Hundreds of Volunteers Sought for 2nd Annual Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge on Jan. 25, 2020
By Office of Communication
Posted on January 07, 2020, January 07, 2020

 During this year’s cleanup challenge, scheduled between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, event organizer Angel Carter said she is hopeful that double or triple the number of volunteers will donate their time and energy to tackle an 8-mile section of the creek covering both Arlington and Grand Prairie. 

Once again, hundreds of volunteers will team up to collect discarded cans, glass and plastic bottles, paper and other debris littering the banks of Fish Creek.

During the inaugural Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge last February, approximately 350 volunteers gathered in southeast Arlington to clean a four-mile section of the creek between Matlock Road and State Highway 360 over a three-day period. During this year’s cleanup challenge, scheduled between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, event organizer Angel Carter said she is hopeful that double or triple the number of volunteers will donate their time and energy to tackle an 8-mile section of the creek covering both Arlington and Grand Prairie.

“The Cleanup Challenge is about more than Fish Creek. Fish Creek just happens to be the starting point. It’s my hope that even if someone can only spare 30 minutes, come. It is eye opening and life changing to behold and be part of experience,” Carter said.

Carter, a U.S. Marine veteran and Arlington resident for nearly 20 years, has been sharing photos on the event Facebook page to raise awareness about the creek conditions and the need for cleanup along the popular walking trail.

The cleanup is a family friendly event, Carter said. Much of the trash is lightweight, such as plastic bags, Styrofoam cups and paper. Volunteers are asked to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed toe shoes or waterproof boots and are also encouraged to bring their own supplies, such as trash grabbers.

Click here for more information about the event.

The City of Arlington is providing resources for the event, including trash bags, large trash containers, and drinking water stations. Other event sponsors include the Travis Manion Foundation, the Arlington Highlands Rotary Club, The Mission Continues, MAD Radio, the City of Grand Prairie, and Webb Masonic Lodge No. 1454.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 9 a.m. at Cravens Park, 400 Cravens Park Dr., or the Fish Creek Neighborhood Park, 2121 Havenwood Dr.

“Any amount of time on January 25th between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. when we can all come together and make a difference is important. Not just for now. But for future generations,” Carter said.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to Saturday, Feb. 1.

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