Pulling together for Earth Day

The Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup and SOLVE IT are combining to help celebrate Earth Day. The official day is Thursday, April 22, but you can join one of more than 20 clean-up events scheduled between Garibaldi and Heceta Head this Saturday, April 17.

Combining the Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup, which started in 1986, and SOLVE IT, which kicked off in 1990 as part of Earth Day, into one large statewide event creates a bigger impact and encompasses not only coastwide beach cleanups, but also litter cleanups and restoration events across Oregon. 

Continue celebrating this Oregon tradition by spending a few minutes or a few hours helping to protect marine life and maintain the beauty of the coast.

Be prepared by dressing for any weather and wearing sturdy shoes. You are encouraged to bring your own reusable bucket or bag, gloves and water bottle to help reduce plastic waste. If you happen to forget, SOLVE will provide bags and gloves.

The most commonly found items of trash found on Oregon beaches are tiny bits of plastic and cigarette butts, which can be harmful to shore birds and marine life. Bring an old colander to sift the sand for these items. The events are family-friendly, and volunteers of all ages will find the event fun and rewarding.

Remember our ocean shores can be dangerous. Avoid logs in the water, keep your distance from marine mammals and never turn your back on the ocean. If you find any hazardous material, please alert the beach captain. And remember, it’s more fun to work as part of a team. Bring a buddy, stay safe and have fun.

Here is a list of some organized events: for more information or to find an event closer to you, go to www.solveoregon.org.

Garibaldi

Arranged by the Tillamook Estuary Partnership. 10 am to 1 pm. 

Meet at the Barview Jetty Parking Lot two miles north of Garibaldi. Free daily parking passes will be provided to SOLVE volunteers upon checking in.

Lincoln City

Arranged by the Roads End Improvement Association. 10 am to 1 pm.

Bags and gloves will be available at the Roads End State Park, at the beach access at 73rd Street. and at the beach access at 50th Street, or bring your own.

Newport

Arranged by Newport Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. 10 am to 1 pm.

Meets at the Nye Beach Turnaround.

Registration is required for this cleanup. Please stagger yourself when checking in between 9:45 and 10:15 am.

Waldport

Arranged by Waldport Chamber of Commerce. 10 am to 1 pm.

Meet at Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site just south of Waldport.