Bend Beautification Program

Environmental Stewardship

Bend Beautification Program is an opportunity for volunteers to improve the esthetics of Bend by improving its appearance through litter pickup, planting native pollinators, and removing non-native invasive plants throughout City of Bend rights of way and pocket parks.

City of Bend residents and organizations can participate in the Bend Beautification Program in two ways:

• Adopt-A-Spot: The Adopt-A-Spot Program engages residents and groups in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the City of Bend. It provides a collaborative opportunity for the community to enhance the areas where we work, live, and play.
• One-Time Cleanups: Organized by residents and local organizations, one-time cleanups offer opportunities for community members to participate in a cleanup event without committing to the full adoption program.

Adopt-A-Spot Program

About the Program

The City of Bend’s Adopt-A-Spot program is a community-driven initiative encouraging citizens to participate in the beautification and upkeep of City rights-of-way. Participants can adopt various spots, including pocket parks, street segments, and strips within the City of Bend’s rights-of-way. Commitments can be made to keep these areas litter-free for a year or contribute to beautification indefinitely, provided program standards are met. Special projects may include approved plantings or other features if sanctioned by the City.

Recognition: Participants will be acknowledged with signage at the adopted areas and listed on the Bend Beautification map.

Program Benefits

• A cleaner, more attractive community
• Enhanced environmental health and safety
• Fostering a sense of community service and pride
• Recognition from the City of Bend
• Opportunities for community service credits

Participation Opportunities

• Regular litter control
• Weed removal, focusing on non-native invasive species
• Snow shoveling on sidewalks
• Tree planting and garden installations
• Pollinator plantings
• General beautification and landscaping efforts

Eligible Participants

• Individuals, families, and youth groups
• Neighborhood groups and outdoor enthusiasts
• Scout organizations, educational institutions, and clubs
• Businesses of all sizes
• Civic, non-profit, faith-based, and fraternal organizations

Your Commitment

• The Volunteer Group representative must complete the Bend Beautification Program Agreement annually on behalf of the Volunteer Group.
• Individual participants must all sign the Bend Beautification Program Consent Form, agreeing to release the City of Bend from liability for any injuries or damages during program activities.
• Commit to at least six clean-ups per year for litter control spots.
• Maintain beautification spots as determined by the Bend Beautification coordinator.
• Report activities via the Volunteer Coordinator Post-Event Summary for record-keeping and acknowledgment.

Program Guidelines

• Choose and receive approval for your spot through the Bend Beautification Program map.
• Coordinate work with the Bend Beautification coordinator.
• Perform required litter control and beautification.
• Properly collect and dispose of litter, with City support for larger items.
• Obtain and return any City-provided supplies or tools.
• Obtain approval for all plantings and landscaping changes.
• For large-scale projects, seek additional approvals and possibly enter into an agreement with the City.

Safety Guidelines

• Accept and follow all safety rules as outlined in the application process.
• Work in safe conditions and use appropriate protective clothing.
• Maintain a first-aid kit on-site. See the American Red Cross First Aid Training website for more information on safety trainings and first-aid kits.

Areas Available for Adoption

Public rights-of-way including pocket parks, City lots, street segments, planter strips, and sidewalks. The Bend Beautification coordinator will validate and approve locations and can assist in identifying suitable spots.

How to Adopt-A-Spot

To participate, refer to the Bend Beautification Program map for areas available for adoption and complete the Adopt-A-Spot request form. The City will review applications and determine acceptance based on the location and scope of work requested.

One-Time Cleanup Program

One-time Cleanup program is a part of the Bend Beautification Program and is meant to provide opportunities for local residents and entities to organize a cleanup within the City of Bend rights of way without committing to the full adoption program. The City of Bend will supply tools, gloves and refuse bags and will coordinate the pick-up and disposal of the collected debris.

Eligible Participants

• Individuals, families, and youth groups
• Neighborhood groups and outdoor enthusiasts
• Scout organizations, educational institutions, and clubs
• Businesses of all sizes
• Civic, non-profit, faith-based, and fraternal organizations

Your Commitment

• The Volunteer Group representative must complete the Bend Beautification Program Agreement on behalf of the Volunteer Group.
• Individual participants must all sign the Bend Beautification Program Consent Form, agreeing to release the City of Bend from liability for any injuries or damages during program activities.
• Maintain beautification spots as determined by the Bend Beautification coordinator.
• Report activities via the Volunteer Coordinator Post-Event Summary for record-keeping and acknowledgment.

Program Guidelines

• Choose and receive approval for your spot through the Bend Beautification Program map.
• Coordinate work with the Bend Beautification coordinator.
• Perform required litter control and beautification.
• Properly collect and dispose of litter, with City support for larger items.
• Obtain and return any City-provided supplies or tools.
• Obtain approval for all plantings and landscaping changes.
• For large-scale projects, seek additional approvals and possibly enter into an agreement with the City.

Safety Guidelines

• Accept and follow all safety rules as outlined in the application process.
• Work in safe conditions and use appropriate protective clothing.
• Maintain a first-aid kit on-site. See the American Red Cross First Aid Training website for more information on safety trainings and first-aid kits.

Areas Available for One-Time Cleanup

Public rights-of-way including pocket parks, City lots, street segments, planter strips, and sidewalks. The Bend Beautification coordinator will validate and approve locations and can assist in identifying suitable spots.

How to Organize a One-Time Cleanup

 To organize a One-Time Cleanup, please refer to the Bend Beautification Program map for available clean-up areas and complete the One-Time Cleanup request form.

City of Bend staff will be in contact with you to confirm approval of the requested clean-up and provide details regarding next steps.

Other Links

• Noxious Weeds
• ODOT Adopt A Highway
• Deschutes County Adopt-A-Road

Safety Rules

Volunteers participating in the Bend Beautification Program are required to follow these safety rules. While this list is comprehensive, it does not cover all scenarios and is not a substitute for common sense. Safety must always be the top priority during all projects.

General Safety

• Visibility: Always wear the high-visibility safety vest provided by the Department.
• Alertness: Be prepared for unexpected motorist behavior. Assume drivers may not see you.

Roadside Cleaning

• Traffic Safety: Clean only one side of the road at a time, facing oncoming traffic. Place “Volunteer Crew Ahead” signs at both ends of the section being cleaned.
• Movement: Do not climb on guardrails, drainage pipes, or concrete barriers. Walk, do not run, during cleanup activities.

Substance and Equipment Use

• Audio Distractions: Avoid wearing headphones.
• Alcohol and Medications: Do not consume alcohol before or during cleanup activities. Be cautious with medication that could impair your physical or cognitive abilities.
• Handling Hazardous Materials: Do not touch hazardous items like chemicals, needles, or dead animals. Use provided orange flags to mark these items and inform the Department immediately.
• Tool Usage: Use all hand tools and motorized equipment (e.g., weed whackers) cautiously, wearing safety goggles and gloves, and only if trained.

Health and Emergency Procedures

• First Aid: Carry a first aid kit. Know the location of the nearest emergency facility.
• Allergies and Conditions: Inform the Volunteer Group Leader about any allergies or physical conditions before participating.
• Hydration and Rest: Prevent overexertion and heat-related issues by drinking water regularly and taking breaks.

Cleanup Logistics

• Apparel: Wear long sleeves, pants, thick-soled shoes or boots, and gloves.
• Timing: Conduct cleanup only during daylight and good weather conditions. Avoid holidays and peak traffic hours.
• Location Safety: Stay clear of construction zones and private property. Do not engage in horseplay or actions that could distract drivers.

Environmental Considerations

• Recycling and Disposal: Responsibly recycle appropriate materials. Do not overfill trash bags; keep them under 20 pounds. Larger items should be marked and placed beside bagged items.
• Wildlife and Plants: Be cautious around poisonous plants and wildlife. Report any encounters with stray or wild animals.

Incident Reporting

• Accidents: Report all accidents or injuries to the Volunteer Group Leader immediately.

Transportation and Parking

• Carpooling: Carpool to the site to reduce environmental impact and manage parking space efficiently. Always park vehicles off the roadway.