Want to help keep Bend beautiful? Registration is open for a community-powered cleanup focusing on removing litter, helping restore natural areas and protecting beaches, river and public lands on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 10am to Noon in the Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater areas.
The second-annual Pick It Up, Bend! is one of several similar community events happening across Oregon and Southwest Washington as part of September’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup organized by SOLVE, an organization dedicated to helping clean and restore neighborhoods and natural areas and empowering environmental stewards. It’s been around since 1969 and has been organizing the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup for four decades. According to SOLVE, litter doesn’t necessarily remain where it’s first dropped. Trash often gets carried into waterways via rain and runoff, eventually making its way into the ocean.
“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.”
Registration is recommended for participating in Pick It Up, Bend! All participating volunteers will enjoy free drinks and snacks and will be entered into a drawing for Stio merchandise and a separate drawing for two tickets to Jack Johnson’s sold-out concert that night at the Amphitheater.
Johnson and his wife, Kim, founded the Johnson Ohana Foundation in 2008. It’s a nonprofit public charity that promotes “positive and lasting change within communities by supporting organizations that focus on environmental, art, and music education.”
Until Nov. 1, the Johnson Ohana Foundation will match every dollar donated to SOLVE through the All At Once match, including those made at Johnson’s concern and those given directly to SOLVE.
While registration is recommended, it’s not required. Volunteers should meet at the Amphitheater’s west event lawn at 769 SW Columbia St. There’ll be plenty of SOLVE signs. Volunteers should wear closed-tied shoes and weather-appropriate clothing and bring a backpack and water bottle. SOLVE will provide gloves, vests, bags and litter grabbers. All ages are welcome.
Pick It Up, Bend!
Sunday, Sept. 27 from 10am-Noon
Old Mill District and around Hayden Homes Amphitheater
769 SW Columbia St., Bend
Free
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