2025 River Cleanups: Volunteers Remove Over 3,500 lbs of Trash from the Clackamas

This fall, our community showed once again what’s possible when people come together to care for the river we all love. Between the Down the River Cleanup and the Upper Clackamas Cleanup, a combined 214 volunteers removed more than 3,500 pounds of trash from the Clackamas River and its surrounding forests.

These cleanups protect wildlife, safeguard drinking water, and keep our recreation areas safe and beautiful — and none of it would be possible without our volunteers.

Down the River Cleanup – September 7, 2025

This year’s Down the River Cleanup was our largest since 2018 — and one of our most impactful.

With 179 incredible volunteers, we cleaned a 22-mile stretch of the Clackamas River, removing an impressive 2,760 pounds of trash. From Milo McIver to Barton, Barton to Carver, and Riverside to Clackamette, all three sections saw more trash removed than in the past six years.

What we found

Volunteers pulled all kinds of unusual items from the river, including:

• Two shopping carts

• Cell phones

• Tires

• Sunglasses and flip flops

• Vape pens

• Popped floaties
  … and countless smaller items that don’t belong in the river.

Why it matters

Every piece of trash removed helps protect water quality, fish habitat, and the thousands of people who rely on the Clackamas for drinking water and recreation.

Photos

View and share images in the Down the River Cleanup 2025 album.

Thank you, sponsors!

This huge effort was made possible thanks to support from Metro, Clackamas County Water Environment Services, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory, Tigard Water District, Portland General Electric, Northwest Steelheaders, eNRG Kayaking, Clackamas River Water Providers, Warn Employee Community Impact Program, and SOLVE.

Upper Clackamas Cleanup – September 27, 2025 (National Public Lands Day)

Later in the month, 35 dedicated volunteers headed into the Wild and Scenic Upper Clackamas and Collawash Rivers to restore heavily used dispersed campsites. In just three hours, they removed 760 pounds of trash and recycling from 34 forest campsites.

What volunteers found

Unfortunately, forest dumping continues to be a major problem. This year’s haul included:

• Ammunition

• Mattresses

• Broken furniture

• Dumped waste

• Hazardous materials such as oil and batteries

Removing these items prevents harmful pollutants from entering the Clackamas River — critical habitat for salmon and steelhead — and keeps recreation sites safe and welcoming.

What volunteers said

Every volunteer who filled out the survey rated the event a perfect score, and 100% said they plan to return next year. Here were some favorite moments:

“Being out on the Clackamas again while cleaning it up so others can enjoy it.”
“Seeing how many people showed up to help was lovely and being helpful, part of the solution, feels good in and of itself!”
“Collecting trash with such congenial people and working with two retired forest service people.”
“Walking through the woods, working with others to make the campsites more enjoyable.”

Photos

View and share images in the Upper Clackamas Cleanup 2025 Album.

Thank You, Volunteers

To every volunteer who showed up — whether on the water or deep in the forest — thank you. Your time, energy, and care make a real and lasting difference for the river, for wildlife, and for the communities that depend on the Clackamas every single day.

We can’t wait to see you again in 2026.

Restoring the Tickle Creek Greenspace in Sandy: A Multi-Year Community Effort

We’ve started an exciting multi-year restoration project with the City of Sandy to help bring new life to the Tickle Creek greenspace. To help mitigate past water quality impacts from the city’s wastewater treatment plant, the Clackamas River Basin Council (CRBC) is partnering with AntFarm Youth Services and community volunteers to clear noxious weeds, plant native trees and shrubs, and repair off-trail impacts in this lush riparian forest along the southern edge of Sandy.

With the help of contractors, youth crews, and dedicated volunteers, we’ve already installed more than 10,000 native plants along Tickle Creek. Where thickets of blackberry once choked the streamside, visitors to this beloved natural area now enjoy young trees, shrubs, and reemerging wildflowers.

Why This Project Matters

Tickle Creek is a treasured green corridor winding through Sandy—home to large trees, vine maple understory, carpets of native ferns and oxalis, and abundant wildlife. Coyotes, songbirds, and even the occasional bear or cougar move through this habitat. But in recent years, the corridor has experienced:

• Expanding invasive plants like blackberry, ivy, holly, and knotweed

• Tree loss accelerated by climate stress and adjacent land use

• Erosion and soil compaction from unofficial trails

• Reductions in shade and bank stability, affecting water quality

Because this stretch of creek is located just upstream of Sandy’s wastewater treatment plant, improving riparian health here provides meaningful water quality benefits.

Project Goals

Funded through a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), this restoration spans roughly 37 acres between 362nd Ave and Highway 211. CRBC and partners are working toward three primary goals:

1. Reduce Non-Native Invasive Plants

A combination of mechanical and chemical treatments began in 2023 and continues today. This includes the removal of blackberry, ivy, holly, and knotweed throughout the corridor. Spot treatments will continue into 2026 as needed.

2. Increase Native Trees and Shrubs

In winter 2025, we began planting new native species throughout the project area. Over the life of the project, we expect to install up to 18,500 native trees and shrubs, with a special emphasis on shade-providing conifers like Western redcedar and Douglas-fir. These plantings help stabilize streambanks, reduce summer stream temperatures, and restore long-term forest health.

3. Repair Off-Trail Disturbances

Unmarked side trails and trampled areas have contributed to erosion along the creek. These areas are being restored through mulching, soil rehabilitation, log and debris placement, and strategic planting. Closures and repairs began in fall 2023 and continue as community use evolves.

Project Timeline: How Tickle Creek Is Being Restored

2023 — Laying the Groundwork

We kicked off the project with site assessments, planning, and the first big push to remove invasive blackberry, ivy, holly, and knotweed. We also closed unofficial trails that were damaging the creekside habitat.

2024 — Clearing and Preparing

Invasive plant removal continued through the year, opening space for native plants to return and helping the forest floor recover. Community outreach and engagement grew during this phase.

2025 — Planting Begins

Winter 2025 brought the exciting part: planting thousands of native trees and shrubs along Tickle Creek. Follow-up care and maintenance started in spring and will continue through 2026 to help these young plants thrive.

2026 — Seeing the Results

By fall 2026, we’ll have our first full year of growth to look back on. Photo-point monitoring will show how the landscape is changing and where extra care may be needed.

2027–2028 — Long-Term Growth

We’ll continue monitoring and light maintenance as the young forest matures. In fall 2028, we’ll check our photo points again to document the transformation and measure long-term success.

A Healthier Future for Tickle Creek

This $200,000 SEP-funded effort is an investment in cleaner water, healthier habitat, and a more resilient greenspace for Sandy residents. CRBC manages restoration and early-stage maintenance, while the City of Sandy will continue long-term care after the project ends.

Together—with youth crews, volunteers, and partners—we’re helping Tickle Creek thrive again.

Clackamas River Water Providers Spring Article

Christine Hollenbeck

FREE Water Conservation Tools and Incentives

Spring is the perfect time to look at your outdoor water use and see what you can do to be more efficient. The Clackamas River Water Providers have a number of FREE conservation tools and incentives to help you save more water. 

Water Efficient Plants for the Willamette Valley Plant Guide

In this guide you will discover trees, shrubs, bulbs, perennials, ground covers and ornamental grasses that are suited to the climate of Western Oregon.  In addition to the water savings, you will see there are a number of other benefits that come with water efficient landscaping.  They include reduced fertilizer and chemical use, less weed growth, less energy use, less water runoff, and reduced maintenance.

Check out the plant guide online, or email Christine with your mailing address to have a copy sent to you.

FREE Landscape Water Audits

Every year beginning late spring and continuing through the summer the CRWP offers free landscape water audits assessing your lawn, garden areas, irrigation system and more. Upon completion of the audit, you will be provided written recommendations to help you manage your outdoor water use for a more water efficient landscape and irrigation system.

For more information and to apply online visit the Landscape Water Audit page on our website.

FREE Water Miser Garden Hose Nozzle

Six-position garden hose nozzles save water through peak efficiency settings. Instant On/off control, spray adjustment knob, rust resistant with high-efficiency design.

Outdoor Water Rebates 

This Spring take advantage of our outdoor rebates to help you save more water this summer.

Manual Hose Bib Timer: Up to $25 rebate. 
Never again forget to turn off water! Hose bib timers turn off sprinklers at pre-set times. Limit: 1 rebate per account, per fiscal year.

Hose End Water Meter: Up to $25 rebate.
It fits 3/4-inch standard outdoor hoses and faucets, calculates both single-use and total water consumption, reports data in gallons, liters, pints, and Quarts. 

Limit: 1 rebate per account, per fiscal year.

Multi-Stream Rotating Irrigation Nozzles Retrofit: up to $60 ($3 each, up to 20) Multi-Stream Rotating Irrigation Nozzles. 

Limit: 1 rebate per account, per fiscal year.
Approved Makes and Models.
• Hunter MP Rotator:  Model 1000 2000 3000
• Rainbird Rotary Nozzles:  Model  R13-18 R17-24
• Toro Precision Series (Rotary): Model PRN
• Toro Precision Series (Sprays): Model PSN
• All others must be of similar function and equal or exceed the performance of pre-approved models to be considered 

Rain Sensor/Switch: Up to $25 rebate
Temporarily shut off your automatic irrigation system when it rains. 

Limit: 1 rebate per account, per fiscal year.

WaterSense Weather-Based Irrigation Controller: Up to $100 rebate
Receive a rebate when you purchase and install an EPA WaterSense labeled weather-based controller.  “Smart” irrigation control technology that uses local weather data to determine when and how much to water.  
Limit: 1 rebate per account, one time only.

Home Leak Detection Rebate: Up to $100 rebate
Now you can prevent or mitigate water damage from leaks using a leak detector that sends information to your computer or an app on your phone. 

Limit: 1 rebate per account, one time only.

For more rebate information, eligibility requirements, and to apply for online visit the rebate page on our website.

To request any of the free tools and devices listed above, email Christine or call 503-723-3511.

Great Backyard Bird Count – Clackamas, OR

This content is generated from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.

Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds.

Step 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 14–17, 2025.

Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:

• If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.
• If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).

You can use this checklist of birds found in Clackamas County for your Great Backyard Bird Count:

Three Ways to Enter Data: Options and Step-by-Step Instructions

Merlin Bird ID

If you are NEW to birdwatching and bird identification and have a smartphone, we recommend you use the Merlin Bird ID app to enter your first bird. It is FREE and easy to use.

Download Merlin Bird ID

Merlin covers bird species from 7 continents and is available in 18 languages.

Need instructions on how to use Merlin? Follow these.

eBird Mobile

If you are already using eBird to track your birding activity or an experienced bird watcher, the FREE eBird Mobile app is a fast way to enter your bird lists right from the palm of your hand.

Download eBird Mobile

Need instructions on how to use eBird Mobile? Follow these.

Desktop or Laptop

If you prefer to enter your sightings on a computer, perhaps after making a list while on a hike or watching your feeders, we’ll walk you through how.

Enter birds using a Computer

Need instructions on how to use eBird on a computer? Follow these.

Happy birding, ya’ll!

Upper Clackamas Cleanup: 40 Volunteers Unite to Protect Our Rivers on National Public Lands Day

On September 28, 2024, the Clackamas River Basin Council (CRBC) teamed up with the U.S. Forest Service and a passionate group of 40 volunteers to tackle litter and pollution at 26 dispersed campsites along the Clackamas and Collawash Rivers. By cleaning up left trash, we are protecting water quality and keeping our river areas safe and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

The Clackamas River and its tributary, the Collawash River, are known for their natural beauty and recreational value. Yet, popular campsites along these rivers have been impacted by litter, cans and bottles, campfire remains, and other waste left behind by visitors. This debris can harm local wildlife and contribute to water pollution, affecting the health of the ecosystem and nearby communities that rely on clean drinking water.

Types of Trash We Found

CRBC and its volunteers found left bullets and casings which often contain lead and are toxic in the environment. We removed trash including plastic, glass, and leftover food which can easily find its way into the water, breaking down into microplastics that fish and other animals ingest. We also removed campfire remnants, tires, and household products, all that can contain chemicals that can leach into the water, posing risks to aquatic life and human health.

By cleaning these campsites, CRBC and the volunteers directly contributed to the health of these rivers. Removing litter prevents it from washing into the water and helps restore these camping areas to their natural state.

A Huge Thank You to Our Volunteers!

The success of the Upper Clackamas Cleanup wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing volunteers! These individuals spent the day hiking to remote campsites, gathering trash, and removing unsafe waste that could otherwise harm the environment. Some volunteers even brought their families, making it a meaningful day of stewardship and community bonding.

Partnering for Greater Impact

Our partnership with the U.S. Forest Service helps us extend our reach. We are grateful for their support and for the commitment of every volunteer who joined us.

Looking Ahead

Keeping our rivers clean and healthy is an ongoing effort, and we encourage everyone to help by practicing Leave No Trace principles. If you’re interested in joining us for future cleanup events, or if you’d like to learn more about protecting our river ecosystems, stay connected with the Clackamas River Basin Council!

Together, we can make a difference in keeping our rivers pristine for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who helped make the Upper Clackamas Cleanup a success!

Please donate to support our mission!

The Clackamas River, winding its way through the scenic landscapes of Oregon, is not just flowing water; it’s the lifeline for anadromous fish species like salmon and steelhead. These remarkable creatures embark on incredible journeys, traversing thousands of miles from the ocean to their freshwater spawning grounds. However, their survival hinges not just on the main river but also on the often overlooked but critically important side channel habitats. In this post, we delve into the significance of side channels for the well-being and sustainability of anadromous fish in the Clackamas River ecosystem.

The Diversity of Side Channel Habitat: Side channels are like hidden arteries branching off from the main river, providing refuge, spawning grounds, and nursery areas for fish. In the context of the Clackamas River, these side channels are diverse ecosystems themselves, ranging from shallow, slow-moving channels to deeper, faster-flowing ones. They offer a mosaic of habitats, each catering to different life stages of anadromous fish.

Nursery for Young Fry

For juvenile fish, side channels offer a safe haven from the strong currents of the main river. Here, they find calm waters and abundant food, allowing them to grow and develop without the constant threat of being swept away. Submerged vegetation and fallen logs in the side channles provide vital shelter shielding the fry from predators.

Spawning Grounds:

During the spawning season, adult salmon and steelhead return to these side channels to lay their eggs. The gravel beds in these channels provide the ideal substrate for spawning, with the gentle flow ensuring oxygenation of the eggs. This process is crucial for the continuation of the fish population, as successful spawning leads to the next generation of fry.

Escape from High Flows:

One of the most significant benefits of side channels becomes evident during periods of high flow in the main river. When water levels rise, side channels act as refuges, allowing fish to seek shelter from the swift currents and turbulent waters. This refuge is essential for the survival of both adult fish returning to spawn and juvenile fish navigating their way downstream.

Biodiversity Hotspots:

Beyond their importance for anadromous fish, side channels support a rich array of flora and fauna. From aquatic plants to insects and small invertebrates, these habitats contribute to the overall biodiversity of the river ecosystem. They also serve as foraging grounds for birds and other wildlife, highlighting their interconnectedness with the broader environment.

Improved Water Quality:

When water from the river flows through the side channels some of the water enters the ground where suspended sediments are filtered out, microorganisms remove pollutants like nitrates and the water is cooled before returning to the stream. With over 300,000 people getting their drinking water from the Clackamas River the improved water quality benefits more than just the fish.   

Conservation Efforts and Challenges:

Despite their significance, side channels face numerous threats, including habitat degradation, pollution, and altered flow regimes due to human activities such as dams, water withdrawls and urban development. Conservation efforts aimed at restoring and preserving these side channel habitats are therefore crucial for the long-term health of anadromous fish populations in the Clackamas River.

The Clackamas River Basin Council is actively working on side channel restoration work throughout the lower Clackamas River. Please click here to see our current restoration projects.

The Clackamas River Basin Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of fostering partnerships for clean water and to improve fish and wildlife habitat and the quality of life for those who live, work and recreate in the watershed.  Please support this work!

Let’s Get Bonatical Together!

It’s Pride Month and we hope you’ll be part of our iNaturalist group called Let’s Get Botanical Together! Please join and share your botanical observations.

Why celebrate Pride Month in nature?

Nature is a sanctuary, but not all experiences in the outdoors are not created equally; assurances of safety and lack of gender neutral bathrooms and are obstacles that many face. Join us in this month of Pride observance to appreciate and respect the Queer experience

What is iNaturalist?

iNaturalist is an online community that allows you to share observations to discuss, identify, and create research-quality citizen science data for science and conservation

Other ways to get involved:

Please also visit other iNaturalist groups such as LGBTQ+ Naturalist when making observations – this group welcomes LGBTQ+ individuals to share observations and connect with others who have a passion for nature:

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/lgbtq-naturalists