Join efforts to ‘Bash Trash’ at Cape La Croix Creek this Saturday

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Old tires, plastic bags and other items of trash don’t belong in a creek and local officials are hoping volunteers will help clean up Cape La Croix Creek in Cape Girardeau during the annual Bashin’ Trash event, Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Nature Center has partnered with the Cape Girardeau Parks & Recreation Department to coordinate the creek clean-up effort.

“You’d be surprised at the things we pick up out of the creek,” said Sara Turner, manager of the nature center. “From old appliances, to tires, to then the smaller trash like water bottles and soda cups – we find it all.”

Turner said litter is a continual issue for wildlife that use the waterways.

“Fish and turtles can get tangled in litter and the litter also contaminates the quality of the water,” Turner said. “We have a good time every year during this clean up, knowing we’re improving the habitat for wildlife and also spending the day with everyone who comes out to help.”

Those who wish to volunteer for Bashin’ Trash should register in advance at www.mdc.mo.gov/events. Participants will meet at the 4-H Shelter in Arena Park, then depart in groups to Cape La Croix Creek between Walden Park and the Shawnee Sports Complex. Lunch and t-shirts will be provided at the close of the event at Capaha Park. Turner said youth and adult groups are welcome.

“We appreciate all the help we can get,” she said.

For more information, call (573)290-5218. To register to volunteer go online to www.mdc.mo.gov/events.