WES-SOLVE cleanups target county’s natural areas for eighth straight year

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SOLVE poster

For the eighth consecutive year, Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) is partnering with nonprofit SOLVE to mobilize and educate volunteers to become stewards of our waterways and natural areas.

The 2025 “Summer Waterway Cleanups” series kicked off May 7 at Meldrum Bar Park in Gladstone. A total of 31 volunteers removed 791 pounds of garbage from the 85-acre park, helping to preserve natural vegetation and wetlands that make up 30 percent of the park’s topography.

The collaborative partnership between WES and SOLVE provides volunteers with a firsthand opportunity to learn that what is on the ground can end up in waterways due to stormwater runoff, the leading cause of water pollution in Oregon.

In 2024 alone, more than 1,500 volunteers participated in 61 cleanup events to collect and dispose of 30,000 pounds of litter from our treasured waterways and natural areas. Volunteers who have taken part in the cleanups include students, businesses, community groups, county employees, environmental activists and area residents who want to make a difference in their communities.

WES is proud to partner with organizations and nonprofits like SOLVE engaged in watershed stewardship and water-quality improvement efforts to help protect public health and the environment.

You can find other volunteer and environmental education opportunities provided by WES and partners on our web calendar.   

All volunteers gather around for a safety briefing prior to starting the cleanup

Group photo of all volunteers who participated in the cleanup standing in front of the trash bags collected

Over 700 pounds of garbage was picked up over a 3-hour period. Photo shows trash in SOLVE-branded bags

The event organizer hands out reflective safety vests prior to event start

Two volunteers standing next to one another posing for a photo holding their trash grabbers and trash bags

A volunteer returns after picking up trash with an old suitcase

Two volunteers standing next to one another posing for a photo holding their trash grabbers and trash bags

Volunteer in orange vest picking up garbage along Meldrum Bar Park waterways

Volunteers pick up garbage along Meldrum Bar Park

Water Environment Services logo

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.

Clean water for all.