By Tom Douglas

The May 16, 2026 “Paddling for a Cleaner Greens Bayou” event was our area’s contribution to the Trash Free Gulf campaign that was sponsored state-wide by the Gulf Trust and locally by the Greens Bayou Coalition. Trash grabbers, trash bags, a portable toilet, a dumpster to haul away the collected trash, and other logistical support was expertly provided by the Greens Bayou Coalition. 

In addition to the crew working at Thomas Bell Foster Park, which was the hub of the event, 26 volunteers took to the water in a variety of canoes and kayaks, many of which were provided by Kayaking Texas. Once the participants had signed in at the Greens Bayou Coalition’s pop-up tent and received introductory information about on-the-water safety and tips on paddling technique, we were ready to launch our boats. 

Signing In at the Greens Bayou Coalition Tent by Tom Douglas          

Gearing Up and Receiving Instruction on Safety and Paddling by Alan Wilson 

The water level allowed us to launch our boats either at the park’s steppingstone launch or on the grassy bank just upstream from it. 

Boats Ready to Go at the Park’s Launch Site by Constantin Platon

The light gray canoe marks the grassy bank alternative launch site. 

The Alternative Grassy Bank Launch Site by Alan Wilson

That’s the Normandy Street Bridge in the background. 

We paddled upstream to a little beyond Strickland Park, collecting floating trash as we went. Some of the interesting features we saw along the way were two structures that had been impacted by Hurricane Harvey and the outfall from a wastewater treatment plant that is located on the northern edge of Maxey Park.  A little way downstream from the Woodforest Blvd. bridge, there was a large accumulation of floatable trash that was trapped in a downed tree on the river left side. We passed it up for the moment, but we returned to it during our paddle back downstream.    

Our 4.9-mile Paddling Route by Tom Douglas

Attacking the Big Raft of Trash by Alan Wilson

Our paddlers collected a large quantity and diversity of items. 

Quite a Variety of Trash by Constantin Platon

Nearing Normandy Street by Constantin Platon       

The home in the background was severely damaged during Hurricane Harvey.

There were lots of smiles as we neared the take-out back at Thomas Bell Foster Park. 

Almost Back to the Park by Constantin Platon

Approaching the Take-Out by Constantin Platon

Getting Help from the Staff at the Take-Out by Constantin Platon

At day’s end, we were all proud of our work, bringing in lots of trash. 

Proud of Our Work! by Karen Gilligan, Greens Bayou Coalition

Once all 236 pounds of collected trash had been gathered and weighed, we learned the results of a drawing for prizes provided by the Trash Free Gulf Campaign.

Thanks to the Gulf Trust and Its Trash Free Gulf Campaign! by Constantin Platon 

As one of our paddlers texted following the cleanup, “The event was a win for many reasons; paddle a beautiful space, meet new like minded folks, doing something worthwhile, and honing my canoe skills!”