Fall 2025 Ochoco Creek and Parks Cleanup

The Rotary Club of Crook County is once again teaming up with Crook County Parks and Recreation, Deschutes Land Trust, SOLVE, Crook County, Republic Services and Wildride Brewing to do an in-stream cleanup of Ochoco Creek, pathways and a general Parks Clean-up.  Following the cleanup, we'll meet at Wildride to celebrate our success. Participants will get one free beverage of their choice. 

Volunteers are needed to do both a thorough instream and bankside cleanup of Ochoco Creek and uplands Park cleanup on October 18th. 

Things to Know

Our reach of Ochoco Creek to cleanup is from Combs Flat Rd to Gardner Street, within the City of Prineville. Willowdale to Combs Flat Road will be done by Oregon Military Youth Challenge.

Due to the complexities of working in the creek, no one under 12 will be allowed to be in the Creek itself and youths under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.   Any age can help clean up the banks, along Ochoco Creek and Rails to Trails pathways, or our park uplands.   

If you would like to join us, here are a few things to know:

• Registration will begin at noon at Pioneer Park (the Park by the old Court House on 3^rd Street), and cleanup work will start around 12:30 p.m.

• Volunteers working along Ochoco Creek will work in teams of four, with two people staged on the bank in support and safety of those working in stream.   Volunteers working pathways or upland Parks (or wherever you know there is trash) can be any number.

• Each Instream team will be assigned a section to focus on. We anticipate it will take about 2 hours to thoroughly clean a section.

• Trash bags, pickers and latex gloves will be provided.

• Bring rubber or other boots with traction for muddy and wet bank conditions, waders and neoprene gloves for those doing instream work, warm clothes, sunscreen, hat, and eye protection/sunglasses.  A walking or wading stick can be helpful for support.

Be prepared for changing conditions, including wind, cold weather and varying water levels.

Please sign up Solve Oregon’s website as it really helps Carol organize teams and reduces the amount of time spent filling out forms. 

If you have waders or want to borrow some waders, please email Carol at carolbenkosky@gmail.com   If you want to be paired with a specific person(s) or have a full team, please also email that information to Carol   

Advanced Registration: Is highly suggested but not required. Please sign up (green button below) ahead of time to guarantee your spot.

Meeting Location: Pioneer Park in Prineville, on the SE corner of the park - corner of Elm and NE 2nd Street. We will be set up by or in the pavilion dependent on weather conditions. Look for Solve signs

Address: Pioneer Park - corner of 3rd street and Elm Street Prineville, OR 97754 | Map Link

What to Bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a backpack for hands-free convenience. Feel free to bring your personal tools if available and a reusable water bottle to support our sustainability efforts.

What's Provided: We provide plastic garbage bags, light duty pickers, vinyl gloves. We also have a number of waders that can be borrowed. Please email Carol at carolbenkosky@gmail.com if you wish to reserve a pair.

Restrooms: There are public bathrooms available at Juniper Street, Pioneer Park, Stryker Field, Harwood Park and Ward Park

Parking: Street parking and one small parking lot

Transit: Not available nearby

Accessibility: This area is accessible for folks with mobility concerns.

Translation Services: There will not be a Spanish speaker present at this event.

Participant Age Guidelines: All Ages Welcome

Groups: If you'd like to register a group, please create a team first. For detailed instructions, review our Teams Guide.