We did it once, and we can do it again. Hundreds of volunteers will team up once again this year to collect trashed cans and bottles, plastic, paper and other debris spread along the banks of Fish Creek.
The first Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge took place last February, where around 350 volunteers came together to clean a four-mile section of the creek in southeast Arlington (between Matlock Road and State Highway 360). The effort took place over a three-day period.
Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge 2020
This year’s Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge—just the second of its kind—is scheduled for Saturday, January 25th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event’s organizer, Angel Carter, said she is hopeful for double or triple the number of volunteers they had last year.
The 2020 challenge is covering twice the distance, cleaning a total 8-mile stretch of the creek. Both Arlington and Grand Prairie will see parts of their creek shore cleaned up.
“The Cleanup Challenge is about more than Fish Creek,” Angel Carter was quoted saying. “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, a U.S. Marine veteran and 20-year Arlington resident, has been using the Facebook page as a platform to share photos and raise awareness about the creek conditions. The need for cleanup along the walking trail, in particular, is made plainly evident through the photos she shares.
Who can come help?
This cleanup challenge is a family-friendly event. The trash tends to be lightweight. Volunteers are asked to come wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts for a layer of protection, and also closed-toed or waterproof shoes. Trash-grabbers and other supplies are a good idea to bring to help the effort go faster.
The City of Arlington is also donating resources to the event, including trash bags and containers, plus drinking water stations.
Other sponsors for the event this year include the Travis Manion Foundation, Arlington Highlands Rotary Club, The Mission Continues, MAD Radio, the City of Grand Prairie, and Webb Masonic Lodge No. 1454.
Volunteers can join the effort starting at 9 a.m. in Cravens Park at 400 Cravens Park Dr. They can also come to the Fish Creek Neighborhood Park at 2121 Havenwood Dr.
Carter reminds volunteers that “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.”
In the case of any inclement weather, the event has a secondary date for reschedule on Saturday, February 1st at the same time and place.
