Volunteers Invited to 42nd Annual Umpqua Rivers Cleanup on October 18

Residents across the Umpqua Valley are invited to help clean up local waterways Sunday, October 18, during the 42nd Annual Umpqua Rivers Cleanup.

The cleanup is sponsored by Umpqua Watersheds, Native Fish Society, Thrive Umpqua, and SOLVE. Volunteers will collect trash from riverbanks, boat ramps, parks, and other access points throughout the watershed.

Participants can choose a location close to home and work at their own pace throughout the day. Organizers welcome individuals, families, friends, and neighborhood groups, whether they have a few minutes or several hours to spend.

Area coordinators will be available to help volunteers find river sections that need attention, assist with trash removal, and guide cleanup efforts. Volunteers can work independently or join a coordinator-led group.

Organizers encourage residents to collect litter before fall rains carry it into rivers and eventually to the ocean.

“This event has become a symbol of our region’s commitment to clean water and healthy rivers,” said Julie Lowe of Umpqua Watersheds.

Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and bring gloves if available. Umpqua Watersheds can provide trash bags and help with disposal. Anyone needing bags or other cleanup materials can contact Bob Hoehne at 541-679-7077.

The annual event has brought together students, families, conservation groups, anglers, and businesses for more than four decades to care for the Umpqua’s waterways.

Community members of all ages are welcome to participate.

Cleanup Details

• Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
• Time: Throughout the day, as volunteers’ schedules allow
• Locations: Riverbanks, creeks, boat ramps, parks, and shoreline areas throughout the Umpqua watershed
• Bring: Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and gloves if available
• Supplies: Contact Bob Hoehne at 541-679-7077 for bags or other cleanup materials