Arlington Fish Creek cleanup hopes to change ‘hearts and habits.’ Here’s how to help.

Last year’s Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge in Arlington was such a success that event organizer Angel Carter is hoping for twice the accomplishment this year.

During the inaugural Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge last February, approximately 350 volunteers gathered in southeast Arlington to clean a 4-mile section of the creek between Matlock Road and Texas 360. During this year’s cleanup challenge, scheduled for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Carter hopes at least twice as many volunteers will donate their time and energy to tackle an 8-mile section of the creek covering Arlington and Grand Prairie.

She said many participants have already pledged to return.

“One man told me that he thinks about me as he chases down bags at the local food bank event he volunteers at each month,” Carter said. “One of the kids on the trail told me he now says something when he sees others littering after spending three hours at the first cleanup.

“The more people we have, the more hearts and habits we change.”

Carter, a U.S. Marine veteran and Arlington resident for nearly 20 years, has been sharing photos on the event Facebook page to raise awareness about the creek conditions and the need for cleanup along the popular walking trail.

Last year’s event was rained out at noon with temperatures hovering just above freezing. The forecast Saturday is mostly sunny with a high in the low 60s.

“This year Grand Prairie has accepted the challenge and is joining Arlington to clean Fish Creek, the trail, wooded area and parks,” Carter said.

Carter said also this year the cleanup is an Operation Legacy, with the Travis Manion Foundation honoring Officer Jillian Michelle Smith of Arlington one side of the trail and Sergeant Gregory L. Hunter of Grand Prairie on the other. Volunteers who register early at TravisManion.org site will get a T-shirt.

Volunteers are asked to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed toe shoes or waterproof boots, and are also encouraged to bring their own supplies, such as trash grabbers.

The City of Arlington is providing resources, including trash bags, large trash containers, and drinking water stations. Other event sponsors include the Travis Manion Foundation, the Arlington Highlands Rotary Club, The Mission Continues, MAD Radio, the City of Grand Prairie, and Webb Masonic Lodge No. 1454.

“This cleanup challenge brings our community, city staff and volunteers throughout the region together to beautify our park and trail,” District 3 Councilman Marvin Sutton said. “It offers a great way for volunteers to minimize our environmental impact and create a sense of pride in our communities while championing great neighborhoods.”

The Mission Continues is using the event as their MLK Day of Service project, Carter said. Volunteers who register early at MissionContinues.org will get a T-shirt and lunch.

Also, the first 50 volunteers to check in at each park will receive a reusable bottle, provided by the City of Arlington Utilities.

Prizes along the trail will be given at random, Carter said. They will include gift cards, waterproof cellphone pouches, reusable straws, and aromatherapy stuffed animals that double as a heating pad when warmed. As for who wins them, well ...

“Maybe it’s someone with an infectious smile. Maybe it’s someone who wrestles a cart out of the creek, mismatched socks, or a trivia question,” she said. “Oh, and one for whomever traveled the farthest. Last year we had Haltom City, Garland, Lewisville, Dallas and Fort Worth, on top of Grand Prairie and Arlington residents. This year we are expecting even more.

“Last year we got rained out at noon and still had three dumpsters overflowing for pickup on Monday. This year I am optimistic we will crush last year’s numbers.”

Volunteers are asked to meet at 9 a.m. at Cravens Park, 400 Cravens Park Drive, or the Fish Creek Neighborhood Park, 2121 Havenwood Drive.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 1.