Rivers, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash

The easiest way to give back, or pay it forward, as well as the least expensive, is to give some of yourself and your time to a good cause. We have apprised you of the International Festival's need for bodies to make the festival a success. Now, we have a little environmental action for you, and it's educational, in addition to the warm fuzzy you'll get. Much of the litter that makes it's way out of car windows (the world is not your ashtray - and you will make Iron Eyes Cody cry! Not cool.) ends up in our storm drains, hits our cities waterways and flows on out to Galveston Bay. Nastified, isn't it? On that note, we'd like to remind you not to litter (that's what the passenger seat and floorboards of your vehicle are for, after all). Besides, you can recycle some of that potential litter, especially if it is a plastic "coke" water bottle. Further, if you are not a litter bug and would like to do more to help clean up our fair city, you can kick it up a notch this Saturday, March 31st!

The Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority is holding the 13th Annual Rivers, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash. Last year, over 4,400 volunteers collected in excess of 55 tons of trash and 788 tires (Tires? C'mon Houston!) at various locations on our local waterways. This is the largest statewide event held to educate the public about the importance of our water resources. It is also a perfect way to educate your children, neices, nephews, small relatives and neighborhood children about the importance of environmental stewardship.

The weather may be a little on the stormy side, with a 40% chance of scatter thunderstorms, but with a projected high of 78, it'll be nice enough. Pack some lightweight rain gear, just in case. You can kill two birds with one stone, if you tote a plastic grocery sack to put bottle caps in (they can be recycled into an Art Car, at this time). You can pre-register to participate in this event (you have to sign a waiver, and children need the signature of a parent/guardian) by clicking HERE. Please note that pre-registration is not mandatory. For additional information, please phone 281.486.9500.

Follow this link to a listing of local waterways, some of which link to the parking/congregating areas. We did not see an official start time, in general - Bay Area Park/Armand Bayou registers/launches canoes between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., which we would presume is standard start time. A free lunch is provided at some locations. Most sites will offer educational exhibits, entertainment, door prizes and souveniers. So, this is more than just simple volunteerism and sleeve-rolling-up, it's educational, fun AND a great way for the little "scout" in the family to earn a patch or a badge!

Suggested items to bring along:
Be prepared for any kind of weather, with anything including layers and rain gear, to sunscreen and a hat. Clothing and sturdy closed shoes suitable for getting wet and muddy should be worn. You WILL get dirty. Extras like insect repellent, waders or boots, your own gloves, cameras, binoculars (for the birds, etc.), and a change of clothes and shoes for the ride home are things you can consider. Another handy item is a rake or other similar tool which would serve as an extension of your arm, enabling you to reach debris without leaving your canoe or stepping into the marsh.

Photo of Sabine Street Bridge courtesy of Flickr user slipshod snapshot.

Photo of Canoer on Bayou courtesy of Flickr user portseye.