Volunteers needed for Cape LaCroix Creek cleanup April 25

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 (MDC) Bashin' Trash event that partners with the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department's Park Day. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to noon and volunteers are needed.

Volunteers will meet the morning of the event at the 4-H Shelter in Arena Park to divide and conquer the area. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Register for the event by calling 573-290-5218 before April 25 so lunch and t-shirts can be provided to volunteers.

Sara Turner, 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.

According to Turner, additional 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 also 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 something in nature," she said. "This is a great opportunity to teach children and grandchildren about contributing to nature."

For more information on this or other MDC events visit mdc.mo.gov, and click on the Events tab.