On a cold winter day just outside Bend, Oregon, the core team of PLS Bend gathered for an essential mission—cleaning up an abandoned illegal campground along China Hat Road. The winter chill was in the air, but the dedication of the team kept them moving as they worked together to clear the area of debris and trash left behind by previous campers.
The site, once a place of temporary shelter for those without homes, had been abandoned and littered with waste, creating hazards for the environment and the public. But PLS Bend’s approach went beyond just cleanup; they worked alongside the homeless individuals who had once camped there, setting up designated trash drop locations to prevent future hazards and encourage responsible use of public lands.
This collaboration between PLS Bend and the homeless community was a testament to the organization’s mission of both protecting the environment and showing compassion to those in need. By providing guidance and practical solutions, the team helped turn a place of neglect into a safer, cleaner space for everyone.
As the crew worked through the day, their actions spoke to a larger cause—one that isn’t just about cleaning up trash, but about fostering relationships and building a sense of community around shared responsibility. Through their efforts, PLS Bend showed that environmental care and compassion for people can go hand in hand.
PLS Bend continues to be a strong force for change, not just in preserving the beauty of Central Oregon’s public lands, but in creating spaces where everyone can feel part of the solution. Each cleanup effort like this one is a reminder that when we come together—whether to protect nature or help others—we can make a real difference.
