See a problem? SOLVE it.
Photo by Jon Schmidt
All year, SOLVE helps Oregonians arrange and complete beach and park cleanups and even planting events. But the big party for this organization comes every year to celebrate Earth Day. Individuals and organizations all along the coast have stepped up to make this the biggest cleanup event of the year.
Though Earth Day is on Friday, April 22, the following Oregon Spring Cleanup events are all taking place on Saturday, April 23.
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. Seasoned beach cleaners bring an old colander to sift the sand for these items.
Beach cleanups are family-friendly, and volunteers of all ages will find the event fun and rewarding. Remember our ocean shores can be dangerous. Keep your distance from marine mammals, and never turn your back on the ocean. If you find any hazardous material, please alert your beach cleanup captain.
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.
From Manzanita to Yachats, more than 20 opportunities exist to pitch in. For the full list, go to solveoregon.com.
• Manzanita Spring beach cleanup
Manazanita Beach, 10 am to noon.
Meeting at the front of the Beach on Laneda Avenue.
• Port of Garibaldi spring cleanup
Port of Garibaldi, 10 am to noon.
Meeting at the brick Port of Garibaldi sign located at the corner of S. 7th Street and Biak Avenue, near the boat launch.
• Bay City spring cleanup
Port of Garibaldi, 1 to 3 pm
The main meet-up area will be outside the Fish Peddler located at 5150 Hayes Oyster Drive.
• Lincoln City Parks & Recreation beach cleanup
Lincoln City, 10 to 11:30 am.
Meeting at the NW 15th Lincoln City Beach Access. Park in the public parking lot at NW 15th and Jetty.
• Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City spring cleanup
D River, 10 am to 1 pm.
Meeting at the D River Beach Wayside in Lincoln City. Across from SE 1st Street and next to Kyllo's.
• Tillamook County Creamery Association beach and jetty cleanup
Tillamook-Cape Meares, 10 am to 2 pm
Meeting at the parking area on the spit. Parking fees are waived for volunteers. Drive down Bay Ocean Road, and turn right to follow the road between Cape Meares Lake and the Tillamook Bay.
• Surfrider Foundation beach cleanup
Otter Rock/Devils Punchbowl, 10 am to 1 pm.
Parking at Otter Rock State Park
• Take out the TRASH: Kindness to the Earth
Yachats, 2:30 to 4 pm
Meeting at Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, 360 W. 7th St.