Trash Bash cleans up Houston-Galveston waterways; Clean Mud for Bugs helps THEA continue its efforts

by Eduardo de la Garza

Buffalo Bayou moves slowly along, its waters joining with White Oak, Brays, Sims, and Greens Bayous before emptying into the Houston Ship Channel and further down into Galveston Bay. It’s been here for 18,000 years, long before the Allen brothers traveled south from New York. And as a living river, its health is just as important to the ecosystem today as it was when Houston was the capital of the Republic of Texas.

In fact, the health of the Galveston Bay watershed is important to the region. This is why we see renewed efforts to clean up the bayous and bays. This is why in 1994, the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality created the largest waterway cleanup in the state. The River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash® began with 7 sites and 3,000 volunteers and has grown to include 14 to 16 cleanup sites with 4,000 volunteers, said Kendall Guidroz, senior planner for H-GAC. On March 25, the event will celebrate its 29th year.

“Part of its mission is to promote environmental stewardship of the Galveston Bay watershed through public education by utilizing hands-on tools,” Guidroz said. “Trash Bash® tries to promote the connection of all of our waterways through the Galveston Bay watershed, and each cleanup site has opportunities for volunteers to learn more about how they can help reduce litter and pollution.”

Volunteers can go here and volunteer for specific sites, such as Buffalo Bayou, Armand Bayou, Cypress Creek, Galveston Bay, Baytown Nature Center, and 11 others. Volunteers will need to fill out waivers.

“It is great to see both the new volunteers attending their first cleanup, and the individuals, families, and groups who have made Trash Bash® an annual event at so many of our sites,” Guidroz said. “It is really encouraging to see the way many volunteers are so excited to come back each year and make a difference.”

Guidroz said that although the number of sites has doubled since the event’s inception, the amount of trash collected has gone down. Maybe people are starting to learn that we should treat the bayous and bays as living things. 

Support THEA with a crawfish feast and games

Jackie Young-Medcalf was a model who was named Miss Rodeo Houston in 2014. But she and her family also suffered the effects of environmental waste. Young-Medcalf became an environmental activist and founded Texas Health and Environment Alliance (THEA) in 2015. THEA has worked to clean up toxic chemicals in Harris County and is responsible for more than $122M in EPA-ordered remediation efforts.

But the work that THEA does needs support. On March 25 at Karbach Brewing, THEA will hold Clean Mud For Bugs, a fundraiser that celebrates what THEA accomplishes. A ticket gets purchasers a full crawfish meal, beer tickets, and a souvenir glass.

“Clean Mud For Bugs is more than our annual fundraiser, it’s a gathering with our community members and supporters to celebrate our accomplishments and refuel for the year ahead.” THEA founder and CEO Jackie Young-Medcalf said.

We encourage you to, after having spent the morning cleaning up Houston-Galveston waterways, enjoy a crawfish meal and know that you’re helping THEA continue its efforts.

THEA is also honoring Harris County Attorney Christian Mendez as the Crawdaddy of the Year. “There will be fun for the whole family, including a special Kids’ Zone with slime making, face painting, and more,” said Rachel Jordan, assistant director of THEA.

You can purchase tickets or make a donation at txhea.org. 

Housekeeping

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