Volunteers launch neighborhood cleanup effort in Eugene’s Bethel area

Residents in the Bethel neighborhood came together over the weekend to help remove litter and improve their local environment.

The cleanup effort was organized by Active Bethel Community, whose volunteers met Sunday at the Bethel Branch Library before heading out to collect trash along Barger Road.

Community members step up

Only a small group participated in the first event, but volunteers still managed to gather a truckload of garbage bags after about three hours of work.

Volunteer Brian Hynd said the effort reflects residents’ desire to take pride in their neighborhood.

Participants reported it took roughly an hour to fill a 20-pound bag of trash while cleaning along the roadside and nearby public areas.

Plans for future cleanups

Organizers hope the initiative will grow as more residents join future events. According to Hynd, having an additional 10 to 15 volunteers could allow cleanup teams to cover a much larger portion of the neighborhood.

The group plans to hold similar efforts regularly, particularly during warmer months.

Expanding to parks and bike paths

Future cleanup projects may also include bike paths, parks and other community spaces throughout the Bethel area.

Members of Active Bethel Community say their goal is to make neighborhood cleanups a monthly activity and encourage more residents to get involved in improving the community.