MDC: Volunteers needed to Bash Trash at Cape LaCroix Creek

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News from the region
Southeast
Published Date
04/22/2019
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CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Tires, washing machines and smaller items have been pulled out of Cape LaCroix Creek in Cape Girardeau over the years as part of the annual Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Bashin’ Trash event that partners with the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department’s Friends of the Park Day. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to noon. Sara Turner, the manager of MDC’s Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, said she wonders each year what the group might find in the creek.

“The items have progressively gotten smaller over the years, which tells me we’re making a real difference,” Turner said.

The Bashin’ Trash event began in 2006 and since then, Turner said volunteers have collected over four tons of trash from in and around the area. In 2018, volunteers collected 70 bags of trash, seven tires and two shopping carts along nine miles of the creek. Turner said she hopes many volunteers will help this year, as many hands are needed to help gather trash out of and from around the creek between Walden Park and Shawnee Sports Complex.

“This creek runs along a portion of our recreational trail throughout the city and it’s important to put in the effort needed to keep it as a pristine creek for our own use, and for the wildlife within the city that need it,” Turner said.

Turner said this is a fun annual event that also brings groups together in the outdoors.  

“There’s a lot of satisfaction to be had in improving and helping nature,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to teach children and grandchildren about service to others and stewardship.”

Turner said volunteers should register for this event by calling (573)290-5218 before the event, since lunch and t-shirts will be provided to volunteers.

The group will meet at 9 a.m. at the 4-H Shelter in Arena Park to divide and conquer the area. Trash bags and gloves will be provided to volunteers. For more information on this or other stewardship and conservation events visit mdc.mo.gov, and click on the events tab.