Join Willamette Riverkeeper and your river community as we take to the water together to clean up Ross Island. Located just one mile upstream from downtown Portland, Ross Island is home to nesting birds such as Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons and habitat for native fish species such as Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead as they migrate along these important waterways.

Removing rubbish from Ross Island supports healthy habitats and keeps trash from flowing downriver to the confluence with the Columbia and ultimately our ocean. Our team of safety paddlers will help volunteers access and transport trash back to shore where we can dispose of it properly.

WHEN: Saturday, September 19th | 9:30AM - 12:30PM

WHERE: Please meet at the Willamette Park boat ramp located at SW Macadam Avenue and Nebraska Street, Portland. We will unload boats and gear, provide a safety briefing, distribute personal protective equipment and paddle over to cleanup.

DETAILS: Please be on time! We will aim to get on the water by 10:00AM, but initial setup can take a little while. Please dress for the weather, bring water, and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes that you are comfortable getting wet/muddy. Willamette Riverkeeper will provide trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers. PFDs will be provided and must be worn at all times on the river to participate in this event. 

Bringing Your Own Boat? Please be proficient paddling in moving water for this event.

QUESTIONS? Reach out to event coordinator Lee Belowski at [email protected]