Do you believe in being a good neighbor?

Trash Bash, the annual spring cleanup that sends volunteers scouring Texas waterways to retrieve litter and junk, is designed to spread awareness of the need to keep trash out of our bayous, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water. On the morning of March 27, that will be happening at numerous sites. The Lake Houston cleanup will be headquartered at Lake Houston Marina, 10611 FM 1960 Road East in Huffman, and Luce Bayou,
27514 Huffman-New Caney Rd.

Coordinator Jerrel Geisler says the event generally draws at least 500 people, although frigid windy weather last year kept the numbers down. Those who hunt and fish on Lake Houston, numerous Scout troops, 4-H groups and individuals have all been compelled to come out and do their part in years past, Geisler says.

Like many of the participants, Geisler feels a strong connection to the lake. “I’ve been fishing in Lake Houston since I was a kid.”

“The point of it is getting people interested in the idea of cleaning it up so that when they’re recreating they’ll think twice before dumping something in the water or throwing their paper on the ground,” Geisler says.

Unfortunately, a variety of items have been found in the lake at past cleanups. Tires, vehicles, refrigerators and more are among the items that make Houston’s source of drinking water seem like more of a big trash bin.

Those interested in volunteering can call 281-486-9500 and leave a detailed message for the Lake Houston Marina site. On-site registration will take place at 7 a.m. Trash bags and other items will be distributed at 8 a.m. and the cleanup will start shortly after that. Volunteers can stay for hot dogs, entertainment and a raffle between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information, go to www.trashbash.org.