to rivers and the Oregon Coast, SOLVE is bringing communities together this September for its annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, taking place September 18-27 across Oregon.
Volunteer registration is now open for cleanup and restoration projects that help keep litter out of local waterways. For four decades, the Beach & Riverside Cleanup has connected volunteers across the region in an effort to remove litter, restore natural areas and protect beaches, rivers and public lands.
“Protecting our waterways starts in the communities where we live, work and play,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “Every piece of litter we prevent from entering a storm drain, creek or river is one less piece that can travel downstream. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup reminds us that our actions are connected, from inland communities to rivers and ultimately to the coast.”
From Inland Communities to the Coast
Rain and runoff can carry trash from streets, parks and neighborhoods into storm drains, streams and rivers, eventually reaching the ocean. Protecting waterways requires action at every point along the way.
The Beach & Riverside Cleanup brings that source-to-sea connection to life, with volunteer opportunities ranging from coastal beaches and riverbanks to neighborhood parks and community spaces. Volunteers remove litter, restore natural areas, and help protect the waterways that connect communities across the region.
Pick It Up, Bend! is returning for a second year. This community cleanup brings residents, businesses and volunteers together to help prevent litter from reaching waterways.
Key Events Include:
Coastal Cleanups
Communities in six Oregon counties, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Clatsop, Curry and Benton, will participate in the Beach & Riverside Cleanup, with the majority of coastal cleanup events taking place on International Coastal Cleanup Day, September 19. Volunteers will remove litter from beaches and coastal areas, joining a global effort to protect waterways and prevent marine debris from reaching the ocean.
Pick It Up, Bend! | September 27
Returning for its second year, Pick It Up, Bend! will bring volunteers together at the Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater to clean up Bend’s community spaces. The cleanup will lead into SOLVE’s partnership with the Jack Johnson concert that evening as a Village Green partner, extending the day’s focus on community and environmental action. (Note: Participation in the cleanup does not provide access to concert tickets).
Get Involved
SOLVE invites individuals, families, schools, businesses and community groups to join a Beach & Riverside Cleanup project, participate in a regional event or explore opportunities to lead their own cleanup or restoration project.
Whether volunteers are picking up litter along the coast, restoring a neighborhood park or cleaning up an inland community, every action helps protect the waterways that connect us all.
Registration and event information are available at solveoregon.org/beach-riverside.
