Join this celebrated community event that has been taking place biennially since 1999! Volunteers from near and far unite to remove trash from the Nehalem Bay Estuary and then celebrate at the ‘Sorting Pit’ with food and friends. In 2022 we pulled over 2 tons of trash and hundreds of pounds of recyclables from the Estuary, including half a canoe, two refrigerators, a yoga mat and an entire boat! Let’s do it again!
Volunteer activities range from collecting debris, sorting materials, and helping with set-up and take down. This event is hosted by the Lower Nehalem Community Trust, Nehalem Bay Watershed Council and Heart of Cartm.
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When? Sunday, March 8th, 2026. Orientation Begins: 9:00 am
Cleanup Schedule: Begins at 9:00AM and runs until 1:00PM.
9:00 Arrive at Zone (directions delivered after registration) and check-in. Complete safety briefing with Zone Leaders.
9:30: Cleanup begins!
12:30: Start wrapping up the cleanup of your zone.
1:00: Return to Wheeler to join the sorting party!
1:30: Celebration begins!
Celebrate: After you finish the cleanup, hang out at the sorting pit with food, family and friends. Get your warm soup in a special mug donated by Hoffman Center for the Arts Volunteers!
Location: Multiple Locations around Nehalem Bay. Party at HeartWorks Studio in Wheeler.
What we’ll do: During low tide we will work in teams to walk the high tide lines to collect trash. Boats and trucks will then bring it back to the Wheeler Waterfront Park Boat Ramp to be sorted, counted, weighed, and disposed of. All ages welcome.
What to Expect: There are different cleanup zones around the estuary with different distances and terrain. Please consult the Zone Map to determine which zone is most appropriate for you. We have done our best to include opportunities for diverse abilities. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help to accommodate your participation or answer any questions.
Accessibility: Each cleanup Zone features its own unique terrain suited for different mobility levels. Please see the Zone list below to choose a terrain suited for your abilities. No bathrooms are available on site at Zones. A Wheelchair accessible bathroom is available in Wheeler City Park where the event will culminate, as well as a wheelchair inaccessible bathroom inside of HeartWorks Studio.
What to bring: Come prepared for a variable coastal weather conditions. Wear clothes that can get muddy! Bring a water bottle, snack and something to carry it in while you’re out at your cleanup zone. Waterproof boots, work gloves and layers recommended. Your zone leader will carry safety and first aid equipment.
Partners and friends: Do you want to be more involved? Have a service or materials to donate? Have a boat and are willing to shuttle people and debris? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us: maijahecht@nehalemtrust.org.
Thank YOU TO OUR PARTNERS AND Sponsors!
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