This year, with our in-person programs on pause due to public health concerns, we continued to care for the Trinity River through virtual cleanup activities, which volunteers could do from the comfort of their own homes, neighborhoods, and local parks and trails. While we missed getting together at the river, we still made a significant positive impact together.

Virtual Trash Bash

Volunteers were asked to pick up trash in their neighborhood, local parks and trails, or in designated areas along the Trinity River.

Go Green At Home

Volunteers opted to go through their household waste and sort out what can be recycled, or complete other DIY activities provided by Green Dallas (City of Dallas Department of Environmental Quality & Sustainability).

Volunteers helped to keep the Trinity River clean by reducing the amount of trash and debris entering our waterways and the river.

  • 312 volunteers participated in our Virtual Trash Bash and Go Green at Home activities
  • 2,137 lbs of trash and debris were collected from these locations across Dallas-Fort Worth 
  • 586 hours were dedicated to Virtual Trash Bash and Go Green at Home activities
  • Top 3 Types of Litter Found
    • Beverage Cans or Bottles
    • Food Wrappers and Packaging
    • Plastic Bags

Volunteers had the broadest geographic impact of all previous years. Check out this year’s 42 locations in the DFW area and compare them to previous years on this map!

Virtual events in 2020 included:

  • Trinity River Volunteer Days (third Saturdays May – October)
  • Corporate Week of Service, presented by TXU Energy (September 25 – October 2)
  • Vizient Volunteer Month (October)
  • Entercom Volunteer Week (November 8 – 15)

In addition to the positive environmental impact made through Virtual Trash Bashes, volunteers set an example for their families and members of the community for how to steward their green spaces across Dallas-Fort Worth.

Leading by example, volunteers’ impact on changing behaviors in the way people interact with the environment is just as important as the physical impact made.

“The folks cycling and running were very appreciative of all of the volunteers cleaning up that day!” —Anonymous, October

“It made me realize what a problem we have with littering in our city.” — Kristine M., August

“My volunteer group… went to Ronald Kirk [Pedestrian Bridge] and found plenty of trash to clean. There are many trails there and areas that had trash needed to be cleaned up. We are grateful for the experience and glad we were able to pick up trash!” —Adiba O., October

By increasing awareness, building and sharing knowledge about how individuals can make a positive impact on the environment, and setting an example in their communities through their actions, volunteers continue to care for the Trinity River during the pandemic.

For more information, contact us at [email protected] or visit the volunteer page of our website.

Thank you for your dedication, Trinity Park Volunteers!

Volunteer Information